New leather going in!

[TurboChris]

After seeing the interior in Chris Kohlers car last weekend I was screwed....it looked SO good that I just can't stand it. So I called Jim's Upholstery in San Diego and got an appt for Monday. They're FAST. Said I could pick it up Tuesday end of day....I can't wait.

[Das_Prachtstrasse]

Nice! What colour? That timeframe is quick as!

[Dave McLaren]

Can't wait to see it!

[TSMacNeil]

I know exactly what you mean about Chris' cars.

[MLastovo]

After seeing the interior in Chris Kohlers car last weekend I was screwed....it looked SO good that I just can't stand it. So I called Jim's Upholstery in San Diego and got an appt for Monday. They're FAST. Said I could pick it up Tuesday end of day....I can't wait.

Be sure and mention my name to Brenda and emphasize that you are part of the SoCal e28 crew and that you are looking for a very nice finished product.

If something happens like the discovery of a broken mount or trim piece let me know. I am around the corner from Jim’s and have pretty much every possible part. Just ask Devinder.

r/
Darin

[TurboChris]

Natur Tan! Thanks Darin! I'll keep it in mind, Yeah, I was thinking this might be their slow season or something, you can't ask for more than a two day turnaround.

[MShimon]

Does this place do the proper double-row stitching with the proper thread on the natur sport seats?

[TurboChris]

Absolutely

[desmofan]

I'm weighing replacing my leather interior vs. the Leatherique process. My rear seats are pretty nice, but the front two need some work. Would you mind sharing a ball park figure of cost, and what you had done?

[TurboChris]

They give estimates freely over the phone. They quoted me $1400 for the front and back seats leather, including headrests. She estimated $40-50 for the e brake handle but wants to see the door armrests and lower door panel before she quotes them. Price is the same whether they R&R the seats out of the car or you bring them in.

[desmofan]

They give estimates freely over the phone. They quoted me $1400 for the front and back seats leather, including headrests. She estimated $40-50 for the e brake handle but wants to see the door armrests and lower door panel before she quotes them. Price is the same whether they R&R the seats out of the car or you bring them in.

Wow, that's great! I've looked at reupholstery "kits" that cost that. Thanks, I may have to look into going this route.

[Jeff B.]

What Darin said.
Between his pile of parts and mine, we should have you covered if you need to replace anything on your seats.
Call me, I have some advice to discuss regarding Jim's.

[stuartinmn]

Do they sell just the seat covers for installation by the owner? I've seen photos of their work here and it looks first rate, but I'd rather not have to ship my seats all the way to California and back.

[D Unit]

From their reputation, $1,400 sounds like a good deal, especially if you're local. Can't wait for pics...

[GaAlpinaOwner]

Another Plus For Jims - I have had 2 cars done by them and the leather is the best out there as well as the piping and seams.
they will install or ship leather -

[TurboChris]

What Darin said.
Between his pile of parts and mine, we should have you covered if you need to replace anything on your seats.
Call me, I have some advice to discuss regarding Jim's.

PM sent

[OcCoupe]

Chris, I took a good look at Mr. Kholer's interior this past weekend and I must say I was very impressed with the work. I am familiar with Jim's work and feel they are extremely competitive when it comes to pricing and quality. I'd love to see the finished work, very exciting!!!

By the way, I have a new set of MTech Badges if you need them.


Thanks,
Mike

[TurboChris]

Hahaha, I just bought a set yesterday....although if they're not here by Friday, I just may take you up on them. Thanks!

[OcCoupe]

Hahaha, I just bought a set yesterday....although if they're not here by Friday, I just may take you up on them. Thanks!

Swing by tonight and grab mine, I'm off Harbor and Gisler, not too far from your shop. Give me yours when they arrive.

[Karl Grau]

Chris,
It was nice meeting you last Saturday.
I didn't really check out your interior at SoCal Vintage but when I rode in your car last St. Paddy's Day, I don't remember the upholstery being in bad shape.

Hopefully Jim's will be doing their "A" job with your seats.

