W11X W111 interior WANTED

[Avantwe]

hey guys! I wanted to introduce myself here. My name is Anthony. Been a huge fan of the 113 and 111 cars. Dont know why its taken me this long to join the 113 group. Better late than never I guess... I have a 70 280SE 3.5 cabriolet and the interior is totally shot! The car is tired and really needs full restoration. I have kept it mechanically sound and just drive it. I am getting pretty tired of the torn up leather interior. Without getting a GAHH new leather interior that would not match the rest of the car, does anyone here know where I could find a used cognac leather interior? Maybe someone that is redoing their interior and the leather was a little worn? I know its wishful thinking and needle in the haystack, but thought I would still ask. I am looking specifically for the rear bench and two front seats. swap the covers and then the interior would be a HUGE upgrade and match the condition of the car.

Thanks guys, and have a great weekend!

A

[Avantwe]

Forgot to attach

[Avantwe]

one at a time

[Avantwe]

last one

[mBdrvr]

I sent you a private message.

[Benz Dr.]

I'm finding this a bit hard to follow. A 3.5 cab sells for between 195K to over 400K for a fully restored example. I imagine that without the soft top, a new interior might be 25K - 35K, which is enough money, but is maybe 10% of the car's value. Unless you can find a perfect used interior, which seems unlikely, why would you go this route?

 I'm not trying to be critical - just wondering. 

[wwheeler]

Welcome to the SL113 and I am also in Dallas.

The picture of the entire car shows a cognac interior but the close ups are not the same color. Just curious about that. You are correct in that finding both original fronts and a rear seat in decent shape will be next to impossible. Cab rear seats are different from the coupe BTW. Plus, even if you were to find a decent cover, removing an old seat cover usually results in damage. Be aware that the reproduction cognac material is not the same match to the original. So even if you find a seat cover in good shape, it would have to be the original material in order to match.

Unless you are doing this 100% by yourself, usually the cost of the labor to install the covers correctly is more than the covers themselves.     

[Avantwe]

Benz Dr.: Because you just don’t see these cars in this condition. I think it has great character and charm. The interior kills me though so rather just get some used leather and keep putting miles on it. Alternative is dump 300k on a restoration and if it rains I’ll have a heart attack. And if I do drive it after it’s restored it will end up looking used and worn anyway. So might as well save a few bucks and just drive the beauty in used and worn condition.

[Leester]

Huge character and charm. Used to be that the perforated inserts were available (but I don't know source) and if so, a decent trim shop could install new inserts and fix up outside bolster on drivers seat.  I have similar dilemma. I left the passenger window open one night on my 220SE conv (which unfortunately lives outside now due to 280SL restoration) and an unknown critter got in there and clawed up some of my front seat upholstery. It was the original and not in the best shape.

Here's an option for you:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/185024887193?hash=item2b1457b999:g:-NMAAOSwE95hLUgf. Same seller has passenger seat, and back seat available (back seat may be coupe - not sure). Again a decent trim shop can recolor for you or read up on DIY recoloring. If my car had headrests I would probably be all over this. Not cheap but an option. Good luck.

Lee

[Avantwe]

I did see that listing and was very intrigued, but ultimately was discouraged by the idea of having to change the color. won't it look off or perforations filled in from the color? also matching the color i assume would be hard along with the cognac spots.

[wwheeler]

Be careful with that ad. Pretty sure 250 and 280SE seats are not the same and his description is incorrect. Hinges are different as is the back of the seat. 250SE never had headrests. The armrests on this seat are the long version and will not fit the 3.5 with a console. That needs the short version. Another major difference is the seat back release. The 280SE uses the complicated vacuum system and the 250 uses a manual side lever. You could always ask if the covers interchange, but you are buying the whole seat here.

Plus, you can probably buy (2) new seat cover kits for the price of the wrong seat for the 3.5.   

BTW, a coupe and cab rear seats do not interchange