My next project....Red Alcantara seats - One Complete!!!

[Smokey]

Well, since my PC build is almost ready to go back in the car and I have plans to remove the carpet for cleaning I decided that seats were my next plan. Since I had to remove the front seats to lift the carpet, seemed like the perfect time.

This is where the indecision came in. I wanted racing seats but as pointed out, wouldn't be comfy for longer journeys and as this is my cruising 180, I thought it best to stick with stock.

Now, I have greay alcantara at the moment and they are nice and all, but I am doing a black/red theme with the car (all interior lighting is red now) so what to do?!?!

The only 'standard' seats I would accept really is red alcantara as my red monacos are just too common and may be a step down from plus alcantara.

Getting red alcantara seats is probably harding than finding mk2 bodykits!!!

So I though, stuff it, I'll make 'em myself!

And that is the plan, I am going to take apart my red monacos, remove the material section and the red leather kidneys, and replace them with red alcantara!

Never done this kind of thing before but like everything I will try my best and hopefully get the outcome I want. If not, the grey alcantara will have to stay, but I'm positive this will work!

So here is the material, arrived today. I have rubbed the fabric so you can see the two/tone effect and it is sitting on my freshly washed rear alcantara seat.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/d7b0191a.jpg

I still need to aquire a good condition driver seat top half cover but I'm sure one will come up soon.

I also plan to go uber custom with some embroidered logos on the seats. Undecided as to whether to have MG logo, 'ZS', or Smokey and Kat2512 on the front seats :-S

Anyway, am starting on thursday and will keep you updated with the progress!

[Smokey]

If it works out, I'll be doing the door cards too!

[andy-81]

thats gonna look cool when done but don't you need a sowing machine for that? them thinks are evil i managed to sow my thumb and index finger together last time i used one, good luck with that i'm honestly sure its gonna look ace

[big_wasa]

I will follow this with interest.

I asked a dress maker (my mum :whistle:) If it could be done on my spare set. She said yes but would not be easy to match the stiching.

crack on :judge:

[talkingcars]

Sounds like a plan, I'd avoid the embrodary unless you have a professionsl to do it or a progamable sewing machine.

[Dan1971]

You've quite simply got too much time on your hands ....

[Smokey]

I don't have enough time Dan, trust me!

I have someone with more skills than me doing the stitching, what to bear in mind is, all the stitching that is required is reverse stitched so no visible stitching will be seen when done. It would be different if it was the leather to be stitched.

The embroidery would be done by a professional company, not me lol!

[MG 53 ZED]

That will look mint when it is done, will be following your project. Door cards i will be very interested to know how you do them if you re-cover them aswell.

[andys1981]

good luck mate,hope it goes well,nice to see your willing to give it your all to get what you want bud,will be watching,when your done can you do red/white/blue(only kidding )

[grimmy]

good luck mate,hope it goes well,nice to see your willing to give it your all to get what you want bud,will be watching,when your done can you do red/white/blue(only kidding )

Aye blair you could start a newco.

[andys1981]

Aye blair you could start a newco.

ooooooooooo lol

[Ritchy]

nice plan, something i have been wanting to have a shot at myself doing interior trim, still to do my headlining

[grimmy]

ooooooooooo lol
Sorry bud couldnt help myself.

[Smokey]

Haha, I just like having something I did myself. Watched too many pimp my ride episodes!

I will be doing black headlining and pillars at some point in the future, with a custom touch!

[stamford]

The older you get the less inclined you'll be to do these things, hats off to you for having a crack. I'll follow with interest. Many years ago I made a centre console for my Firenza and used offcuts from Corbeau seats to match them to my buckets I had fitted at the time.

[Smokey]

Well it's definitely going to get MG logos embroidered on once I've done the material change. Making a start tonight!

[Smokey]

So first section of passenger seat cover removed and my suspicions were correct! It is identical to the drivers side except for one thing. There is a sheet of strong thin plastic type material where the airbag module is!

