Custom Leather E38 Dashboard project (Pic heavy)

[Alpine 7even]

Whats going on guys. So for the last week ive been working on my leather dashboard and realized i completely forgot to post some pics up.

Ok time to pull the Dash off of the "parts to mod and put in my car" shelf. lol
http://imageshack.us/a/img41/9215/14306101513056838464111.jpg

So for starters i pulled all of the old VINYL (not leather) off of the 750 dashboard. talk about a MASSIVE pain in the rear!!! It took me 2 days and a gallon of acetone and barge thinner. than some sanding with 40 grit and 150 grit. My plan of using the old material as a set of patterns completely went to hell.
http://imageshack.us/a/img255/4657/52231410151309817041411.jpg
So using a couple yards of linen, i made some patterns. 5 in total.

Here are the first 2.
http://imageshack.us/a/img23/8206/37878310151309817006411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img267/3305/25981110151309816816411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img96/7808/32360101513098169714111.jpg
Lots of measuring!!
http://imageshack.us/a/img690/8296/56151110151309816931411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img208/125/39933310151309816896411.jpg
Than the Gauge cluster cover went on.
http://imageshack.us/a/img51/6151/14383101513098823664111.jpg
Than the two last pieces, the center strip (what i called it) and the light switch and cluster surround piece.

Now comes the Fun part!!!!!! :D

The leather and felt!
Dark/Navy blue AAA cowhide.
http://imageshack.us/a/img651/1562/30600310151312706191411.jpg
Black 1/8" black felt.
http://imageshack.us/a/img31/7241/96991015131546658641118.jpg
So the same process happens, first patterns are drawn up and cut out.

Here are the first two pieces once again cutout, sewn together and draped on the dash board for fitment. I also decided to top stitch the airbag cover piece.
http://imageshack.us/a/img132/9048/39672010151312706081411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img521/4128/59082101513127061664118.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img217/1377/48350210151312706121411.jpg

Now the "canopy" piece cutout and held in place by sewing needles so i could find proper fitment.
http://imageshack.us/a/img217/1717/52245110151313964216411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img6/2745/37454310151313964111411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img715/4968/61437101513139641314111.jpghttp://imageshack.us/a/img252/8876/61393101513139642614114.jpg

Now the part that i got really excited for. the cluster cover piece. i love the way it turned out!
http://imageshack.us/a/img266/4379/48104210151315466436411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img17/848/96711015131546634141120.jpg.

thats it for now. tomm. ill be cutting the felt and starting the adhesive process. Stay tuned :D

[4liter]

That's some nice work you do there!

[Alpine 7even]

Thanks man, I've got afew more pics to post.

[BobsBimmer]

Very cool!

[M I C H A E L]

so awesome. I wish I was as savvy when it comes to crafting Nice work bro! :)

[SEVEN40iL]

:buttrock

I wish I had the skill to do something like this!


So, since the 750 "leather" is actually vinyl, do you think it is a better idea to just take out our 740 dashes and have them covered in actual leather like you are doing?

Because that would save me a lot of time and money looking for a 99+ 750 dash in black!

[olinjohnston]

So, since the 750 "leather" is actually vinyl...

If the dash has seams and stitches, it is real leather. It fact, it is what BMW calls "climatized" leather because it is pre-shrunk so that low humidity and sunlight will not make it pull away with age. The vinyl ones have no seams.

[sigtwenty]

i wholeheartedly despise your beautiful car

[Alpine 7even]

If the dash has seams and stitches, it is real leather. It fact, it is what BMW calls "climatized" leather because it is pre-shrunk so that low humidity and sunlight will not make it pull away with age. The vinyl ones have no seams.

Look, I know leather. The stuff that came on this dashboard, was never and could never have been leather. Leather doesn't rip like thin paper. even if it's been soaked for weeks and weeks. Also you can infact sew vinyl. It's also called pleather I think. Also leather doesn't shrink...

The best way I can describe what was on the dashboard, it's basically the same stuff that came on my e30 door cards. Looks like leather, feels like leather, hell even stitched like leather....but not leather. Lol I'll post some pics of the scraps of old dashboard material tonight.


:buttrock

I wish I had the skill to do something like this!


So, since the 750 "leather" is actually vinyl, do you think it is a better idea to just take out our 740 dashes and have them covered in actual leather like you are doing?

Because that would save me a lot of time and money looking for a 99+ 750 dash in black!

I thought about that as well, but than I realized that our dashboard are actually covered with a "rubberish" material and if you take that off you completely lose the dashboards shape. The Angular shape. You can try, but it might make your dashboards about a 1/4 to possibly 1/2" wider everywhere.


Thanks guys! I should have more pics up tonight. Just waiting on the glue

[COOPERDB]

So Far ------


OUTSTANDING -------------


As Always ----------------------------

[Alpine 7even]

So Far ------


OUTSTANDING -------------


As Always ----------------------------

Thanks man

[sigtwenty]

i wholeheartedly despise your beautiful car

Of course I hope you know im being jealousy sarcastic lol

[Alpine 7even]

Of course I hope you know im being jealousy sarcastic lol

I know lol.

[SEVEN40iL]

I thought about that as well, but than I realized that our dashboard are actually covered with a "rubberish" material and if you take that off you completely lose the dashboards shape. The Angular shape. You can try, but it might make your dashboards about a 1/4 to possibly 1/2" wider everywhere.

Yeah, figured as much :(

I really want to get working on my interior this winter, and this is relative to my interests ;)

[Alpine 7even]

Nice! Well the next project is going to be the center console wrapped in my color leather interior (champagne), I'm just waiting for my rear AC blower to arrive so I can attach the 750 console to the AC blower unit and sew up one piece of leather so it looks super clean! :D The blower setup should be here soon. It just passed through NY customs.

All I can say is you guys are going to LOVE my interior when it's done!

[TheLadiesMan]

Nice! Well the next project is going to be the center console wrapped in my color leather interior (champagne), I'm just waiting for my rear AC blower to arrive so I can attach the 750 console to the AC blower unit and sew up one piece of leather so it looks super clean! :D The blower setup should be here soon. It just passed through NY customs.

All I can say is you guys are going to LOVE my interior when it's done!

My blood has been replaced with jelly.

Sent from a crappy smartphone.

[Alpine 7even]

alright guys, here are afew more pics of the "leather" that was on the dash originally and acouple good close ups of the cluster surround area. my glue literally is walking up the stairs to the front door. So after i post this im going to start the adhesion process. :D

here is the old stuff that was on there. see how is just a foam based vinyl and in no way even close to kind of being leather. don't believe everything BMW tells you. lol
http://imageshack.us/a/img26/863/001nwv.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img696/4796/002iwz.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img338/6855/004fkl.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img33/8263/003ces.jpg

here are the money shots lol. It looks wavey in some areas but remember its not been glued. itll tighten up alot once that happens
http://imageshack.us/a/img805/2585/061ju.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img100/6259/063yrr.jpg
more to come tonight possibly.

and as always thanks for the super great feedback!

