How many hides would I need?
 

Hi folks -

Thinking about redoing the interior on my SC. I'd like to keep it "full leather" even though it's not truly an original car. I'd need to do the door panels, rear quarter interior panels, front and rear seats, and the vertical panel on the rear firewall.

I'm thinking 5 hides?

-S

I had my sc estimated at two including the dash but minus the two front seats.

how big are the hides? What is the quality of the leather? What is your level of tolerance for hide texture differences and imperfections? All can play a big role in how much "good leather" you will get per hide.

I bet three would be plenty and would allow you to do the seats also. I got four hides for my rs interior car with two sets of front seats, rs doors, headliner, and with lots extra as the match was so perfect, the price was right, and I knew I would never get the same dye lot again. I figure go with more than you need. Your upholstery guy should be able to give you an estimate.

It also depends on how large and how clean of defects the hides are. The more pleats, the less defects matter. When I used to buy leather for restorations some years ago hides were 40 to 50 sq ft each with most closer to 40. I assume hides still are the same size today. My guess is you need 3 to 4.

mine were 40 to 62sq feet each.

Something to keep in mind is not to under estimate what you need. If you run out of leather and need more, the color may not match exactly on your next order.

You'll need six hides,four for the cabin and two for the seats.It was what I did.

My Carrera used 2 hides for the front and rear seats, this does not include the backs of the front seats. There is a little left over for small things...bit nothing substantial. I also think hides vary in size?