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/103c408e.jpg

The stitching underneath is exactly the same (no weaker on one side than the other) So I will be able to buy a passenger side cover to replace my damaged driver side...swap the plastic sheet over...and job done!

Bit of a result as the passenger sides are easier to get in good nick and cheaply!

[big_wasa]

Good result, get it snaped up as there not exactly common.

[Smokey]

My first two stitches...

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/dfa05e24.jpg

[Smokey]

Done the 2 kidneys so now just need to stitch them all back together.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/6727f2e2.jpg

[Dan1971]

As much as I admire you for having a go ....

For Gods sake - just buy this - butcher it and get the proper set !!!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-MG-ZS-180-GUN-METAL-GREY-BIG-SPOILER-MODEL-L-K-/140778881906?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item20c7134372

[vanishing days]

No dont buy that car...... I want it

Does anyone now anything about this car as the owner hasnt answered my questions

[ZS]

No dont buy that car...... I want it

Does anyone now anything about this car as the owner hasnt answered my questions

Its a n xpg mk2 ZS180 with red alcantara interior... what else do you need to know? Lol

Hmm... red alcantara in my black saloon... interesting....

[Smokey]

Cheers Dan lol. You forget, I like the challenge. Plus don't have a spare £1k+ to spend.
Also, the bolsters are worn out, unlike mine so would still have to rip em apart!
This way, I get what I want and enjoy another project!

Almost done with the passenger back panel.

[Smokey]

Half luxury lol, bottom half is stripped ready for cutting the material!

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/2108c7d4.jpg

[Dan1971]

My Mrs just said .... Feckin hell - is he a girl ?

:rofl:

[grimmy]

Right Dan leave him alone he was gonna run me up a set of curtains for the living room:laugh:

[Smokey]

Feck the lot of you lol!

I'm 1/8th of the way to having a brand new set of custom red alcantara seats lol!

Headrests are gonna be a headache!

So now the slaggings over, what are the thoughts so far?

[grimmy]

Feck the lot of you lol!

I'm 1/8th of the way to having a bran new set of custom red alcantara seats lol!

Headrests are gonna be a headache!

So now the slaggings over, what are the thoughts so far?

Aye youll make somebody alovely wife someday.

[Smokey]

.....:angry:

[vanishing days]

They are awsum dude keep up the good work

[tb steve]

i like a lot

at least you have the bottle to give it a go

did you have a spare set just in case you could not do it or just thought bollox i will give it a go

[Smokey]

I had a spare set of monacos from the track car. Wasn't risking my grey alcantara!

[grimmy]

Joking aside mate its looking very good

[Smokey]

Cheers. Stitched on the Velcro bits and the strips for the bull rings. Fitted and secured properly and back plate on. Top section of passenger side complete!

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/038999e1.jpg

Got a busy weekend ahead so may not get much further for a few days but at least I know it's possible!!

[ZS]

Looks very good... fancy doing mine for me? The alcantara is looking a bit tired.... ;)

[Enright]

Look great. Shame you couldn't find some seat heater elements to stick in there while they're all in bits though.

[Smokey]

Looks very good... fancy doing mine for me? The alcantara is looking a bit tired.... ;)

It's not too difficult to take the seats apart so that will be a mod for the winter as I'd need to figure our wiring etc as I don't have the original switch area on the centre console with my carPC taking over!

[andys1981]

fair play to you for having a go mate,i think they look really good,look forward to seeing them finished

[Enright]

It's not too difficult to take the seats apart so that will be a mod for the winter as I'd need to figure our wiring etc as I don't have the original switch area on the centre console with my carPC taking over!
Good point - I forgot about that.
At least it means you can amass the bits nice and cheaply as you don't desperately need them. Not that you need much anyway - just the 2 switches, 2 relays and 2 elements for each seat.

