1986 325E Preservation

[rturbo 930]

Well, you've titled this thread as a preservation. If you go changing major aspects of the car, like the interior, it isn't really a preservation anymore. If the interior color really bothers you, I'd probably go with something like a tan or light brown, but I really think you should leave the interior alone. IMO the color goes well with the maroon paint color. I don't think black would be a good choice. The light interior color contrasts with the dark exterior. Dark brown and black don't do that.

I'd have to agree with what Court M3 said - but add a 5 speed swap.

[MSGGrunt]

The pearl beige interior is stored away in case I don't like the darker leather. I have accumulated extra door panels, door pulls, and seats from several parts cars so, I do not feel bad experimenting. Everything can be put back to how it was originally.

[MSGGrunt]

I have all the parts for a 5-speed swap but, will probably just keep the automatic for now. My 6-speed Cayman S and eventually the ix when the 5-speed swap is complete satisfies my need when I want to row through the gears.

I never thought I'd enjoy the auto as much as I have.

Pulled the instrument cluster today and am sending it off to have it and the SSI board reconditioned.

[MSGGrunt]

Just sent my instrument cluster off the Bavarian Restorations to be restored.

[MSGGrunt]

Today my leather arrived from Lseat.com for my interior project. The front and rear seats will be recovered and the door panels, door pulls, door pockets and rear parcel shelf will be redone to match the darker leather.

[MSGGrunt]

The first and easiest piece was recovering the headrest. I wrapped the foam in a plastic shopping bad to make it easier to slide in and then removed it.

[alistairolsen]

Looking forward to seeing the recovering process

[Echo30V]

Beautiful leather

[hippiester]

Wow! In for completed pics, i want the same colour seats for my delphin grey e

[MSGGrunt]

Pics to follow once they are done. I think if I had a Delphin grey car I would consider a red interior. Not a bright red but a deep crimson red.

[MSGGrunt]

I went to a local auto paint supplier who mixes custom aerosol cans and they scanned the leather and mixed up a can of paint to spray all the other interior pieces to match the leather. As you can se in the picture the match is a little off. I will take the pieces I "painted" in with me and have them mix up some more paint that is a bit darker brown.

I am no paint expert but, the shop specifically stated that the paint would work on vinyl and hard plastic. Probably a flex additive in it or something. Not any different than SEM or Dupli Color's vinyl and fabric paints.

One of the hardest things is finding hog rings. I assumed I could find them locally but they seem to be enough of a specialty item that I will have to order them.

[Pootis]

I got mine from ace hardware they are monsters but get the job done

[htseng]

Complete tool kit and even the original first aid kit is still in place. How often do you find a 31 year old E30 with these?

what is the white thing on the bottom left of the tool kit. its missing from mine

[MSGGrunt]

Rear seat recovered. A couple of puckers on the backrest portion, but overall I am happy with how it turned out.

[MSGGrunt]

One of the two front seats is done. The front leg support didn't turn out as nice as I would have hoped, but overall I am pleased with the covers, especially in leather and only $299.00 for the non piping option. I paid I believe $329.00 for the covers with piping.