re-upholstering in suede

[vintaylor]

hi there,

does anyone know of a good place to buy upholstery material in suede ?

My interiour is cloth, but im thinking of re-doing it in suede/or similar

Im thinking of ordering the material from the uk and shipping it over to malta

Cheers,Vin

[Wilf]

There's a trim supplier called "Woolies" that may be able to help (look for them in google), I've only used them for trim and rubber sections in the past but they do a lot of stuff.

[vintaylor]

hi will, i've seen their website and they've sent me a catalogue through the post. The only problem is that since i live in malta i'd rather get the right material through recommendation.

Would be hard to send the material back if its not right.

Vin

[Choppa]

I've used Ecosued to do part of the roof lining on my S3. It's about a third of the price of Alcantara but is still very good quality. So far it's wearing well and it was good to work with.

They have about 60 different solid colours on their sample chart plus a range of mixed texture/colour variants with four or five different backing materials depending on your needs.

I got it from a company called Boyriven in Andover, the sample chart has actual swatches not photos which is very helpful and I'm sure they would send you one but if not give me a PM with your address and I'll send my one , don't think I'll need it again. Also they really do package it properly so it will arrive in perfect condition. I could n't say the same about material I've brought from one of the more popular independent Lotus specialists recently.

[vintaylor]

Thanks Colin,

Have just sent them an email. Will let you know if they send over a sample chart.

Cheers,Vin

[Choppa]

Great. Good luck with it, and remember everyone on here enjoys before, during, and after photos on these type of projects especially if you're doing it yourself and can pass on a few pointers or tips for those that are thinking of doing a similar job in the future.

[vintaylor]

I will probably hand over the material and parts to an upholsterer, I'd rather get it right. I've disassebled the car and will re assemble it once painted, but all the specialist jobs are going

to be in the hands of other people. I don't think im that experienced in these things just yet. Whilst its at the mechanic, im spending time reburbishing old metal parts such as the pedal box etc.

I'll try take a few photo's and post them on the forum.

Here are a few pics of the current state the esprit is in. the pics were taken whilst dropping off the esprit at the mechanic.

It's awaiting a full mechanical rebuild (inc engine, gearbox, brake, suspension etc)

He's taken the body off so as soon as the engine and trans comes out , the chassis is off to the sand blaster to get special metal treatment and a respray.

The body should also be going to a fiber glass specialist to repair and spray the body and other parts.

All the interiour is dismantled and will be taken to an upholsterer sometime in summer.

Edited April 30, 2010 by vintaylor