Topic: Anyone have a source to rebuild /recover W116 seats?

[Ronin2]

I need some seat work. Anyone have anyone they can recommend here in the US.. preferably in the Western US? I need new fronts in my 1876 and re-stuffing rear in my 1980.

Thanks

[daantjie]

GAHH is the go to for leather supply but I am not sure if they do installation.   Might be a worth a call to them to see if they can recommend a local shop, I think they are in North Hollywood.

[Depa77450sel]

Any motor trimmer should be able to respring the seats for you. I had my front seat done here in Melbourne it cost $250 AUD which I think was reasonable and they did a great job. Id suggest Google motor trimmers in your area and make a few phone calls. Best of luck to you 😀

[UTn_boy]

If you're not concerned with originality and don't care about lack luster leather then what GAHH sells is ok.  If you want the correct surface dyed leather then you can buy it from Aeristo or HYDES.  Regardless of where you get your leather, GAHH is definitely the place you want to have the covers sewn up at.  Just make certain that they use the correct diameter piping.....they have a habit of making it too large.  As far as where to have the work done, there has to be many reputable places capable in your area of the country.  Though, I'm sad to say that I'm not aware of who or where. 

Regarding your rear seat, try to find some new excelsior pads if you can.  Re-padding them with foam is ok.....but support is lost and if used regularly they'll decompress again in a short time. 

[Squiggle Dog]

It's not correct, but if you buy a rug that's not very thick, you can cut it to shape and fit it under the excelsior pads. What this will do is prevent the springs from cutting into the pads over time, and it will also hold the pads together so pieces don't fall down through the springs.

[KIP]

Roberto's in Costa Mesa does great work.  They should be able to get the hides to patch or for a complete recover.  http://www.robertosautotrim.com
GAHH offers what they call "old timer" leather that is thicker and more like what would have come in your car.

[floyd111]

square and rectangle pads like this are for sale here and there for different applications. How impossible would it be to buy and modify 2, 3 of these and re-shape, glue, connect some of these to recreate the rear pad? Maybe use some of it to re-enforce an old original pad?

[UTn_boy]

Bulk excelsior padding is available in bulk in two thicknesses.  It's meant for the convertible top padding on W111/W112 cabriolets, Adenauer cabriolets, W180 cabriolets, W100 Landaulet models, and W188 cabriolets, but I'm certain it can be used to recreate seat pads. 

[floyd111]

You may be quite right there, but I have not thought this through yet. Call me stubborn, for I have seen the original pad, and it won't be easy to reshape this stuff top and bottom of such pads into the original. But is it impossible indeed? If so.. how about cutting/grinding square pads into a shape that fits underneath or on top of some weak OEM pad areas? Or only cutting and replacing easy/important sections of the OEM pad?

[UTn_boy]

Oh it won't be easy, if even possible at all.  Yet, people still do it and the results are always lack luster.  People are ok with mediocrity lately.  Go figure. 

[floyd111]

hehehe...

[Ronin2]

Roberto's in Costa Mesa does great work.  They should be able to get the hides to patch or for a complete recover.  http://www.robertosautotrim.com
GAHH offers what they call "old timer" leather that is thicker and more like what would have come in your car.

Thanks for the heads up on Roberto's. They did a great job re-padding the rear seat in my 1980 450 SEL. Once I get the 1978 back from theh shop I will get its drivers seat repaired too.