[Mike W.]

I saw Divender's just after he had them done and they looked outstanding. They've even been a sponsor at 5er Fest IIRC, so it's one more reason to do business with them.

[TurboChris]

Hey Karl,

They're not in BAD shape, but they are pretty cracked in the dye...... that in of and by itself wouldn't be enough to redo them, but the piping is broken and missing on the upper and lower bolsters on the drivers seat in two places. And those trouble spots are just gonna get worse.

t's kind of a slippery slope. If I just replace the panels then it won't match the rest of the seat. If I do the whole seat it won't match the passenger seat. If I do both seats they won't match the back seats....sigh.

Chris,
It was nice meeting you last Saturday.
I didn't really check out your interior at SoCal Vintage but when I rode in your car last St. Paddy's Day, I don't remember the upholstery being in bad shape.

Hopefully Jim's will be doing their "A" job with your seats.

[OcCoupe]

It's kind of a slippery slope. If I just replace the panels then it won't match the rest of the seat. If I do the whole seat it won't match the passenger seat. If I do both seats they won't match the back seats....sigh.

That's exactly how I felt when I did my interior. I could have just done the front seats and left the rears alone; but I know they would never be a perfect match plus the headrests, as nice as they were, would never match either so it leaves you with only one logical choice, do it all!

[Karl Grau]

It's kind of a slippery slope.

Indeed it is
BTW, I'm 'Charles', the guy who previously owned your M-Tech kit. Did you get an answer to your question about separating the metal bumper from the plastic?

[MLastovo]

Hahaha, I just bought a set yesterday....although if they're not here by Friday, I just may take you up on them. Thanks!

Swing by tonight and grab mine, I'm off Harbor and Gisler, not too far from your shop. Give me yours when they arrive.

If the badge connection doesn't come together I can drop a set with Brenda without issue and you can pay me back later.
r/
D.

[Devinder]

Chris,

It sounds like you're having them do more than just the seats. I think I was one of the first to get more than just seats done (in an E28). They can definitely do the seats in two days but the rest of the pieces will take longer. Expect the cost of the doors, and console pieces to be more than the seats. They take more hides than the seats. Rear headrests can also add to the quote. BMW leather costs about 20% more -- I think this has to do with grain and color but I'm not sure because I chose a non-stock color anyway.

I'm happy with their work and I would definitely use them again, but I can offer advice that may help with some of the details.

Be careful with the ebrake handle. They don't do the thin stretched leather on the shifter, steering wheel and ebrake. At least that's what they told me. They will do the ebrake boot though.

There is a similar issue with the door panels and console pieces. I think the leather used by BMW to cover the plastic interior pieces was originally skived. Jim's uses the full thickness and this can make it difficult to fit the pieces back in place. I had the most trouble installing the pieces that go above the door panels. This also means that the folded and glued seams on the door pulls may show through, especially when you rest your elbow on it all the time.

On my seats, they did not install the tie-backs on the seat bottoms (both front and rear) so that might be something to talk to them about if you want that done. I would also consider the condition of the seat heaters. The stock ones can break when they un-stitch them. I had them install aftermarket heating pads.

If you're having rear headrests done, then tell them that the holes they cut for the posts are visible through the rear window and should be finished. You shouldn't be deterred by any of this -- just make sure you discuss the details that matter to you.

As far as getting Darin's help -- be careful. He demands a lot in return. I've been obligated to make the annual pilgrimage ever since. Seriously, you should take him up on his offer. Jim's can only get car parts if they originally grew on cow. It is best to supply any other parts that they might need.

Devinder

[TurboChris]

Thanks, Chris Kohler cleared it up for me...shouldn't be too difficult to rectify, I think.

It's kind of a slippery slope.

Indeed it is
BTW, I'm 'Charles', the guy who previously owned your M-Tech kit. Did you get an answer to your question about separating the metal bumper from the plastic?

