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MG MGA - How much leather to cover MGA seats

My MGA seats are off to be upholstered this month and I am trying to calculate how much leather(ie: how many hides)it will take to cover them. I am going to have them "completely done" ....backs/sides/fronts/ everything in leather. I am able to buy two hides (each is 50 square feet). Do I need this much ?
Can anybody help?
gordon

Measure each seat part--front sides and rear and calculate the area needed. Add about 25% for waste and seams. The originals were a combination of leather and vinyl and the aftermarket seat upholstery sets are of excellent quality and fit. Unless you're going for some custom interior treatment--you'd probably be better off financially and aesthetically to go with a seat reupholstery kit form any of the usual sources.
R. L Carleen

I thought of seat kits but when I calaculate the price I am looking at app $1200.00 Canadian for a set. My seat guy is $350.00 plus I supply the leather (app $300.00) total $650.00
Gordon

before you go that route, try newton commercial in the UK
dominic clancy

I know they do trim for the MGA, but it's not on the website (I just looked). It is really good quality, far better than Moss.

dominic clancy

gordon,
Also keep in mind that on top of the cost of leather you will most likely have to buy new seat bases and all new foams. This puts it pretty close to break even. Something to consider!
Ken

You will only need 1 hide.....
I'm an upholsterer by trade so I know this is the correct amount that you need


alan
:)
alan stout

Alan, could you give me some hints on the type, thickness, whatever strikes you as important to do this job right the first time? I have done seats 3 times, but only in vinyl. Never worked with leather before. I plan to redo the tops, not sides or backs in leather this time.
Tom

Alan, thank you and it matches my calculation plus leaves me some left over for the arm rest and extra's. I am going to buy the hide. My upholstery man will supply all of the seat foam ,cotton mat etc in his price ,so in the long run it should be extra special and less expensive. I have a large piece of rubberized horsehair which I will contribute.Imagine getting in my coupe and being hit by the smell of leather. How British.
Gordon

Dominic,

Thanks for the great tip on Newton Commercial. I received their catalogue in the mail today and they do have a very exhaustive set for MGA's.
I am interested in your comment about 'good quality, far better than Moss'. Were you able to compare finished leather products side by side? Do you have the Newton Commercial ones? Price wise, it is about the same.

Regards
Arnaud
A LAMASSIAUDE

Dominic.
I used Newton Commercial leather for my deluxe seats. I did not compare them side by side with Moss, but I can only say they are excellent quality. I had a local trim shop that is experienced in doing classics and street rods actually rebuild and recover the seats. I could not be happier.
Barry
Baz

This thread was discussed between 03/10/2005 and 08/10/2005

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.