[TheLadiesMan]

This is going to be epic. Great craftsmanship!

P.S. I like the BMW models in the background :D

[nate325]

Look, I know leather. The stuff that came on this dashboard, was never and could never have been leather. Leather doesn't rip like thin paper. even if it's been soaked for weeks and weeks. Also you can infact sew vinyl. It's also called pleather I think. Also leather doesn't shrink...


Clearly you do not know leather. Regardless of whatever is on your dash, leather DOES shrink.

[pizzaman09]

Brilliant work. I can see what you are doing is a tremendous amount of work, especially to get it tight once you are all done.

[psjr]

Back in the day the story on these boards was that BMW used real leather on the dash of the older cars (maybe E32) and it had horrible cracking problems so they went with vinyl on the E38.

I haven't had a 750 dash apart yet but the covering on 750 seatbacks is extremely convincing if it is not actually leather.

[Alpine 7even]

Clearly you do not know leather. Regardless of whatever is on your dash, leather DOES shrink and dashboard leather IS paper thin and WILL rip after years of sun exposure.

Ok chief calm down. Despite the pics I posted of the old stuff and what others say, If I say your right will you feel better?:D

[olinjohnston]

I am sorry for perpetuating an argument on your thread (your new leather is looking good) but I can't help myself from showing you that you are wrong about the 750iL dashboard being vinyl or otherwise not leather.

What BMW does to make these is first take a hide that is split, meaning that the top grain is intact (and dyed/coated like crazy), but the resulting piece is extra thin which helps make it stretch over corners and tuck into the sides. There is an interfacing layer that is heat-transferred on to the backside of the paper-thin leather - the black furry stuff in your pictures. This layer adds strength to it without making any less pliable for installation.

I have seen leather once in an Alpina B12 coupe console that was literally thinner than paper so that it could tuck onto the console around the switches.

The fact that it ripped like cardboard is totally normal for aged leather. I dismantled a BMW steering wheel once that came apart like thin cardboard once i cut the stitches. It felt exactly how you described. I also have a genuine leather sofa which has a hole in it now and has ripped the same way.

It is leather, but just extremely engineered leather. That would also explain the $1000+ price difference between the two versions of dashboards.

[Alpine 7even]

Ok. Agree to disagree. And I appreciate it.

[Cangelo629]

I think the project is a good thread to follow and see how it all turns out........:) To take the challange on you have to give credit due. At the factory the dash covers regardless of material will be shrink wrapped with high heat for a form fitting look even the ones that are stiched on....Some are vulconized and some are form fitted with a moulding process. This minimizes cracking and warping. I Have had some dashes redone in the past and that is how it is explaned to me and they did come back just like factory new....Keep up the good work....:suave

[TxDarth]

Look, I know leather. The stuff that came on this dashboard, was never and could never have been leather. Leather doesn't rip like thin paper. even if it's been soaked for weeks and weeks. Also you can infact sew vinyl. It's also called pleather I think. Also leather doesn't shrink...



You do good work will not disagree there......but a several things - BMW does use leather in some applications, however it is all surface dyed as opposed to most leather used in American cars which is vat dyed. Why I don't know as the surface dyed will show wear much quicker normally.....

Second leather will shrink..... especially if allowed to get wet and then dry under heat or sunlight. My "86 L7 had a leather dash which the Texas sun played hell with. It pulled out from under the speaker grills in the dash and around the cluster. BMW replaced the dash once under warranty then said the next time it is on you. We can not prevent this from happening again, the best we can say is keep it out of the direct sunlight as much as possible. We tried but 5 years later it also was starting to pull away....

I can also remember a pair of leather loafers that I mistakenly wore to boot camp after being drafted back in '64. We had to walk in the show the first day there. That night my shoes being soaked I sat by my bed and under the radiator to dry over night - big mistake. I could not get my feet into them the next morning. I could barely get my toes into them and walked the rest of the day like slippers - they still caused blisters. The following day we got our uniforms and the shoes went into the trash.:nono

[stephen325]

^ Even my mom's 01 Z3 has had leather shrinking issues on here extended leather package'd dash.

Regardless, the dash is looking fan-tastic. Props to you, wish i had the time or patience. Cant wait to see the final result.

[Alpine 7even]

Alright, than I admit I may have been mistaken. But man this stuff does not look like leather at all!

[MyronMHouse]

Moar!!

[olinjohnston]

But man this stuff does not look like leather at all!

It is HEAVILY processed to prevent the issues encountered in previous generations like TxDarth's L6. So I don't blame you (and others) for thinking it's fake. It's just like the assumptions about the wood trim being plastic...When I was the curator of a small BMW museum, I had to explain to a lot of visitors how that stuff is made. It's essentially the same idea as the dash...think of the dash as a processed "leather veneer."

Keep us updated on how it holds up with the new material! :cool

[bimmernuwb]

ive done upholstery for a few years. leather has a high shrink rate, Rolls Royce has a shrink process then they stretch it. they as far as i know do it a few times. they also in some cases shave(or what they call Thinning or Splitting) the back layer leaving the face of the leather as thin as 0.1mm then attach it to a backing, likely what manufactures like BMW have done, and why it looks like and tares like paper when dry, or even feeling like vinyl. ive have assisted in a dash in an old MG that we covered in leather. before we made the dash cover and put it together or even the template we heat shrank the leather with a heat gun to make it shrink, then having someone who works with leather stretch it really tightly around a warmed drum. saturating the leather can reduce subtleness and elasticity. we got the leather very hot, even to the point of not getting self inflicted burns. it shrank up about 15% if i recall.

with modern leather, or the question of factory leather being so thin is true. thus needing more care. the difference between classic leather post 80's is that it was not stretched so thin, making the moisturizing oils that are impregnated into the hide last longer keeping the leather supple. thinner modern leather is treated the same way just not able to hold as much oil(s).

most leather cleaners have water. not the best idea. it will make the leather expand, pull oils out of the leather and once it dries then you have dry cracking leather, dirt gets inside and keeps the cracks open. the best conditioners contain glycerin. ive herd that deluded with a smidgen of water is ok for regular cleaning.

i know i just went on a small rant and im sorry. there is much more to taking care of leather properly, anyways, shrinkage, heat, water bad, and all that good stuff.

hijacked thread..once again sorry and terrific work on that dash. lots of complex corners good luck. cant wait to see it completed. make some templates...maybe share for all the diy'ers?

