Just ordered my new interior from German Auto Tops

[Cees Klumper]

My original seat covers have started to tear due to 'exhaustion' (after 45 years) and a previous owner had put in velour carpet when I prefer the looped. So called German Auto Tops in California yesterday, and ordered new seat and headrest covers (blue MB tex) and a new carpet set. The total came to $900. I chose German Auto Tops based on the favorable reviews here; I will report back when I receive the materials and how the installation turns out.

[iftykhan]

This is one of the many jobs on my to do list.
Would appreciate some before and after photos Cees.

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Cees,

Sounds like a nice project, iftkhan is making a good point, before and after photos and a little write up would make a nice addition to our technical manual.

 Bet quite a few members will be in the same predicament some day and will look forward to your updates.

Good luck with the project!

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks; I'll document everything and post photos etc. will also try to enter into the tech manual (previous attemps at mastering wiki speak were not successfull, must be some sort of mental block...). I am expecting this job to have a major impact on the overall appearance of the car for not too much money and without getting my hands greasy, but that may be wishful thinking. Anyway after having lived for 14 years with carpet I wasn't really fond of, I look forward to the 'out with the old, in with the new'.

I decided to stay with the same colors (blue on blue) because I don't want to replace all the MB tex on the doors, dashboard etc, and it seems most good looking interiors have the same colors for carpeting and covers, but that is another available option and I'm sure really changes the look.

A question I still have to tackle is whether I want to put in sound/heat insulation underneath the carpets. I'm thinking yes but will do some research first. I recall there was a lot of discussion a year or two ago on that here.

[jameshoward]

Cees,

Did you look at Cabrio.de? I just wondered why you looked to the US when there seem to be some highly recommended places in Europe.

I have only purchased a softtop from Cabrio.de but found their product to be superb. Not sure if their interiors are very expensive.

James

[Cees Klumper]

Hi James - no, did not consider a European supplier. Maybe I should have, but since most things are so much cheaper in the US (even those manufactured in Europe oftentimes) I figured I could find good quality at a reasonable price in the US. We'll be going there in a few weeks' time, and will carry back with us so shipping is also free.

I looked into the insulation question and decided to go with original-style jute underlayment. Less than $100 through OPGI (again in the US) gets me enough of the stuff to do the whole floor. I'm not so interested in heat insulation; mostly after sound deadening, but this is supposed to do both and is what was originally used, rather than the modern Dynamat and similar products.

[jameshoward]

Hi, Cees,

I'm all the clearer. Shipping and import costs taken care of, it makes much more sense.

I look forward to hearing how you get on with the fitting.

James

[sandcrab59]

Hi Cees
Been a long time since we met at Blacklick (2005).
You should checked with KHM in Eslingen Germany for any future purchases for the interior of your car , they do excellent work.
I visited them last August .
But you made your purchase, hope it looks good.
See you in Key Wset some day. I usually visit there when I am at my place in Englewood (Near Sarasota).
Tom Mrowka

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks for the tip Tom. And it would be great to meet up again some time when we're both in Florida!

[sandcrab59]

Cees
I usually go to fla in April or may for a week  then a full month in November.
So keep in touch.
Tom Mrowka

[71Beige280SL]

Cees,

I had my entire interior redone with German Auto Tops products. Every piece of leather and all carpet. Really nice craftsmanship. I believe you will be pleased. Happy to send you pictures.

v/r

[lurtch]

Hello Cees,

You chose well when you picked German Auto Tops to be your supplier. The company owner, John, is a consummate professional and really knows the small details that are part of a good restoration on these w113's, I have had several conversations with him concerning my Pagoda, and highly recommend his products. He told me that his firm actually supplies GAHH with the kits that are sold under their name. In addition to the sewn seat cushion kit, I purchased one extra hide to recover all of the dash pieces. ( BTW there are 13 individual pieces ) and they were an EXACT color match.

Larry in CA