Feeler - Inexpensive bolsters, shift/ebrake boots

[Rob]

My thinking would be screw 'OEM quality' leather, why even bother. If the bolsters are the first things to usually show wear, make those kits out of something bombproof like vinyl or something. The looks will be about the same, but the durability would be far greater....just a thought.

[rscheiring]

Agree. There is no way to match it exact, so best approach would be to go with a contrasting color for the bolsters. Matching ebrake and shift boots could help tie it in. What color is your leather, and the rest of your interior, now?

[Bill 84 318i]

It's black. I'll be getting sport seats relatively soon, but I'm pretty sure they're in decent enough condition that they won't be needing this. It's just an issue that I saw wasn't addressed.

You're doing a good job of answer questions though - I appreciate that.

[rscheiring]

Rob - I'm no vinyl expert, but it does have cold crack issues. Also, it doesn't really "wear" as much as it goes - as soon as the surface is broken its over. Folks often go with it due to cost, but I've spent a ton of time researching and sourcing places to get leather at a good price. Last knock on vinyl - it really scorches your ass on hot days!
All that being said, if someone wants something in particular I don't see why I couldn't accomodate them. I'm no lobbyist for the leather industry 8)

[rscheiring]

Bill - If the interior is black head to toe, and so are the seats, one could go with grey bolsters. That would also tie in nice if other aluminum accessories were used in the car.

[nando]

hmm would black sport seats look alright with gray leather bolsters? (the rest of my interior is gray) Actually my entire seats need recovered, they aren't that bad (no rips or anything) but the leather is getting kinda hard and tight.

[KenC]

I'm sure you'd sell between 10-20 e-brake boots. That is if you can make them in black leather, and for $20. I know I'd be at the top of the list!
Let's see some pics! :D

[LikeCDoos]

If you could sell/make e-brake boots that look almost the same as these:





i'm sure if you made the boots close to or exactly that quality and a decent price you would have at lease 20-30 buyers easily.

[rscheiring]

Thanks all. Give me a bit to get my act together, take and post some pics. I'll start a new post when I do.

[Rob]

contrasting bolsters, hmmmmmm. Somebody do some p-shopping, here's a decent pic to work with:




actually, thats a shitty pic, but would be good way to see what different colored bolsters would look like.

[LikeCDoos]

Rob,

Your interior is in amazing condition. Did you get them recovered or have you just kept them in great condition?

[Rob]

thats how I bought it, 66,000 miles. I love it.

[LikeCDoos]

wow nice find, i can't tell if it's leather or not in the picture. I like the shift knob too, is that stock? I'm in the business for a new knob that is functional, cheap, and looks good.

[KenC]

wow nice find, i can't tell if it's leather or not in the picture. I like the shift knob too, is that stock? I'm in the business for a new knob that is functional, cheap, and looks good.

Looks to me like vinyl sport seats. Also, that knob came stock on the 318is (probably others too).

[Spaz]

damn, your a sucker like me with the airbag steering wheel :(