[Alpine 7even]

well i didnt get much don. i decided to walk away for a day and come back with fresh eyes. I did however throw the felt on and test fit everything. and i snapped acouple pics of the models in the backround lol.:D

http://imageshack.us/a/img812/3654/002iai.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img84/4171/004hou.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img689/6757/008iaw.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img688/5471/018nhp.jpg

Afew of the rides!! lol.:buttrock
http://imageshack.us/a/img401/4467/010ma.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img594/5430/014hk.jpg


ive done upholstery for a few years. leather has a high shrink rate, Rolls Royce has a shrink process then they stretch it. they as far as i know do it a few times. ive have assisted in a dash in an old MG that we covered in leather. before we made the dash cover and put it together or even the template we heat shrank the leather with a heat gun to make it shrink. saturating the leather can reduce subtleness and elasticity. we got the leather very hot, even to the point of not getting self inflicted burns. it shrank up about 15% if i recall.

with modern leather, or the question of factory leather being so thin is true. thus needing more care. the difference between classic leather post 80's is that it was not stretched so thin, making the moisturizing oils that are impregnated into the hide last longer keeping the leather supple. thinner modern leather is treated the same way just not able to hold as much oil(s).

most leather cleaners have water. not the best idea. it will make the leather expand, pull oils out of the leather and once it dries then you have dry cracking leather, dirt gets inside and keeps the cracks open. the best conditioners contain glycerin. ive herd that deluded with a smidgen of water is ok for regular cleaning.

i know i just went on a small rant and im sorry. there is much more to taking care of leather properly, anyways, shrinkage, heat, water bad, and all that good stuff.

hijacked thread..once again sorry and terrific work on that dash. lots of complex corners good luck. cant wait to see it completed. make some templates...maybe share for all the diy'ers?
thanks for the info! i stand completely corrected. :) i have templates for each section that are here if anyone would like to borrow them.

[bimmernuwb]

i was not trying to correct anyone, or offend anyone, like i said rant. and just what i know from experience, and what someone else has taught me. i just zoned out and kept typing then my dog barked and i realized that i had lost track of what i was doing!

also thicker leather AFAIK does not shrink as much due to the hide being thicker can not shrink as much as thinner leather due to there being more mass and less room to shrink into it self. that is not a fact i can not guarantee. nor have i looked for a source that confirmed it!

here is someone brave enough to thin leather themselves
http://italianhorses.net/Tutorials/Leather%20101/lthr.htm

google is your friend once again sorry

[Alpine 7even]

i was not trying to correct anyone, or offend anyone, like i said rant. and just what i know from experience, and what someone else has taught me. i just zoned out and kept typing then my dog barked and i realized that i had lost track of what i was doing!

also thicker leather AFAIK does not shrink as much due to the hide being thicker can not shrink as much as thinner leather due to there being more mass and less room to shrink into it self. that is not a fact i can not guarantee. nor have i looked for a source that confirmed it!

here is someone brave enough to thin leather themselves
http://italianhorses.net/Tutorials/Leather%20101/lthr.htm

google is your friend once again sorry

I was being serious. I didn't know that and now I do.

[bimmernuwb]

I was being serious. I didn't know that and now I do.


ok just making sure. i tend to sound like a know it all when i dont mean to sound like that:nono


:deadhorse:

[Alpine 7even]

No worries lol

[S.Hafsmo]

Can't wait to see the finished product. The white stitching looks fantastic!

[DeLoached]

I have a related question for all the craftsmen here,

How possible would it be to fabricate a custom binnalce like enclosure into the dash? The spot I'd look for would be in line with the back of that air vent that's in the middle of the dash.

The reason I ask is I'm of the non-factory nav persuasion, and the idea of mounting a decent garmin etc. in a way that looks pretty cool and at least semi-stock appeals to me.

The way I'd thought about it would be you fabricate the binnacle out of whatever it is you use, but leave the front open. Have the whole dash top wrapped to clean things up. Then create a mounting plate for your gps and anything else you might like (eg. analogue clock, attitude indicator etc.) - attach a wood veneer to the front to match the rest of the car, mount the instruments to the plate, run the wiring and then insert the whole panel into the front of the binnacle (and make it easily removable for convenience).

Just wondering how feasible an idea would be. Have no real experience with this kind of thing, but wouldn't mind buying a second hand dash and having a go.

[SEVEN40iL]

:) i have templates for each section that are here if anyone would like to borrow them.

Hey bud, I wouldn't mind borrowing them once you are done with them! I can take them to my interior guy to make a copy and send them back.

[Chief Rocka]

ive done upholstery for a few years. leather has a high shrink rate, Rolls Royce has a shrink process then they stretch it. they as far as i know do it a few times. they also in some cases shave(or what they call Thinning or Splitting) the back layer leaving the face of the leather as thin as 0.1mm then attach it to a backing, likely what manufactures like BMW have done, and why it looks like and tares like paper when dry, or even feeling like vinyl. ive have assisted in a dash in an old MG that we covered in leather. before we made the dash cover and put it together or even the template we heat shrank the leather with a heat gun to make it shrink, then having someone who works with leather stretch it really tightly around a warmed drum. saturating the leather can reduce subtleness and elasticity. we got the leather very hot, even to the point of not getting self inflicted burns. it shrank up about 15% if i recall.

with modern leather, or the question of factory leather being so thin is true. thus needing more care. the difference between classic leather post 80's is that it was not stretched so thin, making the moisturizing oils that are impregnated into the hide last longer keeping the leather supple. thinner modern leather is treated the same way just not able to hold as much oil(s).

most leather cleaners have water. not the best idea. it will make the leather expand, pull oils out of the leather and once it dries then you have dry cracking leather, dirt gets inside and keeps the cracks open. the best conditioners contain glycerin. ive herd that deluded with a smidgen of water is ok for regular cleaning.

i know i just went on a small rant and im sorry. there is much more to taking care of leather properly, anyways, shrinkage, heat, water bad, and all that good stuff.

hijacked thread..once again sorry and terrific work on that dash. lots of complex corners good luck. cant wait to see it completed. make some templates...maybe share for all the diy'ers?
Rant all you want this great info...:buttrock


well i didnt get much don. i decided to walk away for a day and come back with fresh eyes. I did however throw the felt on and test fit everything. and i snapped acouple pics of the models in the backround lol.:D

http://imageshack.us/a/img812/3654/002iai.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img84/4171/004hou.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img689/6757/008iaw.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img688/5471/018nhp.jpg

Afew of the rides!! lol.:buttrock
http://imageshack.us/a/img401/4467/010ma.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img594/5430/014hk.jpg


thanks for the info! i stand completely corrected. :) i have templates for each section that are here if anyone would like to borrow them.
Can't wait for the finish product.

