$1400 to redo the leather seats in car ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chillcat · #1 04-20-2007, 05:17 PM

Someone quoted me about 1400 to redo both seats in my 91 sl500 (not including the headrests). This was material and labor. Does this sound right ? Or is there a company out there who does Custom color combinations for ready made covers to put on yourself. thanks

Roncallo · #2 04-20-2007, 05:36 PM

It sound about right. My 107 leather kit was about $700. I did it myself and it was a significant amount of work.

John Roncallo

peter serbanica · #3 04-20-2007, 05:57 PM

Gahh has the covers. I install them

chillcat · #4 04-20-2007, 06:03 PM

Did this self install require special tools ? and what all pieces of leather are included in the kit, I see the 2 seat covers for the seat, but then theres the leather around the back of seat and around the seat belt area too--those are not included in the kit are they? Please do share, the tips involved in changing them out yourself..and where did you purchase your covers?

Jim B. · #5 04-20-2007, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chillcat

Did this self install require special tools ? and what all pieces of leather are included in the kit, I see the 2 seat covers for the seat, but then theres the leather around the back of seat and around the seat belt area too--those are not included in the kit are they? Please do share, the tips involved in changing them out yourself..and where did you purchase your covers?

Another alternative: www.ramsheadusa.com

I've had these for over 10 years, ^^^^ still have them, still pleased with them

nobby · #6 04-22-2007, 11:48 PM

I have had two quotes for my 107. $1800 and $4000. As they are not ripped I am going to dye them.

Richard Wooldridge · #7 04-25-2007, 01:19 AM

I had the leather seats done in my 1979 450SL last January. German Auto Tops, Inc, in North Hollywood, CA made the seat covers and they arranged for Burbank Auto Tops to install them. I also had new carpeting installed at the same time. The cost for both was $1700.00 installed. They used authentic German leather and the original style German carpeting in the correct color and patterns for both, everything matched perfectly. It took the guys at Burbank Auto Tops from 8AM until 7:30PM to do the work, and they also had to do some reconstruction on the driver's seat - two broken springs. I watched most of the work, and it wasn't easy. The interior looks GREAT now, and the seats are comfortable again. German Auto Tops makes tops for other people to resell - they have a nifty computerized cutter that cuts the tops one at a time, it is sort of a CNC machine in that the computer controls the cutter head, and the cuts are performed very accurately. When I need a top, that is where I will go.
They also gave me an extra console carpet piece and I had them cut and bind a spare rear shelf piece as well, in case I decide to remove the speakers that are there now.

SunGuy · #8 05-01-2007, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Wooldridge

I had the leather seats done in my 1979 450SL last January. German Auto Tops, Inc, in North Hollywood, CA made the seat covers and they arranged for Burbank Auto Tops to install them. I also had new carpeting installed at the same time. The cost for both was $1700.00 installed. They used authentic German leather and the original style German carpeting in the correct color and patterns for both, everything matched perfectly. It took the guys at Burbank Auto Tops from 8AM until 7:30PM to do the work, and they also had to do some reconstruction on the driver's seat - two broken springs. I watched most of the work, and it wasn't easy. The interior looks GREAT now, and the seats are comfortable again. German Auto Tops makes tops for other people to resell - they have a nifty computerized cutter that cuts the tops one at a time, it is sort of a CNC machine in that the computer controls the cutter head, and the cuts are performed very accurately. When I need a top, that is where I will go.
They also gave me an extra console carpet piece and I had them cut and bind a spare rear shelf piece as well, in case I decide to remove the speakers that are there now.

Richard, can you post contact info for German Auto Tops, phone, website, contact name...Thanks

Bob

Roncallo · #9 05-17-2007, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chillcat

Did this self install require special tools ? and what all pieces of leather are included in the kit, I see the 2 seat covers for the seat, but then theres the leather around the back of seat and around the seat belt area too--those are not included in the kit are they? Please do share, the tips involved in changing them out yourself..and where did you purchase your covers?

I had to purchase a leather punch set for making large holes in the leather. I also had to purchse hog ring pliers and hog rings and dry silicone lubricant. There was also one special spanner I needed to get that I was able to get on line for under $20.00. I my memory serves me correctly it is called a DIN spanner. You may be able to find my post on that spanner by doing a search. All of the tools and supplies were ~ $100.00

chillcat · #10 04-25-2007, 07:57 AM

update: I ordered a set of factory sheepskin covers for $330 shipped, any ebay item for both seats

chillcat · #11 04-30-2007, 06:02 PM

UPDATE: I just installed black factory sheepskin covers, got off ebay for $300, here are 2 pics, they worked out great!

JFawcett · #12 05-17-2007, 10:48 AM

Sounds expensive to me...are you replacing the seat covers or getting some of the panels replaced? I had several panels in the drivers seat replaced and seats and head rests re-dyed for about $600 - perfect job. This was done by a local guy recommended to me by Mercedes-Benz of Greenway here in Houston.

KSLucas · #13 05-20-2007, 01:16 AM

ChillCat,

I invested $2000 in seats for my 450SL: $400 for seat cores including arm rest from 1989 560SL; $400 for new seat and back rests; $795 for leather upholstery kit from German Auto Tops; and $300 for the labor to recover. The comfort and ride difference was worth the money.

KSL

Jebco · #14 08-15-2020, 06:12 PM

I purchased a new set of leather covers for my 86 560 SL from German Auto Top. Unbelievable quality! I considered doing the job myself but John the owner recommended Burbank Auto Top (nearby ) for the installation. The owner of BAT, Tigran, was exceptionally talented with the servicing of the seat hardware restoration, and seat cover installation.

The total cost was about $1500 parts and installation. Two fantastic companies!

I couldn't be happier!

Jebco · #15 08-15-2020, 09:04 PM

I purchased a new set of leather covers for my 86 560 SL from German Auto Top. Unbelievable quality! I considered doing the job myself but John the owner recommended Burbank Auto Top (nearby ) for the installation. The owner of BAT, Tigran, was exceptionally talented with the servicing of the seat hardware restoration, and seat cover installation.

The total cost was about $1500 parts and installation. Two fantastic companies!

I couldn't be happier!

Jeb