body and interior Redo Of Seats On A '76

[mhoffperson]

So I live in the SF Bay Area (Oakland) and it's time to do the upholstery on my 1976 2002. The seats are stock and are very uncomfortabe. Does anyone have a lead on a shop that is experienced in making mods on the seats as well as doing 2002 re-upholstery? I will probably go with a kit from World Upholstery but I really want to have a more comfortable seat. I'm a big guy so Recaros are not an option as they don't fit me well, or vs versa.

 

Thanks for any help

[Stuart]

Its a little out of your way but there is a great guy in San Jose.  Well worth the trip.  His name is Jack Davis.  His company is Jeda Generations.  He's been doing interior work since he was 13 and he's 80 now and still doing great work.  He's finishing up my interior right now.  In addition to headliner and carpet he's redoing my Recaro seats as well as the back seat.  Here is a short video of my seats.  His work is fantastic.  He is middle of the road in terms of price.  If you go there this week you might be able to see the work he's done on my car as he is finishing her up.  I have a bunch of pictures and videos of my project if you want.  He will do a great job.  I would be more than happy to talk with you about his work.  

 

[sharedmedia=videos:videos:70]

 

 

Stuart

[73tiiguy]

There is a shop on middlefield road in redwood city that did all the seats in my Bavaria. He used the original covers as patterns. Completely trimmed the seats, front and back. Very very good work, and with all new foam.

I'm mobile at the moment, I have more pics to share.

I think it's called universal upholstery.

George

[73tiiguy]

Here are a couple more pics.

[Dev02]

George, that is beautiful!

[Conserv]

Seat comfort is obviously a personal opinion. I, however, drive 30,000 miles a year -- not in my 2002, but primarily in more modern German machinery -- and I still find my '76's front seats amazingly comfortable and up-to-date. They received new horsehair pads in 1996, which I'll re-do again in the next 5 years, but retain much of the original shape and feel. My point? Maybe your original '76 seats don't need as much "re-designing" as simply "correct stuffing"?

My opinion? Foam rubber is a terrible substitute for horsehair in an '02 seat, not simply from an appearance standpoint (which I call the "Bibendum look") but also from a comfort standpoint. An original '76 '02 seat is quite firm and supportive, as are all great long-distance seats (OK, with the exception of Citroen seats!). The earlier '02 styles, before the '75-'76 model year seats, were equally firm but not very supportive!

Best of luck with your project,

Steve

Edited May 20, 2014 by Conserv

[Conserv]

George, that is beautiful!

+1 !!!

Steve

[73tiiguy]

Everyone, thanks for the praise!  Here is what the outside looks like

[Conserv]

Everyone, thanks for the praise!  Here is what the outside looks like $_59.JPG

Very nice! Fjord? What year?

Steve

[73tiiguy]

1973 3.0S - Recently found it a new home here in the SF bay area.  Decided to acquire a 68 1600-02.