[bimmernuwb]

I have a related question for all the craftsmen here,

How possible would it be to fabricate a custom binnalce like enclosure into the dash? The spot I'd look for would be in line with the back of that air vent that's in the middle of the dash.

The reason I ask is I'm of the non-factory nav persuasion, and the idea of mounting a decent garmin etc. in a way that looks pretty cool and at least semi-stock appeals to me.

The way I'd thought about it would be you fabricate the binnacle out of whatever it is you use, but leave the front open. Have the whole dash top wrapped to clean things up. Then create a mounting plate for your gps and anything else you might like (eg. analogue clock, attitude indicator etc.) - attach a wood veneer to the front to match the rest of the car, mount the instruments to the plate, run the wiring and then insert the whole panel into the front of the binnacle (and make it easily removable for convenience).

Just wondering how feasible an idea would be. Have no real experience with this kind of thing, but wouldn't mind buying a second hand dash and having a go.

if your talking like a cubbie yes you could. you could make it look like a second gauge cluster hump

IEhttp://i7.tinypic.com/24xqvf7.jpg


but weather you would have the ability to secure it with hardware and have room to ghost the wiring in that already mess of a dash. but anything is possible with enough research and R&R, and personal ingenuity.

[Alpine 7even]

He would have to find a place that would not create a really bad blind spot.


Hey bud, I wouldn't mind borrowing them once you are done with them! I can take them to my interior guy to make a copy and send them back.

Sounds good. Pm me your info.

[sixfoot7]

Very impressive project you're working on. My ex-wife does reupholstering as a side hobby/job, and quite often doesn't get a pattern to work with, so I know what you're going through.

Question though, are you planning on making the leather weaker where the passenger airbag is? I noticed you were putting extra stitching there, and was wondering that it may hinder airbag deployment.

Good luck!

[Alpine 7even]

Very impressive project you're working on. My ex-wife does reupholstering as a side hobby/job, and quite often doesn't get a pattern to work with, so I know what you're going through.

Question though, are you planning on making the leather weaker where the passenger airbag is? I noticed you were putting extra stitching there, and was wondering that it may hinder airbag deployment.

Good luck!

It's just a top stitch on the air bag cover. Purely to follow the theme. it felt bare compared to the drivers side that has loads of the creme stitch. Thanks for the kind words!

[bimmernuwb]

Very impressive project you're working on. My ex-wife does reupholstering as a side hobby/job, and quite often doesn't get a pattern to work with, so I know what you're going through.

Question though, are you planning on making the leather weaker where the passenger airbag is? I noticed you were putting extra stitching there, and was wondering that it may hinder airbag deployment.

Good luck!

on these cars you can cover the air bag cover with whatever, does not matter how thick, due to the panel popping completely off when there as a crash. but the panel and the dash have to be wrapped separately due to that or your airbag will just make a pop noise and your passenger will inject a few teeth into the dashboard, and look like he or she got in a fight with the steering wheel

[Alpine 7even]

ok guys, here it is! the 95% finished product! no i will not be using the dark tan vents, and yes i know there are a couple wrinkles and imperfections toward the front stitch over the gauge cluster. Its because its not completely glued down. it will be sorted when the front pieces are stretched and glued in place. also im going to re due the airbag cover piece.

so first off here is a continuation of the process.
felt and dash glued. X2 coats each
http://imageshack.us/a/img10/5756/001bar.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img138/1898/003jzu.jpg
all put together and being trimmed out
http://imageshack.us/a/img18/5469/005jbl.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img607/9631/009wn.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img525/3327/011pxx.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img835/7363/013fa.jpg
Airbag cover
http://imageshack.us/a/img854/5996/015qlh.jpg
all glued together and the leather trimmed to accept the vents
http://imageshack.us/a/img196/7745/020nln.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img831/9028/022im.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img404/9232/024pxg.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img805/861/026cz.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img836/7606/028fjk.jpg

im really happy with it so far!! after acouple tweaks here and there and its a done deal. than it will go on the shelf for a while until my leather center console and lower driver side dash pieces are finished.

[bimmernuwb]

if your having issues with wrinkles in contoured areas, and its leather nothing a heat gun wouldnt fix with a couple of passes.

looks great so far. the only thing i would have suggested with the air bag cover is to start the stitches in the middle of your line on the cover not in the corner. makes it harder to make a curve as i can see what happened on your cover. if you were worried about overlapping stitches you could have done the last few by walking the sewing machine for the last couple of stitches, and on the final stitch you could have done the last 2 stitches a bit shorter in stroke so it would have matched without over lapping. please say you left about a foot of thread on the end of that stitch sense you didnt over lap your stitches, then you just glue the spare thread under the existing stitching so your stitches dont come loose.

BUT THAT LOOKS AWESOME if you dont do it as a job that is something even upholsters avoid doing. its one of the hardest things to do rite


brav-freakin-ooooooo

[BobsBimmer]

Great Job!!

[SEVEN40iL]

A+ effort!

You really do put in work!

[morepower71]

Wanna do mine? ill give you *thinks* $20? lol. Cant wait to see this in person at a future meet. :buttrock

[sigtwenty]

Kinda cool with the middle brown vents. Top ones black center ones brown. Kinda cool actually.

[Alpine 7even]

Thanks guys!!!

[7BREYTON]

Very cool project!!!
I had my B PILLARS covered in grey leather. The trick was to glue only small parts, when they dry do it again, step by step. Not glue the whole thing and press it. Only inch by inch.

[IcemanBHE]

Looks good. Not super fond of the white stitch...but good job so far. This isnt easy.

[Alpine 7even]

All done. Sorry for the picture quality, I'll take nice pics tomm.
http://imageshack.us/a/img210/1902/021hhr.jpg

At some point I'll fix the line on the air bag cover. But it's not going in the car for a while so its fine until than. Lol.


Looks good. Not super fond of the white stitch...but good job so far. This isnt easy.thanks man. The stitching is a champagnish color, not white.

[SEVEN40iL]

We need more pics!!! :D

[Cangelo629]

We need more pics!!! :D


Yes Lots More Pics.......:smoke1 Were their any trouble with air bubbles

[bimmernuwb]

looks awesome

[RSharma]

You have a lot of patience and diligence for this man. Your e38 interior will be the most customized here on the board. You truly have earned that title "King of e38 custom". Keep up the good work.

[Alpine 7even]

Thank you! I need to get better pictures up!

[armykyle1]

really nice work!

