Leather interior - repair or re-upholster?

[Maurice_el_Morris]

Hi there

Apologies if this subject has already been approached, but despite being an owner of a 1955 Morris Minor Saloon for 3 years now, but have only just become a member of the MMOC. Shocking I know.

Anyway my question (or questions are):

The leather seat on the driver's side is looking very shabby, with the leather now missing on the base cushion.

The rest of the leather in the car is in reasonably good condition and could probably clean up quite nicely.

Would having the entire leather replaced de-value the car in terms of it would no longer be original, or is this immaterial and would actually make the car look more desirable?

The same goes for replacement carpets.

It opting for new wouldn't detract from value or desirablility, can anyone recommend a good upholsterer? I would like the car to look as original as possible.

Many thanks

Scott

[rayofleamington]

Replacing all the leather would seriously dent your pocket and replacing half of it would not look good as it won't match.
If it was me I'd look for a second hand series II seat in good condition.

[Maurice_el_Morris]

Thank you for your reply.

Not that I am particularly flushed, but I am not too worried about cost, provided that the car looks good. My concern by changing the seats, is that although they would be one and the same and look identical, in the back of my mind I know she won't be original. (And I am 100% certain that the car has not been altered in anyway from the day she rolled off the production line).

I should add that I am not looking to restore the car with view to selling it, but to keep and use as long as possible (before baby forces sale as seems to be a common reason!).

Thanks again

Scott

[rayofleamington]

My concern by changing the seats, is that although they would be one and the same and look identical, in the back of my mind I know she won't be

Well you could just transfer the cover from the donor seat base to your own if you are really that worried. Other than that, there are not many choices to get a matching interior bar replacing the whole lot and making an unoriginal car

[TerryG]

Probably not quite the right thing but this is up for grabbs in the "parts for sale" section: http://www.morrisminoroc.co.uk/index.ph ... pic&t=6825

On a side note i just got a new newton commercial interior (all the door cards 2 new reclining front seats in leather and the parts to re-cover the rear seat) cost £1300!!! You need to be on good terms with your bank manager if you are thinking of goint the same route.

[Maurice_el_Morris]

Many thanks for all of your helpful responses.

Scott