[ZS]

It's not too difficult to take the seats apart so that will be a mod for the winter as I'd need to figure our wiring etc as I don't have the original switch area on the centre console with my carPC taking over!

What will be a mod for the winter?

What are you using to re-sew the seats back together?

[ZS]

And Smokey... you still looking for one of these? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-ZS-seat-Squab-cover-/150838268161?pt=UK_Car_Interior_Accessories&hash=item231ea95101

[Smokey]

I have a very beady eye on that one, don't you worry!

And yes, heated seats for the winter, will be front and rear.

I am using a Singer sewing machine to put it back together but am now waiting on new leather needles as I have broken 2 normal ones so far!

[Dan1971]

Seriously mate - good effort - I can see orders coming your way.

Maybe consider a soft furnishings course at the local college .... :tease:

[Smokey]

As long as you know how to use a sewing machine and are slow/careful, it's not too difficult. I am genuinely concerned about the headrests though as they are not s'utches in the same way. I think the foam is sprayed in to them.

[Smokey]

Also, I would have loved to have done them in a non MG colour but my theme is red and black. Imagine a dark green alcantara on goodwood green!!

[ZS]

As long as you know how to use a sewing machine and are slow/careful, it's not too difficult. I am genuinely concerned about the headrests though as they are not s'utches in the same way. I think the foam is sprayed in to them.

Can you not sew the red alcantara on top of the current material :)

[Smokey]

No as the seam would be showing and the rough edge of the material. Plus you can't get the whole headrest under the sewing machine needle lol!

[talkingcars]

Could you make some headrests and then fill them with expanding foam?

[ZS]

Are you going to have to destroy a headrest to find out how it all fits together?

[grimmy]

One word.velcro.instead of stiching the material on to the headrest have removeable covers attached with velcro.

[Smokey]

doing 'covers' for the headrests will look naff sadly as the material will look loose and nasty.

I plan to tear apart one so I have the construction and then resew them together and fill with normal foam. Cant seem to find expanding foam that doesn't go to rock hard (like for filling holes)

[big_wasa]

What about the stuff they make race seats out of ? How hard does it set ?

[Smokey]

no clue! sounds expensive!

[talkingcars]

Line the headrest with foam and then fill that with expamding foam?

[Ritchy]

Need that machine they have at the bear factory to fill it with foam

[Smokey]

Line the headrest with foam and then fill that with expamding foam?

Now thats a good idea......

Need that machine they have at the bear factory to fill it with foam


Kat said the same but the 'fluff' isn't firm enough to replicate the foam. Needs firm sponge.

[BUCKYDEVIL]

Need that machine they have at the bear factory to fill it with foam

Brilliant and if the seats got squeezed hard enough you could get a personal message... get the F out Fatty !
:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Ritchy]

Brilliant and if the seats got squeezed hard enough you could get a personal message... get the F out Fatty !
:laugh::laugh::laugh:

hahaha,

[Smokey]

Brilliant and if the seats got squeezed hard enough you could get a personal message... get the F out Fatty !
:laugh::laugh::laugh:

That is awesome!!!

[Ritchy]

could get them to stuff it firm(that was an option) go onnnn:P

[grimmy]

That is awesome!!!

Maybe an option for the track car i wouldnt ever get another lap though:laugh:

[Smokey]

Haha! Just get it to say 'I...am...speed!'

[grimmy]

Haha! Just get it to say 'I...am...speed!'

Well thats what kat says pmsl.

[Smokey]

Heeeey!

[idge2003]

[QUOTE=Smokey;260058]doing 'covers' for the headrests will look naff sadly as the material will look loose and nasty.

I had this done to a set of R45 rear headrests in my old 180 and once in the car you would only know they were covers if you stuck them next to the genuine article as they would be slightly bigger!

The trimmer did an awesome job!

Brett

[Smokey]

Will have various attempts til I'm happy, appreciate all the feedback though, gives me renewed confidence!

Just waiting until the correct needles come so I can continue the work!

