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Old Oct 21, 2019 | 08:33 PM
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Default leather door panels

Considering leather door panels for one of my winter projects (DIY install, about to pull the trigger). Apsis versus Redline Goods? I'm concerned about buying from one company, then later on having to worry about matching Nappa black leather if I decide to cover something else, like console, etc. Any thoughts?
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Old Oct 21, 2019 | 08:59 PM
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I don't think redline does seat covers or dashboards if that matters.
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Old Oct 21, 2019 | 10:02 PM
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Just my opinion only but Apsis does superior work. They definitely cost more, though.
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Old Oct 21, 2019 | 10:11 PM
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I just purchased this set of door panels from Apsis, and they arrived this afternoon.




The quality of Apsis is second to none. I met Jersey at the National Corvette Museum a few years back, and after seeing his products, I made the decision that I would use his products exclusively in my interior.
I just got through installing them, but the lighting in my garage is horrible.
As soon as I can get the car outside, I will get some photos of them installed and post on my build thread.
If you would like to see what other Apsis items I have currently installed in my interior, you can check them out on my build thread at the following link:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ld-thread.html





Last edited by lewislgZ06; Oct 21, 2019 at 10:15 PM.
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Old Oct 21, 2019 | 11:16 PM
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Another vote of confidence for Apsis, great products and quality, however, you will ante up for it. Caravaggio is also very good.
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Old Oct 21, 2019 | 11:36 PM
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Man, those door panels look awesome, Larry. Bet they blend in nicely with the rest of your interior, especially the seats.
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Old Oct 21, 2019 | 11:54 PM
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Originally Posted by USAZR1
Man, those door panels look awesome, Larry. Bet they blend in nicely with the rest of your interior, especially the seats.
Thanks Clint, they are stunning! The leather and stitching is absolutely beautiful and perfect, and blends right in with everything else.
I went with carbon fiber door pulls, because I already had the carbon bezels. I’m really happy with them, but already planning on my next interior upgrade. As Billy Gibbons says, “A hotrod is never finished”.
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 01:06 AM
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Both Apsis and Caravaggio offer excellent products. Pricey yes, but top quality.
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 09:44 AM
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pm sent
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by lewislgZ06
I just purchased this set of door panels from Apsis, and they arrived this afternoon.




