romulus
11-01-2004, 09:32 AM
The Background:
After seeing “the Bean’s $14.99 leather parking break handle” I decide to do my own version and posted in the DYI section. I was really happy with it but later I realized that there were some flaws compared with the OEM version such as the stitches were on top instead from the bottom and there were some bulge in the folded ends. After several attempts in remaking the leather handle cover, I quickly ran out of leather that I first bought in the local auto part store. So, I turned to a local auto upholstery shop (they reworked my seats from my old Z) and got a much nicer and decent size scrap of leather free of charge.
The Deal:
After coming out with a new pattern and perfecting the leather working techniques (Thank God for the Internet!), I decided to give away and install 3 parking handle leather covers for RX8 owners (Sorry RX7 owners, I don’t have anything to go with to make the pattern). Yes, you read it right! FREE! I wish that I could make more but there was just enough leather for 3 more pieces.
The people interested will be picked randomly. You know, people’s name in a hat. So everyone interested will have a fair chance. Since the meet starts at 11:00 am, the draw will be taking place around 11:15 am. So plan to be on time. I only have black leather, but I have red, yellow and black threads. So at least I can sort of make the stitches to match your car’s paint. Sorry no blue, I had hard time finding the right shade of blue. The red and yellow threads are made out of cotton. Not sure what would be the long term durability. Black thread is nylon. Will let you decide.
What is the catch?
There is NO money involved, only a few conditions.
1) Willing to allow me to work on your cars :) It should take about 30 minutes per car.
2) To make it fair, I will work in the same sequence as the owner’s names were picked. So, clear your schedules just in case if you get picked. I really don’t want to a job in a hurry that most likely will come out crappy, nor can’t do it in another day. I will bring the pieces already prepped so that I can only concentrate in stitching.
3) Again, this is not OEM. I managed in getting rid most of the end bulging and this time the stitches are in the top (much easier to do). No gluing required for installation.
Reasons:
Because I got the scrap of leather for free despite that I was willing to pay for it. It will be appropriate to pass the kindness from the upholstery shop owner to the RX8club members. And, true labor of love. What else I can say? :D
So, see you at the OC meet at In-n-Out parking lot (Tustin mall) hopefully it won’t rain.
Picture 1 OEM leather cover from a member
Picture 2 Previous leather cover
Picture 3 New leather cover
Picture 4 Close up
Picture 5 Sample piece with red, yellow, and black stitches.
After seeing “the Bean’s $14.99 leather parking break handle” I decide to do my own version and posted in the DYI section. I was really happy with it but later I realized that there were some flaws compared with the OEM version such as the stitches were on top instead from the bottom and there were some bulge in the folded ends. After several attempts in remaking the leather handle cover, I quickly ran out of leather that I first bought in the local auto part store. So, I turned to a local auto upholstery shop (they reworked my seats from my old Z) and got a much nicer and decent size scrap of leather free of charge.
The Deal:
After coming out with a new pattern and perfecting the leather working techniques (Thank God for the Internet!), I decided to give away and install 3 parking handle leather covers for RX8 owners (Sorry RX7 owners, I don’t have anything to go with to make the pattern). Yes, you read it right! FREE! I wish that I could make more but there was just enough leather for 3 more pieces.
The people interested will be picked randomly. You know, people’s name in a hat. So everyone interested will have a fair chance. Since the meet starts at 11:00 am, the draw will be taking place around 11:15 am. So plan to be on time. I only have black leather, but I have red, yellow and black threads. So at least I can sort of make the stitches to match your car’s paint. Sorry no blue, I had hard time finding the right shade of blue. The red and yellow threads are made out of cotton. Not sure what would be the long term durability. Black thread is nylon. Will let you decide.
What is the catch?
There is NO money involved, only a few conditions.
1) Willing to allow me to work on your cars :) It should take about 30 minutes per car.
2) To make it fair, I will work in the same sequence as the owner’s names were picked. So, clear your schedules just in case if you get picked. I really don’t want to a job in a hurry that most likely will come out crappy, nor can’t do it in another day. I will bring the pieces already prepped so that I can only concentrate in stitching.
3) Again, this is not OEM. I managed in getting rid most of the end bulging and this time the stitches are in the top (much easier to do). No gluing required for installation.
Reasons:
Because I got the scrap of leather for free despite that I was willing to pay for it. It will be appropriate to pass the kindness from the upholstery shop owner to the RX8club members. And, true labor of love. What else I can say? :D
So, see you at the OC meet at In-n-Out parking lot (Tustin mall) hopefully it won’t rain.
Picture 1 OEM leather cover from a member
Picture 2 Previous leather cover
Picture 3 New leather cover
Picture 4 Close up
Picture 5 Sample piece with red, yellow, and black stitches.