[Smokey]

Well, had a wee go at my first and easiest plan.... It looks ok, but its the glueing of the edges that will make or break it I think.

Looks fine when I press it down, but if I get even a touch of glue on the material, its ruined lol!

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/9642539f.jpg

[MG 53 ZED]

Keep up the good work mate that is looking awsome.

[Smokey]

Any recommendations on a glue to use?

[Smokey]

Oh, and now the proud owner of a new front drivers seat cover to replace my ripped one!

So will now have a good as new look :D

[theboynoz]

Mint! Good work fella!

[Smokey]

Made contact with a local embroidery company to do the MG logo on the seats and got the following reply:

Hi Blair

Thanks for your*email,*unfortunately the image your require is copyrighted.

In such cases we request written permission to reproduce their logo in embroidered form from the copyright holder together with a name and contact details so that we can verify the authenticity of the permission given. On receipt of these we will be happy to quote for the work.*Unfortunately*in your case I happen to know you will not be able to obtain permission - I've had requests for MG before! Sorry I can't help you.

Best wishes

Ruth

Katya Embroidery

Now that was unexpected!

[talkingcars]

Three is no harm in writing to them at Longbridge and seeing what they say.

[Smokey]

Geez, where would I get and emial or address for them?!

[ZS]

Message them on facebook..

[peterzs]

I'm just buying some MG seat belt covers, bet they didnt worry about copywrite.

Bit of history.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_Rover_Group

In the contact part is the address!! Section 2, 4th page

http://www.saicgroup.com/english/images/tzzgx/gszl/2010/7/1/3477.pdf

if you are feeling brave!!

;););)

[welshone]

Try a different embroidery company one will do it for you. ;)

[Smokey]

Don't know of any other ones locally...

[Steves Cleenz]

smokey, i can have a word with one of my customers, he had teh MG logo embroided on his seats, i can see where he had it done if you like?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301775_10150852211725887_329773642_n.jpg

[Smokey]

That would be great Steve, I want them in the same place on the front and rear seats but only in black with no background.

Also want a name on each seat (Smokey, Kat2512, Chantelle, Lewis)

Any idea how much this kind of thing costs?

[Steves Cleenz]

dont know but that whole interior on that MGF is bespoke and cost £2500

[Smokey]

I did notice how expert it was. Might not want to touch my home made alcantaras lmao!

[mattie007]

There's a chap on zscentral selling a mk2 with red alcantaras. Might be worth asking if he would do a swap?

[Smokey]

Where's the fun in that Mattie! Also, never heard of ZSCentral :tease:

Anyway, further update regarding the headrest. Applied the glue, left it for a few hours and here is the result. It's by no means perfect but unless it was under scrutiny, I think it would pass?

(Bear in mind, there are a couple of masking tape bits I have still to remove, only noticed it after looking at the pics!)

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/388c3849.jpg

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/008430e2.jpg

[big_wasa]

is that the rio red thats had a bump ?

[Steves Cleenz]

Hats off to you for doing these, i love em, and if i had a spare seat cover set i would have a go at this too, but green for my van lol

[Smokey]

Cheers Steve, I would have gone for a non standard colour if my theme had not already been red and black. Tempted to have orange though!r

[grimmy]

Cheers Steve, I would have gone for a non standard colour if my theme had not already been red and black. Tempted to have orange though!r

Yeah copying others themes lol:judge:

[Smokey]

Hey, black and red not grey and red lol!

You'll be after my set once you see how awesome they look :P

[Smokey]

oh and my leather needles arrived so can continue tomorrow. Also the replacement seat cover for the damaged driver bolster arrived. It's so new, it seems a waste to tear it apart!!

Also wish I'd bought the driver base cove too now as the red stitching is much brighter on the new cover :S

[big_wasa]

Did it sell ? he may relist it. That was fast post, ive ordered a set of plugs for the big service and they havnt shown up yet.

