Interior redo : Cost ?

[Deschodt]

Has anyone redone their interior lately ? What did it cost you ?

I am trying to figure out which way to go with my interior redo on my A coupé. My existing seat covers are damaged and the wrong color. The chrome recliner sides are heavily pitted, and the recliner mechanism does not work well (does not lock)... From what I hear, places like autos int'l do a fantastic job but take forever and charge an arm and a leg...

The only alternative I have found that I like are replica factory 356 GT seats but those cost about $2000 for a pair all upholstered and with brackets... And might not be as comfy in the long run. Would a "stock" redo of my 2 seats cost less ? The chromed recliners are almost unobtainium !

Truth be told I am tempted to forego the original aspect and have a regular Joe upholsterer redo all my seats and panels, authenticity be damned...

[C. Clark]

I'm currently restoring a 356B and the interior is on the horizon. I do the work myself so labor at least the paid type is small, that said I did price a complete redue at Auto's int'l, materials only; nearly $3000.00, I will use leather though, vinyl is much cheaper.
In regards to the hinges and hardware I've got the same problem as you. I figured I would shop around, Easy and Porsche Heaven maybe get lucky; if not I suppose I'll have them re-chromed, I do need a piece or two though.
Good luck with the project.
Who has the GT seats?
Chas.
356
912

[id10t]

Speaking of interiors, mine is damm near perfect. The chrome is mighty good considering, but the body/paint needs serious work. Any way to remove the interior so that it may be reinstalled after the body work is done?

[Deschodt]

>Who has the GT seats?

fibersteel.com, for one ;-)

[914Ghost]

The carpet can be tough to remove and salvage afterwards- a very good body shop can mask everything so minimize any damage to it. You may try removing the carpet sections that come out easily, leave and cover the rest- depending on the extent of your body work. Seats, panels, everything else can be pulled out easily.
You may look for a set of early 912 seats, they're almost identical to 356 seats- and probably the same as the late 356 seats, lots of those out there cheap since 912 guys like to upgrade to sporty type seats.
I have a set of seat recliners- in good shape actually- $25 + shipping.
Wait...they come off a 66' 912. I think they're the same- I can post pics if you need them.
regards,
Bob O

[C. Clark]

You should consider the headliner also, I take windshilds out for paint. As Ghost said though; a good shop should be able to deal with the interior. On the seats, a 69, 912 seats are several inches wider at the mounts than my 63, not to say all that couldn't be worked out. I will most likely take a shot a scavenging my old 912 seats for the 356, it's worth a try. On the other hand post a photo Ghost, if Deschodt doesn't want them I may.
Chas.
356
912

[Deschodt]

The recliners on my 57 are different, so I can't use 912 ones - I can't evcen use late 356 ones ;-( Thanks anyway !

[914Ghost]

I'll dig them out- I think the difference in the recliners is the seat back lock device on the 912?
Did 356's have them? I don't remember them being on my 60'.