I'm working on both an 85SD and an 85TD and want the seats renewed so that I don't rig them and never have to mess with them again. I'm willing to throw money at what I don't want to learn - in this case sewing and don't want to pay a local place to rehab some barely serviceable covers.


I found a label in the 123 seat from GmBH & Co which I ass/u/me was the original manufacturer. Does anyone have an opinion on current seat cover manufacturers? I'm thinking of staying with MBtex since that is what both cars came with and tex wears like iron. The seat springs, back and cushions are in good shape.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Personally, I doubt that original MBTex can be found anywhere new these days.

As far as getting new covers, buying from a reputable shop, you shouldn't have a problem acquiring good quality seat skins that you can install yourself. No sewing required.

Two suppliers that I have used for a long time that have quality covers in the correct colors, patterns etc are:

German Auto Tops, Hollywood CA
World Upholstery & Trim

I know it costs $ but consider replacing the cushions no matter how good they are, they will age out long before your new covers.

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Thanks to both. It's time for me to push my projects out and I realize while I can learn to do most things, time is short and paying to have some tasks move is the only way they'll get done.

I'm sure others that have been here as long as I are in similar situations.

These guys claim to provide the same texmex materials. One member a few years ago liked texmex so much he had all his living room furniture covered in the stuff looked impressive.

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92 e300d2.5t
01 e320
05 cdi
85 chev c10

I'm planning to order this week. Time to move. I'll post pics.

Edit: the SD has been off the road for years but has a beautiful paint job except for a few places where something caused the paint to bubble. I can't find the guy that did the work so will have the trunk and hood repainted hopefully close enough to not stand out.

Is there a difference in quality?

German Auto Tops is at $2,806 for front seats excluding arm rest, back cover and head rest, including front seat pads. The numbers are higher than what I wrote down when I called.

Their ebay store came up on a search and is less expensive even with ebay taking approximately 12% in fees.

I'll follow up with World Upholstery. They were going to send a quote.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

I can't provide an apples to apples comparison, as I've order different products from both. The material and workmanship quality was excellent from each supplier.

I believe the prices you're seeing is for leather not vinyl. If you want the tex, look at the vinyl. The last set I ordered from German Auto Tops was a complete from seat set for a w124 off of their eBay store for $500, seat covers, headrest and center arm rest. You can also call them and speak with the owner direct to get details.

I bought front set from L Seat, for gen 3 that I put in SD gen 1. the quality is not bad, but a lot cheaper. I can snap a Pic tomorrow if you like.

I ordered from world upholstery Friday. More money than I'd like but I won't have to deal with the seats again and they'll work and sit like new.

I'll try to remember to post pics when done. Am expecting 6 weeks till delivery.

Spring box - check.

My kingdom for horse hair (or whatever is passing as the standard now) pads that are the correct dimensions for the 300CD front seats. Still looking...

Both suppliers above have correct seat cushions for $325 or slightly more each. Ask for a discount. They both offered 10% to close the deal.

World Upholstery was significantly cheaper for my project for a more complete package.

I'm getting 126 front seats complete with seat cushions, covers including head rest and arm rest and complete rear seat covers. Total was about $2k but I'm keeping this car, want it like new and don't want to mess with the seats again.

There are spring reinforcements that were on later cars for $10 each that will go in the spring corners.

The difference between tex and leather seats is a pad across the front originally glued to the front cushions. At least one of the manufacturers sews them into the covers.

Junkman, can you post photos when you install? I've been eyeing those covers myself, and would love to see how they look. In my case, my 83' TD has leather seats, so I am debating replacing the 2 front covers and hoping they aren't too far off from the rear seats in good shape.

I can post pictures but it will be a couple of months. I'm sure they will be quality based on reputation. I bought the rear because the cloth that isn't seen is rotted. I'm tired of screwing around trying to save a few pennies.

Look up the source rp930 posted since it's information I didn't have and pick one.

Both of the original sources use oe manufacturer material so there isn't likely to be an issue with color. Going from leather to tex will be different and sunlight may have changed the color.

I have blue tex from different years which means different numbers of pleats and most people don't notice.

No worries, I look forward to seeing the end result!