The quality of Apsis is second to none. I met Jersey at the National Corvette Museum a few years back, and after seeing his products, I made the decision that I would use his products exclusively in my interior.
I just got through installing them, but the lighting in my garage is horrible.
As soon as I can get the car outside, I will get some photos of them installed and post on my build thread.
If you would like to see what other Apsis items I have currently installed in my interior, you can check them out on my build thread at the following link:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ld-thread.html
I've read through your build thread several times recently. Beautiful car! Love it! I looked at those door panels when Apsis posted them for sale on the CF and love em. I'm just sticker shocked on the pricing. I've been racking my brain trying to come up with alternatives to not spend that much money, including inventing something like a panel insert to cover the area where the OEM vinyl pulls away from the panel, but can't make it work and look good in my head.
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 01:51 PM
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There’s a thread somewhere were people have attempted to repair that separation area.
I have the lower door panel from Redline, since I didn’t want to attempt the full panel after watching the instructional video on the Redline site.
I’ve had their products in both my C5’s and I can vouch for material quality and construction. No, they don’t do dashboards or seats.
I can also agree that the quality is not up to that of Apsis, but the price comparison for me is no contest, especially since I like to do my own work.
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by chasboy
There’s a thread somewhere were people have attempted to repair that separation area.
I have the lower door panel from Redline, since I didn’t want to attempt the full panel after watching the instructional video on the Redline site.
I’ve had their products in both my C5’s and I can vouch for material quality and construction. No, they don’t do dashboards or seats.
I can also agree that the quality is not up to that of Apsis, but the price comparison for me is no contest, especially since I like to do my own work.
Yea, I've seen some repair threads. Drilling holes in the back, cleaning out the rotten foam through slot cut in the armrest, reattaching vinyl. I don't really like the look of the aftermarket add-on armrest or I might consider the attempt. Haven't seen a picture of one yet that you can't tell it was "repaired." I've even considered carefully removing the entire vinyl cover and reattaching it, but I doubt I could get it off without damaging it. I like doing my own work also. Actually, I probably spend more time working on the car than driving it. Hmmm. Probably need to drive it more. Anyway, I'm considering buying one of the DIY kits available like Redline and take the risk I can make it look perfect. I can get a set from Redline for about $500-ish.
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 02:59 PM
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there’s a leather upholstery ARTIST on youtube who I’ve been watching for a long time, and wish I saw him before I attempted any of my own work. In fact I’m going to re-do my drivers side knee panel because I now know how to do things correctly. His name is CECHAFLO, and just do a search using the youtube search function. The most informative one for our purposes is the one where he covers a complex dashboard with blue leather in one piece. It’s at least 45 minutes long, but if you want to see how a master works, stick with it. The key is to do a little bit at a time, and plan your moves.
The other think I very strongly recommend is get GOOD contact cement, not the run of the mill stuff you find in Home Depot or Lowes. I use a shoemaker’s glue, like Petronio’s or Barge. There’s a reason they are used for shoe repair.
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 03:01 PM
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I'll check him out! Thanks!
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 06:40 PM
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Hey Larry,
Those door panels will look awesome in your car. They looked nice in my Silver Z.
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by ZO6 cracker
Hey Larry,
Those door panels will look awesome in your car. They looked nice in my Silver Z.
Thank you Don. Yep they sure popped on your Z. Have you started a build thread on your C7?
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by lewislgZ06
Thank you Don. Yep they sure popped on your Z. Have you started a build thread on your C7?
Thank you for asking no I have not. Hope you are doing well. The only mods I had it completely wrapped with Suntex and ceramic coated. That cost me enough. But it is so easy to take care of the black paint. No scratches or swirls to deal with. I was at Carlise this year again. Had ACS composite add the stage 3 full side skirts and front splitter on. I cannot believe how many miles I put in in one year. I’m over 4000 miles. Took it to NC on vacation and tackled Tailofthedragon that was awesome. I was looking over your build when you posted it awhile back. Your car looks awesome like always. I wish I could have kept my C5. Financially it help me to get my C7.
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Old Oct 22, 2019 | 10:40 PM
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Originally Posted by 50thz06
I've read through your build thread several times recently. Beautiful car! Love it! I looked at those door panels when Apsis posted them for sale on the CF and love em. I'm just sticker shocked on the pricing. I've been racking my brain trying to come up with alternatives to not spend that much money, including inventing something like a panel insert to cover the area where the OEM vinyl pulls away from the panel, but can't make it work and look good in my head.
Thank you very much 50thz06. Yes, the price is steep, but after I saw the quality of Apsis carbon fiber and leather pieces, nothing else satisfied me.
This car is something I wanted for many years and after I began modding it (and made a few mistakes along the way) I decided to go with the best, or not do it at all.
Sadly, it’s kinda turned into an obsession, but it makes me happy every time I look at it and drive it.
No regrets!
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Old Oct 23, 2019 | 01:33 PM
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Another option may be to find a local upholstery shop that can handle complex shapes. I did so, and had them make in leather new door panels, A-pillars, header, sun visors, seats, kick panels and modified trim panels. Coming from one source, you should be assured of a consistent look and feel. Worked for me.

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Old Oct 23, 2019 | 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by c5vetteguy
Another option may be to find a local upholstery shop that can handle complex shapes. I did so, and had them make in leather new door panels, A-pillars, header, sun visors, seats, kick panels and modified trim panels. Coming from one source, you should be assured of a consistent look and feel. Worked for me.


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