Z3M seat restoration

[Sean d]

Managed to get a run on the drivers seat today and get the bolster somewhere near, firstly the bolster was removed from the old passenger seat, it was slightly smaller but as I was going to cut it in it should be ok, you can make out where it was cut and glued.

There was a couple of areas that I wasn't happy with so some how they needed filling, I used some of the foam out of my old seats, glued it on place and then used a strip and clean disc to sand it flat

Once all pieces where sanded the bolster was still a little to narrow so I added a 6mm thick layer of foam and sanded it in

 

[Sean d]

Also got the gaitors stripped and stuffed, ready to paint

 

[Sean d]

The colourant came so just had to stay and get some bits painted, 3 coats of BMW light silver grey, 3 of super seal and 3 matt finish, I'm really pleased with the finish, matt does it for me

Did some more work on the drivers base and filled the deep grooves, just a light sand with 800 and it should be ready for painting

 

[Paul Rice]

That interiors going to be a no go zone in your ovies Sean

 

[Sean d]

Drivers seat base completed today, I think you may be right @Paul Rice

 

[andyglym]

Drivers seat base completed today, I think you may be right @Paul Rice
View attachment 88256

That looks great mate

 

[Sean d]

That looks great mate

Thanks pal, bit of a gamble but I'm sure it will all come together, I hope

 

[Grumps]

Love that Sean

 

[mrscalex]

Looks fab Sean.

I go about repairing the bolsters a little differently. But no doubt we both get the same result.

I bought a big bag of high density sofa foam offcuts for £20 which I do my repairs with. It’s not quite the same density as the original pad but I use as little as possible to repair what’s there rather than cut a whole section off and replace.

The main thing is to cover up the structural steel frame again - that’s what pokes through and causes accelerated wear. And to raise the collapsed bolster back up.

Then I have an additional final step which really returns the feel and integrity back where I encase the whole bolster in 3mm scrim foam.

That approach saves the sanding too.

 

[Bozzy]

The completed seat base looks very classy, it's a colour combo that would suit most zeds as well .

 

[Sean d]

Looks fab Sean.

I go about repairing the bolsters a little differently. But no doubt we both get the same result.

I bought a big bag of high density sofa foam offcuts for £20 which I do my repairs with. It’s not quite the same density as the original pad but I use as little as possible to repair what’s there rather than cut a whole section off and replace.

The main thing is to cover up the structural steel frame again - that’s what pokes through and causes accelerated wear. And to raise the collapsed bolster back up.

Then I have an additional final step which really returns the feel and integrity back where I encase the whole bolster in 3mm scrim foam.

That approach saves the sanding too.

For me the bolster was too far gone to repair as it was crumbling inside and alI would have done is masked te problem, replacing it was the better option as it is almost as good as new, however it was veery testing and a bit worrying cutting the whole bolster away.

 

[Sean d]

The completed seat base looks very classy, it's a colour combo that would suit most zeds as well .

Part of the big plan mate, it will fit virtually any colour I may well use in the future

 

[Sean d]

Door inserts and extended leather handle done today, did the steering wheel as well but forgot to take a pic,

 

[Jjim]

Can’t wait to see it all come together now

Fantastic job and loving all the colours.

 

[Sean d]

Can’t wait to see it all come together now

Fantastic job and loving all the colours.

Thanks Jim, I appreciate the encourgament as I am having doubts that I am heading in the right direction

 

[t-tony]

You shouldn't doubt yourself mate, everyone I have spoken to about this build of yours has had nothing but admiration for your work Sean.

Tony.

 

[Althulas]

I’ll be honest Sean the paint work and mechanicals are superb. The sears you are doing look top notch but for me just can’t see how it’s going to tie in but the colour and renovation of them is great. To be honest I was expecting you to match the bolsters to the body colour. Just my opinion and others might agree or disagree. You may need to offer a service price guide to renovating seats as I would let you recolour mine

 

[Clockwatcher]

@Sean d,

The seats and leather trim is looking really good. I read a few articles for the dye you used, the company gets good write ups. You will have to let us all know how well the new colour wears. My good lady is itching to change our black seats to an ivory or cream colour.

 

[Sean d]

I’ll be honest Sean the paint work and mechanicals are superb. The sears you are doing look top notch but for me just can’t see how it’s going to tie in but the colour and renovation of them is great. To be honest I was expecting you to match the bolsters to the body colour. Just my opinion and others might agree or disagree. You may need to offer a service price guide to renovating seats as I would let you recolour mine

Just looked at the pics again and they look very blue in comparison to the real thing which is more grey, thanks for the kind words

 

[Sean d]

You shouldn't doubt yourself mate, everyone I have spoken to about this build of yours has had nothing but admiration for your work Sean.

Tony.

Thanks pal