[Alpine 7even]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[DUDMD]

Looking good.
You want to fix a few little wear marks/rips near my headlight switch on my 750il?

[Alpine 7even]

Sure lol. Pics?

[bimmernuwb]

i has a question, did you use a household sewing machine? or an industrial?

[Alpine 7even]

House hold. I wish I had an industrial machine.

[kulgan]

I did a 5 year appreticeship in vehicle upholstery so I can appreciate the time and effort you've put into this.. Very cool..

[Alpine 7even]

Thank you! Ya it was tuff! Lol

Hey guys, here are some better pics.

http://imageshack.us/a/img545/6765/img0107vx.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img202/484/img0108cp.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img833/6933/img0109ism.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img94/424/img0110ys.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img248/3935/img0111vr.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img202/1064/img0112ipp.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img24/159/img0106cbg.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img255/319/img0104re.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img507/7678/img0102a.jpg
Heres a quick reference to what is in my car right now.
http://imageshack.us/a/img802/2996/img0113l.jpg

So ya. Couple things here and there but I've got aces ideas to fix them and others will be hidden when its on the car so I'm not too worried. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, and considering the tools I had to complete the project and the fact that it is my first one, I'm really proud of it! And again, thanks for all the great support fellas!!! It def helped!

[bimmernuwb]

dash looks great.

i would like to throw some caution to the home based sewing machine. with the concern of the stitching not being able to hold as well as industrial, so if you end up with some broken threads down the road that would be were i would put the fault on the machine, its not a seat so i dont see that being much of a problem it wont be a high traffic area. so i dont think the stitching issue will come up. on top of that its glued.

great job on that, ive wanted to do this to many of my cars for a long time, and only doing a few customer cars i think that turned out great, better than some others ive seen done by shops.

[Alpine 7even]

dash looks great.

i would like to throw some caution to the home based sewing machine. with the concern of the stitching not being able to hold as well as industrial, so if you end up with some broken threads down the road that would be were i would put the fault on the machine, its not a seat so i dont see that being much of a problem it wont be a high traffic area. so i dont think the stitching issue will come up. on top of that its glued.

great job on that, ive wanted to do this to many of my cars for a long time, and only doing a few customer cars i think that turned out great, better than some others ive seen done by shops.

Thanks man. I did think about the stitching potentially tearing apart so I using triple thick thread, top and bottom.

[TheLadiesMan]

The black leather would seem to be a little out of place, don't you think?

[Alpine 7even]

Black leather?

[bimmernuwb]

that doesnt look black that looks dark blue

[Alpine 7even]

^^^this.

[COOPERDB]

^^^^^^ This

[TheLadiesMan]

I need a new computer screen. :rofl

[Alpine 7even]

Lol

[SEVEN40iL]

For being done at home on the dining table, it looks fantastic!

:buttrock

[franco90]

love the E30 and nice interior

[Alpine 7even]

Thanks! The e30 is the other little project.

[igotbank]

Really nice work. I'm def jealous lol...wish I had the know how and patience.

[Alpine 7even]

Thanks man!! I def didn't think I'd have the patience!

[franco90]

Thanks! The e30 is the other little project.

More pics of the E30

[Alpine 7even]

anyone care if i throw up some e30 pics?

[SEVEN40iL]

Not at all, this is your thread

[Alpine 7even]

well you know, some other forums have an issue if you post a picture of a car that isnt the "forum car".

Alright ill throw some pics up later.

[SEVEN40iL]

Still BMW related. I don't see any harm

[Alpine 7even]

sweet. all my pics are upstairs, and im swapping my valve cover gasket, and install the rear AC BLOWER, but ill get them up tonight. theres alot of cool stuff on it. lol

[M I C H A E L]

Thank you! Ya it was tuff! Lol

Hey guys, here are some better pics.










Heres a quick reference to what is in my car right now.
http://imageshack.us/a/img802/2996/img0113l.jpg

So ya. Couple things here and there but I've got aces ideas to fix them and others will be hidden when its on the car so I'm not too worried. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, and considering the tools I had to complete the project and the fact that it is my first one, I'm really proud of it! And again, thanks for all the great support fellas!!! It def helped!


what did you do there with your trim is that vinyl wrap?

[Alpine 7even]

yup

[M I C H A E L]

Nice. I just may have to do that, but i might go with a titanium brushed color instead.

[bimmernuwb]

i like the hood emblem on the E30 i want one

[Alpine 7even]

thanks. i made it for the car. something to be alittle different. pics of the e30 in a few minutes.

here are afew pics of the e30. i snapped acouple in the garage since some things have changed (E34 Projector headlights with 4300k xenon upgrade, super sprint headers, E30 M3 12 o' clock gauge cluster, Tripod gauge pod i made for the aftermarket gauges, Homelink over the glove box, E36 325i rear bumper with the e36 m3 rear diffuser. enjoy.

recent:
http://imageshack.us/a/img715/599/56739510151327558896411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img442/9100/37452410151327559666411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img580/7421/63151101513275594264118.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img31/2532/30357101513275591664111.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img577/7296/53033410151327559281411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img268/6914/59379101513275598014111.jpg
Last Month
Tore into the old 325e engine and swapped in a 325i head, ECU and engine perf. chip, 325i engine harness, 325i intake manifold, 325i injectors a new 325i starter, 325i maf and ICV, ram air intake conversion and acouple other little run better/faster parts. and gave it a new look. now its a 327i lol
http://imageshack.us/a/img839/8043/20436810151232997896411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img259/8472/25865110151233001506411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img405/3377/46658410151233002181411.jpg
"new" exterior
http://imageshack.us/a/img402/5665/dscn1332dp.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img16/8079/dscn1336q.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img163/5198/dscn1333d.jpg
The day i got her. stripped her out to almost nothing and gave it a good clean. the whole interior was an old vinyl blue with rips everywhere and nothing worked, and i mean nothing!
http://imageshack.us/a/img267/2399/165ce.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img820/6466/166s.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img707/965/167un.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img203/127/232ok.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img255/9080/213qv.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img528/4301/212je.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img547/2923/211vg.jpg

Sorry i got alittle carried away. but who doesnt enjoy some build pics lol. Sorry ICE if this irritates you abit.

[bimmernuwb]

WHAAAA you mad that looks like the old school racing bmw jacket logos and stuff. how did you make that

[Alpine 7even]

WHAAAA you mad that looks like the old school racing bmw jacket logos and stuff. how did you make that

i have acouple more ill sell. $10 a piece?

[franco90]

i have acouple more ill sell. $10 a piece?

I buy one pm me ur paypal

[Chief Rocka]

Dash looks great! Nice job!

