Cover it in leather
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 11
From: Lancaster PA
Cover it in leather
I'm planning to replace the seats and carpet in my 80 this summer. My e-brake console/armrest needs replaced. I have a new one but am wondering what it would take to cover the old one in leather.
Do i need a special automotive leather?
Will spray adhesive work?
Help before i seriously bubba my interior.
Do i need a special automotive leather?
Will spray adhesive work?
Help before i seriously bubba my interior.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Hey Samdoo, Go ahead and cover it in leather, Use 3M products for the adhesive, or take it to your local uP. shop and they will do it. If it turns out bad then go to the aftermarket for one. Back in the early sixties I did all my own work, I couldn't afford to go anywhere else. Practice makes perfect. Doctorgene
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 29
From: The Netherlands
My experience is that due to the fact that the armrest is some obscure type of PCV, not many glues adhere. Also getting the leather/vinyl/skai to follow the curves of the pocket where the p-brake sticks through is very difficult. Did several attempts but decided to either call in the expert upholsterer or just clean it and settle for the black 'leather-like-look' it has stock.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 63
Good quality automotive leather is needed for seats but its not that important with other panels. With seats you need to worry about stretching. Good quality automotive leather does not stretch when you sit on it but leather not ment for this purpose will look horrible after couple of months (like a loose potato sack). This is obviously not a problem with panels you don't sit on 
Use contact glue. Clean the surfaces well before gluing. If the panels are soaked with silicone you might have some problems getting the leather to stick evenly but you will find out If possible try the glue with small bits before risking any large and expensive panel.
I had all panels of my C4 covered and it became much nicer. Some photos of the project in my site, link in my sig. Plan to do something similar to my C3 later on.
Use contact glue. Clean the surfaces well before gluing. If the panels are soaked with silicone you might have some problems getting the leather to stick evenly but you will find out
If possible try the glue with small bits before risking any large and expensive panel.I had all panels of my C4 covered and it became much nicer. Some photos of the project in my site, link in my sig. Plan to do something similar to my C3 later on.
Last edited by ToniH; Apr 20, 2009 at 11:42 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 19
From: Oswego New York
Al Knoch offers vinyl covered parking brake consoles ... I asked him about them and he told me that he uses a vacuuming process to get the vinyl to look 'right' on the console. I'm not sure if his service covers your console or if you buy the whole assembly from him (perhaps both options).
I really wanted to do my own work and cover my own original console, because I have reinforced the entire inside with fiberglass mat and resin, so he offered to sell me a piece of vinyl to match my light saddle interior, but I haven't made a final decision on which way to get it done, because I want the finished product to look good, and I have my doubts if I can accomplish that myself.
As added info, the only 'correct' leather on a deluxe interior option are the seats, and even then, the seat cording is vinyl.
I really wanted to do my own work and cover my own original console, because I have reinforced the entire inside with fiberglass mat and resin, so he offered to sell me a piece of vinyl to match my light saddle interior, but I haven't made a final decision on which way to get it done, because I want the finished product to look good, and I have my doubts if I can accomplish that myself.
As added info, the only 'correct' leather on a deluxe interior option are the seats, and even then, the seat cording is vinyl.
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 11
From: Lancaster PA
Good quality automotive leather is needed for seats but its not that important with other panels. With seats you need to worry about stretching. Good quality automotive leather does not stretch when you sit on it but leather not ment for this purpose will look horrible after couple of months (like a loose potato sack). This is obviously not a problem with panels you don't sit on
Use contact glue. Clean the surfaces well before gluing. If the panels are soaked with silicone you might have some problems getting the leather to stick evenly but you will find out If possible try the glue with small bits before risking any large and expensive panel.
I had all panels of my C4 covered and it became much nicer. Some photos of the project in my site, link in my sig. Plan to do something similar to my C3 later on.
Use contact glue. Clean the surfaces well before gluing. If the panels are soaked with silicone you might have some problems getting the leather to stick evenly but you will find out
If possible try the glue with small bits before risking any large and expensive panel.I had all panels of my C4 covered and it became much nicer. Some photos of the project in my site, link in my sig. Plan to do something similar to my C3 later on.
That's what i was hoping to hear about the leather and glue. this sounds like something i can tackle. and if not, then i still will have a good replacement to use.
Theiskell: Your interior turned out great. I'll be happy if mine even turns out close to the way your pieces look.
Thanks for all the responces.