Seat suggestions

My SC has a couple of really worn out Factory Recaro sport seats. The leather is badly dry rotted on and around the bolsters. I have always planned on having them recovered someday. My biggest worries have been the fear of investing $1400 in leather just to have it ruined by my roof leaking onto the seats. I have pondered using vnyl instead, but I just really like leather and want to keep it original. Today I saw an ad for Konig K-5000 sport seats for $650 ea. They are not leather but rather leatherette. Like I said before it has always been my mind set to replace them with leather but after I looked at the seats I thought maybe Leatherette might not be a bad idea in a car as leak prone as a Targa. Any thoughs?

Secondly, does anyone have any experience with Konig seats? Are they well built?

And finally, what do you all think I might be able to sell my old seats for? I am trying to defray the cost of the new seats. They are in pretty bad shape cosmetically but otherwise fine. Plus they are the optional sport seats.

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Leland Pate

___79 SC Targa

I had mine done with leather. The best thing to do is to by leather in a warehouse and to get it done somwhere else. I had both my seats done for 650$ canadian including material and labour. One guy wanted 1200$ can/seat. (NEVER TELL THEM IT'S FOR A PORSCHE) Seriously it makes a differance. I always said I have a FIAT when I got my seats done and my maqgs polished. Less than half price.

You can have your seats done in leather for less money.

I too have been looking for some seats and the k-5000 is a good looking seat (page 15 of May Excellence by design adv).

I also looked into finding a set of sport seats that were in good condition but apparently they are made of platinum or something because people that I have run into want to keep them.

The others I have seen have been covered in vinyl (sorry not in florida in the summer).

I am very interested in what comes of this.

steve

Leland,
You could try selling your seats on eBay. I'm sure someone is looking for a set of optional sport seats and is willing to spend the money for it. Be sure to mention its condition and include a photo (nice pic of your car, BTW) of the seats.

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Jeff
1976 911S

I'd agree that you could probably get good leather and have it done reasonably. It's possible to find someone who's really good and really reasonable, but you must shop.

I simply do not tolerate leaks in a cabin. I know that Targas are leak prone, but water in the cabin causes a long list of inconveniences and ruins the car. Have any seats you want.

Superman, you obviously don't own a Targa...
I don't want leaks either but I am having a hell of a time trying to solve the problems I have.
I would like to have my original seats recovered...where would I find a "leather warehouse" or a place that can cut and sew leather to recover my seats? Are there any places that can do that or am I still stuck with finding a place to buy the covers from then just finding an upholstery shop that can install them?
Thanks guys,

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Leland Pate

___79 SC Targa

I am currently having my 930 sport seats recovered. They were stock black leather and will be recovered in black and red leather to match the car. I'm having a "hot rod" apholtsry guy do the work - these types are real craftsmen whos work you can see at the local car shows. Their prices usually aren't too high because they love cars! Check this option out.

Yes, you should be able to find someone who can simply fabricate new seat surfaces from sheets of leather. You'll probably need to ask around a bit to find someone and to find a good leather source. But using this method can get you superior seats made from superior leather at less than what many people pay.

No, I don't own a Targa, and I apologize if I seemed critical. I've had leaky cars before (actually my coupe leaks at the widshield seal and when it comes off the jacks it's on for a clutch job now, it will receive a new windshield), and there are few things I find more alarming. Someone must have developed/discovered a way to end the leaks, even in a Targa.

How was the Bogus Basin Hill Climb? I used to live in Boise. I'll bet you had a BLAST.

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'83 SC

I can vouch for the leakiness of Targas. A car cover is a good investment. I also keep a cup in the back seat so I can bail it out when it gets deep.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2

I recently installed new leather skins on my 78 911 SC Targa. I ordered mine from World Upholstery & Trim Onxard, CA 1-805-988-1848. Cost $831.00 for the set. I also ordered the front dash kit and a "half cow skin" to do the rear deck.
Mine were tan and they matched them up pretty close with the original upholstery. Give them a call and let them see what they can do for you.

Regards


Steve

Thanks for all of the ideas guys, I guess I will just have to wait and see what I can do about my top first. I will probably end up just recovering my original seats. I friggin' dig those old Recaro sport seats. I like 'em even better than the newer seats...they look "beefier".
Anyway, Superman, no I didn't think you were being critical, I was just making a joke.
And the Bogus Basin Hill climb in on the 26th of this month!! Can't wait!!!


Mark, I gotta say it again,... sorry to hear about you car big guy. GOOOOOOOD that makes me mad!!!
I hate Imperial Land Cruisers!!!!!

Leland Pate

___'79 SC who hates SUVs

Leather is the best way to go, fix your leaks! I had the seats in my 84 Cab done by International in Escondito Ca a while back. It cost 1200 bucks but the seats are truly perfect