[Smokey]

Have emailed. Very quick delivery!

[Smokey]

So got the new thread and needles and went to work while Corey was visiting.

Made a little progress but not as much as I could have but we were doing things to Corey's ZS too!

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/IMG_0854.jpg

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/IMG_0855.jpg

[Smokey]

Got the sewing machine out after work today and got cracking to finish the first seat (also got the centre console back in the car, just needs wiring)

Took a while but the seat is now covered and the side section reattached.

I have my opinion... what's yours??

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/photo-7.jpg

[grimmy]

You have done a great job but I am not sure,need to see it in the flesh I think,pics won't show the colour properly.

[Smokey]

Or texture. Corey can comment as he has seen and felt them. To say I am hyper excited at how well it turned out is an understatement. I think it would be hard to tell the difference between MG ones and these apart from colour tone!

[Smokey]

This is what the standard alcantara looks like to compare:

http://gallery.mg-rover.org/data/512/medium/1964p3290008a.jpg

And this is what my seat used to look like:

http://www.lyonssystemsserver.com/breakerpro/1038/1038-071011-114015-1081-010-PTIMG.jpg

[talkingcars]

Ya just too talanted!

[welshone]

I like, I even prefer the leather part to the originals as it looks like leather. Great job mate :)

[Smokey]

Um, the leather section is the leather from the original seat Ian, my driver side bolster will look newer as I have replaced it with a new one.

Cheers for the comments, can't wait to Get stuck in to the next one!

[grimmy]

Looking forward to seeing them in the car,thats when they will look their best .

[Smokey]

Definitely! I can't wait either, it's finding the time!

[big_wasa]

Any ideas where I can find some material in yellow ?

[Lukeus101]

Thats awesome! Would love a set in my red hatch :)

[MG 53 ZED]

That is outstanding want a yellow set in my car now.

[Smokey]

I may well be knocking up a set of yellow ones in the future but will see how this goes first lol!

[welshone]

Um, the leather section is the leather from the original seat Ian, my driver side bolster will look newer as I have replaced it with a new one.



I know, I meant the leather on yours looks better then the leather on these one's.

http://gallery.mg-rover.org/data/512/medium/1964p3290008a.jpg

[Ritchy]

looks great! seen worse proffesional jobs, if you cut foam could you pad the cushions a little more to take the slight baginess away, thats all i can see wrong and thats nit picking
top job, cant wait to see the rest

[Smokey]

To be fair Ritchy, they will settle a bit better once they have been sat on a little. Don't think I will ever get that fitted at factory finish.

I noticed when doing the base section that the material AND leather were stretched out of shape so had to do minor alterations to get things fitting properly.

It's by no means the perfect outcome but I'm proud of my efforts and, as much of a perfectionist as I am, I will love them in the car!!

[Dan1971]

Looking good IMHO ....

Now - get down the college for a soft furnishings qualification - pack in the day job and take up sowing for a living .... you're clearly very talented. :w00t:

Such a shame that no-one's got a photo of you on the sowing machine ... it'd be worth a furtune in the work canteen ... :joker:

[Smokey]

Haha, that will never happen! Although it is one of my colleagues sewing machine!

[Ritchy]

Just to clarify I do think they look great, cant wait to see them

[Smokey]

Cheers Ritchy, I knew what you meant. I would love to have redone the entire thing but that would have been too big a project for someone who hasn't used a sewing machine in decades!

I think they look 100% better than they did as monacos and considering the whole project cost me £80 with the seats just sitting around doing nothing from the track car, I've created a more striking seat to go in my mk2 180.

Keep stumbling on issues, usually with the sewing machine as needles break if too small and snap the thread if too big!

Bottom half of drivers seat almost done though so will continue on when not working! :D

[shcKr-]

They look great! Can't wait to see them all finished

[skyblueads]

Well played mate, they look very good. You should be chuffed. Nice work. :morepics::yes:

[Smokey]

More pics!! Only completed one seat and started on the next one lol!