[Alpine 7even]

Dash looks great! Nice job!

Thanks man!!:D

[TxDarth]

Here is a pic of my old e21 - '83 320is. I found a Hartge front bumper from an e30 - actually an aftermarket fiberglass purchased from a dealer in Florida. I modified to fit the front of the e21...
http://i479.photobucket.com/albums/rr153/TxDarth/Car%20photos/e21%20320/40930020.jpg
http://i479.photobucket.com/albums/rr153/TxDarth/Car%20photos/e21%20320/40930014.jpg
Yeah, the //M badge was a little strange but the M3 was not here yet remember. I believe it was from an M6......

I also installed a modified baby six - purchased from Korman in South Carolina. He called it the Stage II - it was an eta block, 323 crank, rod and pistons - then used the 323 head reworked, Schrick cam and springs - polished lightened rockers. Fuel injection and and Stohl header. The engine showed 213 hp on their dyno - the original 4 cyclinder had 96 hp........

http://i479.photobucket.com/albums/rr153/TxDarth/Car%20photos/e21%20320/320eng4r-1.jpg
http://i479.photobucket.com/albums/rr153/TxDarth/Car%20photos/e21%20320/320eng1r-2.jpg

[Alpine 7even]

That's sweet! I had my e30 Dyno'd at 217HP 230 pound feet. I think the eta came with something like 132HP and 140 foot pounds or something. So not a bad increase for mostly stock parts.

[01740ISP]

Heres a quick reference to what is in my car right now.
http://imageshack.us/a/img802/2996/img0113l.jpg


Any part number for the door sills with the individual logo? It is quite rare to find them like that.
Dash is coming along nicely :-) Can't wait to see pictures of the interior done.

-Messan

[franco90]

Any part number for the door sills with the individual logo? It is quite rare to find them like that.
Dash is coming along nicely :-) Can't wait to see pictures of the interior done.

-Messan

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-OEM-E38-7-Series-1994-2001-Individual-Door-Sill-Tread-Plates-Long-Wheelbase-/200847446738?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ec370d2d2&vxp=mtr

[Alpine 7even]

Those are pricey!

[M I C H A E L]

way too expensive... sheesh

[TheLadiesMan]

Some beautiful classic Bimmers ITT :)

[01740ISP]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-OEM-E38-7-Series-1994-2001-Individual-Door-Sill-Tread-Plates-Long-Wheelbase-/200847446738?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ec370d2d2&vxp=mtr

:eek: that is insanely expensive.
At that price, it will be at the bottom of my list for a very very long time.

-Messan

[IcemanBHE]

I have an IL set of those....

[Cangelo629]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-OEM-E38-7-Series-1994-2001-Individual-Door-Sill-Tread-Plates-Long-Wheelbase-/200847446738?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ec370d2d2&vxp=mtr (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?campid=5335818596&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F711-53200-19255-0%2F1%3Fcampid%3D5335818596%26amp%3Btoolid%3D10001 %26amp%3Bmpre%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.com%25 2Fitm%252FBMW-OEM-E38-7-Series-1994-2001-Individual-Door-Sill-Tread-Plates-Long-Wheelbase-%252F200847446738%253Fpt%253DMotors_Car_Truck_Part s_Accessories%2526amp%253Bhash%253Ditem2ec370d2d2% 2526amp%253Bvxp%253Dmtr)

I just bought from the dealer 10/2/12 all 4 chrome sill plates. The 2 front sills were $81.14 each. Part # 51-47-8-212-153 (Left) and -154 for the (Right). Both back doors were $60.89 each 51-47-8-212-161 (Left) and -162 for the (Right). As far as I know they are still availible......I am still not sure if I am going to use them yet I have to get around to installing the chrome door lock buttons and the chrome sleeves along with the chrome ring speaker covers. It's A 01 740iL Orient Blue with Sandbeige Interior. :cyclona

[franco90]

I just bought from the dealer 10/2/12 all 4 chrome sill plates. The 2 front sills were $81.14 each. Part # 51-47-8-212-153 (Left) and -154 for the (Right). Both back doors were $60.89 each 51-47-8-212-161 (Left) and -162 for the (Right). As far as I know they are still availible......I am still not sure if I am going to use them yet I have to get around to installing the chrome door lock buttons and the chrome sleeves along with the chrome ring speaker covers. It's A 01 740iL Orient Blue with Sandbeige Interior. :cyclona
REALLY :evil2

[psjr]

REALLY :evil2

I think he's just talking about the chrome sills... the Individual sills run almost $600 from a dealer.

[Cangelo629]

I think he's just talking about the chrome sills... the Individual sills run almost $600 from a dealer.

Yes you are correct I went back up the paged and looked Mine are just the chrome ones with the BMW in the centers.....Sorry about that :nuts..........Those Do Look Sharp I Am Going To Check With My Parts Supplier Will See If And How Much They Are And report Back.........

[Alpine 7even]

Alright guys time to get my thread back on track here!! Talk about derailment! lol

So today i tore into my interior and got everything ready for a major interior installation upgrade!

-Leather dashboard with all of the Newer pieces and vents transfered over
-Modify the center console and attach the Rear AC blower unit, than wire it all up
-Install and wire up the front foot well lights
-Install and wire up the rear headrest motors
-Install the wiring for the rear reclining seats
-Weld on the rear reclining seat brackets
-Swap over the rear bench heated seat pads, all the wiring and button carriers
-Install the Pass thru ski bag
-Install and make the flush mount USB cord for the resler iBus Dongle.
-Than put everything back together and see if it all works lol.

Some Pics of everything but the rear seats layed out.

rear ac with the stock old vents (just vents) and the vents my car came with modded to fit and vinyl wrap added.
http://imageshack.us/a/img593/5661/043ir.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img20/8451/054po.jpg
had to cut the housing frame
http://imageshack.us/a/img823/2696/056xb.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img204/3889/058mnd.jpg
The interior taken apart.
http://imageshack.us/a/img545/9676/046ms.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img803/9320/075pn.jpg
All of the parts that have to go in.
http://imageshack.us/a/img195/4879/062ee.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img716/1793/064kcm.jpg
Factory leather airbag cover on the leather dash. the color is almost perfect!
http://imageshack.us/a/img854/4733/045sn.jpg
Blue vents in the leather dash. perfect color match in my opinion.
http://imageshack.us/a/img803/2135/073ka.jpg

Tomm. ill be pulling the front seats and my goal is to have the AC unit all wired in and tested as well as the center console modded to accept the AC housing.

stay tuned.

[TheLadiesMan]

http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/mother-of-god-meme.jpg

[MyronMHouse]

Don't wanna derail your thread again, but where can i find the front bumper cover you have on your e38?

