Anybody has experience re-upholstering their seats? I am thinking of having customized seats - a la the 2004 Portfolio edition. Any gotchas, things to look for, etc?

My wood panel on the dash I think also needs fixing, part of it is starting to show a slight gap that I did not notice before.

If anybody knows anybody in around Austin, San Antonio, DFW area, do let me know via pm. Mods - if you need to move this to the other section, please do so. I thought since mine is an X100-gen XKR, I posted this here.

 

I am also thinking of getting some custom stitching in my next XK car, I seen a carnival red XK8 with lambo doors that has totally custom everything including lambo type cross-stitching on google, pretty well done.

 

I would highly recommend Preston Upholstery in Irving. Larry Preston has been doing
show quality upholstering for many years. I've seen several examples of his work, including an AC Cobra, MB cls. He recently removed my convertible top on a custom
3000gt Vr4 and replaced the clear plastic rear window. He also restitched the entire top
(it's a 1992). He did this in an afternoon and charged $400. I've also had him replace
my hood liner on my sold xk8 a few yrs. ago. A true craftsman.

Preston Upholstery - 972/253-8831

I don't know if Larry can source original leathers, but a company called ASM in Dallas,
near Hwy 35 &635 has catalogs that are nearly identical if not OEM. They also do upholstery work, and a lot of it. A lot of used car dealers use this installer. It is a mother-daughter operation. They have a staff of about 5-8 upholsterers/installers. They usually have 6-8 cars in front of their business waiting for work. They wanted to charge me $550 to recover my front driver's seat at a time when Jag dealers were charging $880 for top and bottom covers without labor.

ASM -972/406-8130

Personally, I would check out samples with ASM, then go to Larry's with the Leather
distributor's name and choice code. You will really enjoy working with him. Very
humble, very professional, and very affordable.

Do not be fooled by appearances of either shop's exteriors, both of these shops know what they are doing and both have been doing it for a long time.

 

Thanks Ed, I have been trying to remember where Sue's place (ASM) was. This will save me driving up and down I-35 looking for it. Her place does good work and was recommended to me some years ago.

 

I was hoping to find someone to do the new headliner on my xk8. Now I know who, thanks to this thread. How much for the labor on the liner ed?