[big_wasa]

Any more progress ?

[Smokey]

Sadly not as the sewing machine I have borrowed is not up to the job. In a few weeks I will have the right tools. Then it will be a quick job to finish!

[peterzs]

Taking orders yet?????????????????

Well done for getting stuck in, Smokey, look good.

[Smokey]

Well I plan on buying a proper industrial sewing machine in a few weeks, so that will help facilitate a quick finish to this project.

Once done, I may venture in to doing others but only if the job becomes easier with the new machine. I'm no expert you know so doubt I will reach perfection!

The biggest issue is the fact that the seat covers are not brand new so the leather is stretched, therefore it is tricky to get a perfect match when stitching the bits back together again.

The overall look though is great and is miles better than the original monaco!

[big_wasa]

I have blue alcantara in the new lemon but its had a hard life. New covers will be near impossable to find.

I think a set in yellow will be my winter project.

[Smokey]

Yeah, I plan on making a yellow set next :)

[andy-81]

looks great! seen worse proffesional jobs, if you cut foam could you pad the cushions a little more to take the slight baginess away, thats all i can see wrong and thats nit picking
top job, cant wait to see the rest

Picking up on this comment I tend to agree they do seem a little saggy but that's not to say you haven't done a cracking job with them, they look amazing but would a steamer not sort then out and shrink them enough then they can stretch natural when you sit on them?

[Smokey]

To be fair, the picture makes it look 'saggier' than it actually is, however, Grimmy and I discussed using a steamer to tighten the material up which is what I plan to do.

The leather sections are no looser than when they were on, the new material could benefit from shrinkage though.

[Smokey]

Yay, new semi-industrial sewing machine arrived today! Had a wee test of it and is going to make much easier work of the new covers!

[Jay-ZS+]

You taking in jobs? I've got a pair of jeans that need the waist taking in abit. :laugh:

Im quite tempted by alcantara seats does give a luxury feel to the car.

[Smokey]

Very good lol!

If this goes smoothly? I will be doing yellow alcantara ones and putting them up for sale.

[Jay-ZS+]

Very good lol!

If this goes smoothly? I will be doing yellow alcantara ones and putting them up for sale.

Yellow?! They are no good for a grey car!

[petet16]

Are you doing curtains and cushions:unsure::-D

[Jay-ZS+]

Are you doing curtains and cushions:unsure::-D

Oi get in line, he's doing my jeans first! :thumbsup:

[petet16]

Oi get in line, he's doing my jeans first! :thumbsup:

:laugh:

[zsserbia]

Funny but this gives me an idea for taking advantage of my mother in law, she's got a few pro sewing machines and some pro skills! Spare time is another issue and my zed is now a regular donkey so chances are slim...

[grimmy]

Oi you lot leave him alone. he is very busy just now making up those wee doll things that you put over your loo rolls.

[POMPSKI]

Funny but this gives me an idea for taking advantage of my mother in law

:angel:

[zsserbia]

:angel:

Oh behave!

[petet16]

Oi you lot leave him alone. he is very busy just now making up those wee doll things that you put over your loo rolls.

flol

[Smokey]

I already have a set of grey alcantara Jay, too boring for me lol

And no curtain, no jeans and if you want a loo roll dolly, £50 each :p

[petet16]

Fair play, you've done a cracking job on the seats, I wouldn't even attempt anything like that I'd end up with a birds nest of fabric and thread.

[Smokey]

I hope to make swift progress on them now, the headrests being the main headache lol

[Smokey]

Can close this thread now as I have given up. Even with an industrial sewing machine, the correct sized needles and threads, I have successfully sewn about 5 inches of material.

I don't know what I'm doing wrong but miles of thread and 10 needles wasted, I've had enough. It's just not worth the money or stress levels it induces.

[ZS]

As requested... Thread closed ;)

[Ritchy]

:(