A question mainly for the guys in the States but all comments welcome....

I have seen a company called topsonline.com advertising factory grade replacement seat covers in autolux leather as per original spec. They are $749 plus shipping which gives a UK price of about £500.

I have been quoted this sort of figure to 'restore' my existing covers so in the face of it getting new for the same price must be better.

So , my question, any experience of this company's products, or similar?

Thanks

Mark

 

Lots of good comments on Vic at TopsOnline here on the forum. Search for seat replacement or topsonline.

Here's one link: Advice on convertible top cover - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

These are the ones that I bought for $560:

Jaguar XK8 XKR Leather Seat Covers 1997 2000 | eBay

Beautiful, great fit, installed locally for $360.

 

Same here, very good quality leather and stitching. I highly recommend them.

 

2000 and older seats are cheaper, then us with 2001 or later have a head rest and other differences. The company that makes them is called World in California.

 

Topsonline, or Vic's Upholstery Supply, as it's known locally, provides a nice product that fits well and is reasonably priced. But, it's not the same leather as OEM. It is a softer, stretchier leather, that is also much more matte finished than the original covers. If you're replacing all of the interior, there will be nothing to compare it to that would tip off the replacement covers, if you're replacing just the driver's seat, as I did, you will see the difference, in texture, sheen, and tautness. I suspect that over a long period of time, it will wear a little worse than the originals, as the stretching back and forth will eventually lead to creasing and splits. All in all, however, they're reasonably priced, decent quality.

 

TBerg, what was the cost for getting the driver seat done only? Parts and labor...

 

Off the top of my head, I seem to remember $249.00 for the driver's seat (not including the back, just the lower cushion). I notice the slight difference, which by the way, over the few months that I've had it has gained a little more sheen with regular conditioning, so that it's now closer in look to the passenger seat. Probably, only I notice the difference but then again, I've worked with textiles my whole life. I have an upholsterer who does a lot of work for me, so he put it on and I probably gave him $50 even though he probably asked for nothing.