[Alpine 7even]

Lol my garage

[SEVEN40iL]

Awesome :buttrock

[M I C H A E L]

bmw loves to make you take your entire car apart :)

[Alpine 7even]

Seriously!

[Cangelo629]

Lol my garage

How many front covers do ya have in the garage the front lower cover looks nice and clean............:eyebrows

Right Now My Finger Tips Are..........Well. uuuh uaahh..Numb (Another form of speechless) Looks like you are on the right trail I like the way you kept it organized........:)

[kouks]

You have waaaayyyy too much time on your hands. Every time I work on the car its a rush job due to the wife, kids, work, etc, etc. Like the pics of the front end taken apart, had that when I did my leather dash too. My wife saw it and about lost it. She thought I would never get it back together again. Secretly I wondered the same.

Nice work though...

[bimmernuwb]

cant wait to see it in

[Alpine 7even]

Just got everything wired up. But I have a request for 750 owners. Can you pull your rear bench off and take a pic for me. I have everything wired in but icant figure out how to place the air pump hose feed block that sits in the middle of the seats.

[psjr]

Just got everything wired up. But I have a request for 750 owners. Can you pull your rear bench off and take a pic for me. I have everything wired in but icant figure out how to place the air pump hose feed block that sits in the middle of the seats.


Did you look at the TIS pic? It is pretty bad but maybe it can help.
There is just the one bolt and it goes over the positive cable.

http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/images/1/00/34/13.gif

[DukeEllington]

Alpine, outstanding job! And very inspirational :)

[Alpine 7even]

Thanks man!!!

ok so here are some updates while my battery charges abit and than i go in for round 2 of running wires and testing (key on key off)

so i got the ac unit attatched to my factory console. SO NERVE RACKING!!!! its not like i can just go to a junk yard a find another champagne center structure! lol but i went super slow and it turned out great.
http://imageshack.us/a/img811/2958/picture683.jpg
there was a bit of a gap that i wasnt happy with, alittle leather glue and awesomeness later and you cant even tell.
http://imageshack.us/a/img441/7232/picture685y.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img577/8897/picture686s.jpg
I also wrapped the lower button mount in blue leather to match the carpet color.
http://imageshack.us/a/img20/3051/picture688x.jpg
heres the test fit. to make sure i mounted the motor in the correct place.
http://imageshack.us/a/img26/3033/picture692v.jpg
here are ALL of the wires run for: rear heated seats-rear auto headrests-rear reclining seats-rear ac unit
http://imageshack.us/a/img16/4139/picture691b.jpg
i lifted the carpet up to run the wires in the factory wire tunnel. this also gave me a chance to cleanly pull all of the old wires for the factory phone system.
Ialso installed one of these so i can quickly keep an eye on my battery since there are going to be alot more modules drawing power. im thinking about installing a second battery like the 750s.
http://imageshack.us/a/img202/826/picture694.jpg

well back to it!

its coming together!i gave the lower dash and center console pieces a good clean and re-coloring. finished up all the wiring and mounted the rear AC blower. cut out the buttons for the rear seat heaters. Wired in the front footwell light connections. and loosely fitted the dashboard and center console with the pass wood. looks really good!

http://imageshack.us/a/img441/4812/picture720x.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img87/5892/picture717e.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img402/9974/picture718n.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img163/2566/picture726j.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img521/1152/picture727.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img194/2203/picture729.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img545/8845/picture730.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img690/931/picture734f.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img441/4267/picture733x.jpg

Tomm. goal. finish trimming the dashboard-fix the leather on the cluster crown-mount the dashboard-mount the center console.

[bimmernuwb]

look great

[TheLadiesMan]

I can't tell you how much I love your former wood. If my car wasn't black, i would have done it over like that.

[Alpine 7even]

Wood without the wrap? Or with?

[TheLadiesMan]

I worded that completely wrong- I shouldnt post when I'm almost asleep. :D

How ever you have the wood now, I absolutely love it. I'd do it to mine if my interior wasn't black.

Sent from an addict's phone.

[SEVEN40iL]

Lovin' it!

Can't wait until it is fully buttoned up!

[Alpine 7even]

Same here! Hopefully tonight or tomm. It should be done.


I worded that completely wrong- I shouldnt post when I'm almost asleep. :D

How ever you have the wood now, I absolutely love it. I'd do it to mine if my interior wasn't black.

Sent from an addict's phone.

Ya it def set the interior off!

[Alpine 7even]

Ok guys. quick update: im on the home stretch now.

the rear seats are all back together in the car, everything works like a champ. i fixed the wrinkled area of leather on the dashboard. Put the entire center console back together and tested the rear AC blower with the main control panel up front and man let me tell. the thing works perfectly! Anyway. onto the pics.

The button carriers werent the right color so i covered them in mathcing leather. im thinking of doing my front seats carriers in leather as well. its so nice! lol
http://imageshack.us/a/img542/930/picture773f.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img62/3950/picture774e.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img22/5858/picture775a.jpg
Than mounted them in the seat after cutting the hole for each side. (another nerve racking event)
http://imageshack.us/a/img502/4329/picture776q.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img59/8256/picture777.jpg
than i fitted the seat with the original wiring loom from the 750 seat
http://imageshack.us/a/img843/2176/picture778b.jpg
here you can see i started pulling back the leather on the dash.
http://imageshack.us/a/img580/7662/picture779.jpg
i put 2 layers of felt underneath to smooth it out. worked very well and the dash is now something im truly proud of!
http://imageshack.us/a/img248/7302/picture784.jpg
here are some shots of the dash going back together, as well as the rear passenger area. Also got the resler USB dongle mounted up.
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/6118/picture786.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img208/1249/picture780n.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img41/6285/picture781g.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img341/1466/picture782e.jpg
My goal tomm. is to get everything buttoned up and the project finished so i can start on my new 740il.

[mgalvin1]

Outstanding workmanship !!

Sent from my HTC One XL using BF.com

[Alpine 7even]

Thanks Martin!

[TheLadiesMan]

Beautiful!

[SEVEN40iL]

:buttrock

[Alpine 7even]

It's finally done!!!!!
http://imageshack.us/a/img547/9799/71106710151338294246411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img233/3136/70300410151338291161411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img43/5448/56525410151338294116411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img72/1324/56559810151338293406411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img526/9508/56586010151338293516411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img195/8309/71110410151338294426411.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img29/1312/70236710151338294651411.jpg

[AlexDj]

Looks great man can't wait to see in person

[Alpine 7even]

thanks alex! it took awhile but it turned out the way i wanted!