[TurboChris]

Great info, thanks! All that needs to be addressed is the seats, the armrests and the ebrake handle. The console, boot and door panels, etc. are in very nice shape. Although the lower part of the door panels....what's that called...the outside of the open area where you put papers, documents etc does need to be addressed. The leather on that, while in great shape..just looks a little saggy...like it needs to be re-installed with adhesive or something. I'm going to ask about repairing it before replacing it.

When I first spoke to Brenda a month back or so, she stated it wasn't BMW leather at that time. I assume that's still the case.

What are the "tiebacks" that you're referring too?

Chris,

It sounds like you're having them do more than just the seats. I think I was one of the first to get more than just seats done (in an E28). They can definitely do the seats in two days but the rest of the pieces will take longer. Expect the cost of the doors, and console pieces to be more than the seats. They take more hides than the seats. Rear headrests can also add to the quote. BMW leather costs about 20% more -- I think this has to do with grain and color but I'm not sure because I chose a non-stock color anyway.

I'm happy with their work and I would definitely use them again, but I can offer advice that may help with some of the details.

Be careful with the ebrake handle. They don't do the thin stretched leather on the shifter, steering wheel and ebrake. At least that's what they told me. They will do the ebrake boot though.

There is a similar issue with the door panels and console pieces. I think the leather used by BMW to cover the plastic interior pieces was originally skived. Jim's uses the full thickness and this can make it difficult to fit the pieces back in place. I had the most trouble installing the pieces that go above the door panels. This also means that the folded and glued seams on the door pulls may show through, especially when you rest your elbow on it all the time.

On my seats, they did not install the tie-backs on the seat bottoms (both front and rear) so that might be something to talk to them about if you want that done. I would also consider the condition of the seat heaters. The stock ones can break when they un-stitch them. I had them install aftermarket heating pads.

If you're having rear headrests done, then tell them that the holes they cut for the posts are visible through the rear window and should be finished. You shouldn't be deterred by any of this -- just make sure you discuss the details that matter to you.

As far as getting Darin's help -- be careful. He demands a lot in return. I've been obligated to make the annual pilgrimage ever since. Seriously, you should take him up on his offer. Jim's can only get car parts if they originally grew on cow. It is best to supply any other parts that they might need.

Devinder

[Philo]

Be very careful with the ebrake handle. They don't do the thin stretched leather on the shifter, steering wheel and ebrake. At least that's what they told me. They will do the ebrake boot though.

As far as getting Darin's help -- be careful. He demands a lot in return. I've been obligated to make the annual pilgrimage ever since. Seriously, you should take him up on his offer. Jim's can only get car parts if they originally grew on cow. It is best to supply any other parts that they might need.

Devinder

Devinder is right.., Be careful with the center console, shift area and ebrake. All of the leather BMW installed is thinned out using a very expensive splitter machine that I don't think Jims has on hand. Could be wrong.., but don't think so. When I recovered my center console I sent a whole hide to a company on the East Coast that restores pipe organs. Apparently they use various thicknesses of leather in the pipes to create the sound they need. Their machine can split leather down to .060" at 32" wide. Very impressive ! Also.., after the leather is split the backside is butt smooth and lays down with perfection. If you use leather right from the tannery most hides have a rough backside and this will show through to the surface when you glue the hide down.

Also note.., I spent several days on the center console and had to make custom wood forms to press the leather into the ash tray area to hold it into position waiting for th glue to set. This part of the project is very very detailed and I'd only trust a fine automotive leather upholstery artisan to do the job right. I mean.., the thin leather used around the vent area I had to meticulously cut detailed angles with an exacto knife and fold into place.., pretty insane work for a company that mostly does seats. With that said though I'm still gonna have Jims do my seats

Last note.., the vertical face stitching on the front and back seats is suppose to be with a heavy gauge thread using a double needle machine. I have the double needle machine but I had to source my thread through a saddlery supply house in Texas. Not sure what Jims uses., just FYI, single needle stitching the seat faces is not the way to go. This stitch is not structural.., is for aesthetics so you want is to be done right.

Can't wait to see your car.

[wkohler]

My leather splitter can cut slices so thin, you can't even see them.