[kulgan]

Dude, thats awesome. Your car is incredible.:buttrock

[01740ISP]

:drool:

-Messan

[Alpine 7even]

Thanks guys!! I wish u could see it in person!

[M I C H A E L]

looks great bro!! .. I like the rear ac/heat retrofit. Even though nobody sits in the back of my car. Still really neat.!!

[Alpine 7even]

here are some better pictures of the dashboard install. i fixed the airbag cover as it was the last piece to address. enjoy. these are the last pics. lol

a couple different angles.
http://imageshack.us/a/img11/1296/128ew.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img571/6686/130em.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img94/7814/131lse.jpg
Thru the windshield is a pretty cool shot.
http://imageshack.us/a/img24/1985/129ii.jpg

Thanks for all the great comments guys! I appreciate all the positive feedback!
Thanks Messan for all your help understanding the mess of wires as well as Fabian for the tips to getting a 95 750 dashboard into a 00 740!

[SEVEN40iL]

Looks great!

Now are you going to give the same treatment to the rear shelf? :devillook

[e30luv318i]

Holy awesommmmmmmmmmmmmmmme!

[740iSport303]

One of the very best looking interior transformations I have ever seen!! So you wanna come to the Bay Area and do mine too? ;)

[Alpine 7even]

Thanks guys!

[TheLadiesMan]

It must look even better in person. When are you coming to Florida? :D

[Alpine 7even]

Looks great!

Now are you going to give the same treatment to the rear shelf? :devillook

Good idea! So I figured I lay the leather on the rear shelf, because I had my suspicions that it might create a glare on the rear glass and it wasn't bad but it was def. there... So I think I'm gonna stuck with my shelf the way it is until I can fine an ultra suede in the same color.


It must look even better in person. When are you coming to Florida? :D

It's waaaaay better in person, my iPhone 5 camera is still a phone camera.

[TheLadiesMan]

It still looks amazing in the pics though

[Alpine 7even]

Thank you sir!

[SEVEN40iL]

Good idea! So I figured I lay the leather on the rear shelf, because I had my suspicions that it might create a glare on the rear glass and it wasn't bad but it was def. there... So I think I'm gonna stuck with my shelf the way it is until I can fine an ultra suede in the same color.

Interesting, didn't think there would be that much glare from leather...

[datmetzkid]

Wow a lot of great workk

Sent from my iPhone using BF.com

[Alpine 7even]

Thank you!!! I'm really glad everyone is so chuffed over the install! I love it more and more!

[franco90]

Ok guys. quick update: im on the home stretch now.

the rear seats are all back together in the car, everything works like a champ. i fixed the wrinkled area of leather on the dashboard. Put the entire center console back together and tested the rear AC blower with the main control panel up front and man let me tell. the thing works perfectly! Anyway. onto the pics.

The button carriers werent the right color so i covered them in mathcing leather. im thinking of doing my front seats carriers in leather as well. its so nice! lol
http://imageshack.us/a/img542/930/picture773f.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img62/3950/picture774e.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img22/5858/picture775a.jpg
Than mounted them in the seat after cutting the hole for each side. (another nerve racking event)
http://imageshack.us/a/img502/4329/picture776q.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img59/8256/picture777.jpg
than i fitted the seat with the original wiring loom from the 750 seat
http://imageshack.us/a/img843/2176/picture778b.jpg
here you can see i started pulling back the leather on the dash.
http://imageshack.us/a/img580/7662/picture779.jpg
i put 2 layers of felt underneath to smooth it out. worked very well and the dash is now something im truly proud of!
http://imageshack.us/a/img248/7302/picture784.jpg
here are some shots of the dash going back together, as well as the rear passenger area. Also got the resler USB dongle mounted up.
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/6118/picture786.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img208/1249/picture780n.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img41/6285/picture781g.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img341/1466/picture782e.jpg
My goal tomm. is to get everything buttoned up and the project finished so i can start on my new 740il.

Can you measure for me where to drill the wholes for the tables

[noobbiker]

Hey Apline,

I bought me an industrial walking foot machine, and plan on doing my dash and upper door panels. I was wondering if the stock dash comes with that 1/8th inch foam (felt as you call it) under the leather, or did you just add it as a personal touch.

Also, is there foam on the door tops, center console, and pretty much every plastic bit covered in leather??

[psjr]

Hey Apline,

I bought me an industrial walking foot machine, and plan on doing my dash and upper door panels. I was wondering if the stock dash comes with that 1/8th inch foam (felt as you call it) under the leather, or did you just add it as a personal touch.

Also, is there foam on the door tops, center console, and pretty much every plastic bit covered in leather??

Yes all of that is backed with foam but the leather is also extremely thin so you may get a similar thickness by using a regular leather without any extra foam.

[noobbiker]

Thank you sir!

[E38bimmer]

I have to wrap my jag tables now, the varnish on the is cracked man that was a great idea

[dville]

Pics still available?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alpine 7even]

What would you like to see?

[dville]

Pretty much all the pics from the beginning of the thread....:)

[Alpine 7even]

I have all of them on my Facebook page. Not sure why they're not showing up anymore on here

[jazigk]

Because the links from Facebook change after X amount of time. That breaks the link in this thread and images don't show. Because of that, I upload everything to Photobucket [any image host of your choice works, Photobucket is just easy for me and was popular at the time].

Pretty much, every image for every post needs to have the links edited... But I'd love to see a summary of the work at the least?

- - - Updated - - -

Facebook also demolishes the quality and sizes of a photo, image hosts don't.

[RVAE34]

I haven't been on FB in 6 years either. Some of us may despise it. Like me ;)

[Alpine 7even]

The photos weren't linked to my Facebook acct. I was simply saying I have all of them on Facebook. When I created this thread I was using imageshack (still using). Hence why I'm not sure why non of the links are currently working.

- - - Updated - - -

Here are some pics of how it currently looks.
588419
588421
588423
588424
I also modded the fax switch and turned it into a USB port for my resler ibus coding key.
588425

[Sabreslight]

Man that USB port is pretty awesome.

[Alpine 7even]

Man that USB port is pretty awesome.
Thanks

[M7952]

I love that shade of wood!

[Alpine 7even]

I love that shade of wood!
It goes really well with the rest of the interior! I got really lucky finding it!

[dville]

Very nice. Very, Very nice..

I just saw a pic of a guy in Florida with a silver shorty standing next to your 3 cars. Weird coincidence

[Alpine 7even]

Very nice. Very, Very nice..

I just saw a pic of a guy in Florida with a silver shorty standing next to your 3 cars. Weird coincidence
That's my buddy blue. He just bought that car from me afew weeks or so ago.

[lesguy]

I love that shade of wood!
thatswhatshesaid