If someone were to design the ultimate torture scenario for me. It would be forcing me to reupholster seats for the rest of my life. Cool to watch all the little steps and struggles that go into something like that. Nice Job
Yep. Almost perfect! Just the new S55 Engine to put in her with the rear end and trans and she'll be all done. Noooo she's perfect as she is and she'll the envy of many a BMW enthusiast for sure. I know I'm sure thinking you've got a real awesome machine! Thanks for the great content again!
Time and money well spent. I love the E30 and hope to get another one, this time a convertible! Great work, admire your patience and appreciate your explanations. Thank you.
I've had great success spraying the tan headliner that's found on almost all e30's, even the factory black interior. Using the same type of vinyl paint that you used for those seat backs, think about it, it's not much work but the results are spectacular, it really brings in the whole black on black theme!
Excellent series. Going to be sad to see it go. I appreciate your passion for putting your money on fixing things and restoring things over getting a m52 or s52 or something and making it fast first. With that being said-- you should keep this series going by going the engine swap route. Your style of video making plus the subject would be awesome.
Pro tip. If you really want to fix the foam take it to a local upholstery shop or see if they will steam the foam for you. The steamer just has an element that steams up the base which pushes steam through a vacuum like head. Pressing it up to the squished old foam forces steam into the foam and it puffs up instantly. You just need to let it sit out and the thin plastic you see is just there to make slipping on thee new cover easier. It essentially reduces friction from the cover on the foam letting it slide on.
Dang! One man’s poison is another man’s treasure! I’m trying to get my e30 interior from black to brown, and will have to buy tan interior and paint to brown.
Must say, a very nice renovation All in all a job very well done, I have 3 old 2002:s. One super nice e21 a conv e30 with sport seats LSD. One 2000ca 1968 do I have quite a few BMW. Again nice to follow these vids. HAKAN in Sweden
leather coats are like $30 at a thrift store. leather is everywhere. a pair women's boots are also a good source of leather for steering wheels and shift boots.
Love the car man i have an 88 325is coupe. I saw your video talking about the fuel pressure regulator and by the looks of it its not a bosch and may be an off brand. I put one on my car and after only a few months it started spraying fuel from the center pinch weld and i was stranded so i would recommend replacing it with a Bosch which is what i did and it been 2 years now and i have not had a problem. Just thought i would give you a heads up. Love the videos as well i have had to do almost everything you have so dont feel too bad about your neglected e30
I'd probably check the local junkyards, they'll have 4Runners and Tacomas in there I'm sure. Also look on Craigslist in the auto parts section. Good luck!
Thanks David. I really should have defined an ultimate goal for this car. Originally I just wanted to repair the important mechanical stuff and drive it. I still want to drive it, but now I want it to look decent too. It's a slippery slope, these projects.
brilliant job! those seats look great, they are next on my list. Awesome steering wheel too (have the same one :) ). I think you just need the old skool mushroom gearstick and it's perfect. :-)
That was there originally so I just left it. The seats had been recovered at some point in the past so the upholstery shop must have added it. I think it helped add more thickness to the bolster since the original foam had compressed some.
@@PracticalEnthusiast thanks, rebuilding mine and i guess someone recovered them already but mickey moused everything. now i see why everything was so loose.
Great work! I’m trying to figure out what to do about VW Mk7 GTI seats. I find the plaid to be very ugly! I’m thinking of replacing the plaid areas w either fabric or maybe leather. Depending what looks better.
@@PracticalEnthusiast ohhh okay, it looked like the little teeth fasteners you use for a medical treatment lol but cool boss, I was looking at them but was unsure how the stayed down!
I don't own the car anymore, but I don't see why the covers wouldn't have held up. The quality was great. I knew the seats came out of an E30, so I simply ordered E30 sport seat covers from L Seat.
I was gonna shit talk you for using seat covers, but honestly, I wouldn't call these 'seat covers' in the cheap sense, you basically did a full on seat leather installation involving the hog rings and all..... Big difference. That was not a simple slip on cover and velcro-crap job. Very nicely done!
Just a query. The new seats have a lever on the side to tilt them forward, is this because they were originally from a two door car ? Also the tilt lever on the passenger side is on the left side, I guess it should be on the outside so it is accessible when you open the door, but why is it in the centre of the car ?
Hi, we are wondering how are the seats holding up after a year+? We want to do the same thing to our e30. But we are really shopping around to get the right covers, your input will be highly appreciated :)
@@PracticalEnthusiast If you're aware of the tan backseat for the convertible let me know! My bottom seat is in real rough shape and I'm having trouble finding anything that's in decent condition or less than $500 lol
@@davidcover9591 I don't have any leads on one of those, but you should check out lseat's website. They offer new leather covers for the convertible back seat. I think they're $299 as well, not a bad deal.
For the vinyl/fabric spray you use, did you go gloss or flat black? I'm going to do the same thing as you and want to make sure it matches as best as possible
Hi Great video ! Is this real leather or faux leather ? because i looked for covers like those here in europe but the price for real leather covers is around 2000€ compare to 800€ for faux leather covers (front and rear seats of course). Anyway the final result is great, is it still fine now two years later ?
Would you sell me a pair of the detent springs from the unused sports seats? These are the Springs that hold and release the seat position dogs. thx and fantastic work. I am restoring my 1980 323i
I knew the seats were "Sport Seats", but I wasn't sure if they were from a coupe, sedan or a convertible. Usually the convertible seats are in worse condition because the top ends up leaking which translates into the seats getting rusty.
Build is amazing and the videos are great. I know editing is a nightmare but if possible, please could you use less time lapse. Like maybe for repetitive tasks, you show one part fully in detail and then time lapse the rest.
Hi, we love your video. With your permission, we'd like to post this on our social media pages and credit your account. Please feel free to contact us at divya[dot]rawlani[at]ntdtv[dot]org Thank you.
Umma keep it real witchu chief.... they look like they were upholstered by Stevie Wonder. There are things you shouldn't cheap out on. Take it to a professional upholstery shop.
Instead of spending ~$2k on new seats, this video inspired me to go and get some craigslist seats and order the LSeat kit
This build is top notch. Love your music choices.
Thank you!
You did an excellent job with a set of difficult seats. Look at that beautiful interior now!
Thank you!
Came here for the upholstery. Liked for the restored steering wheel
If someone were to design the ultimate torture scenario for me. It would be forcing me to reupholster seats for the rest of my life. Cool to watch all the little steps and struggles that go into something like that. Nice Job
Agreed. Huge respect to those that can do this every day. It's exhausting!
Cars looking mint the sport seats really set off the car
Thank you! It feels so much better to drive too.
Done this myself once with reclaimed covers from a couple different junkyard seat seats, it's a fun project in my opinion.
awakennomore very rewarding, too!
Yep. Almost perfect! Just the new S55 Engine to put in her with the rear end and trans and she'll be all done. Noooo she's perfect as she is and she'll the envy of many a BMW enthusiast for sure. I know I'm sure thinking you've got a real awesome machine! Thanks for the great content again!
Thank you! That would make for a sweet machine.
Good job,boys! Like from Ukraine ❤
If you’re reading this please do an update on how the “leather” has held up! Planning on picking a set up but deciding between German vinyl and that.
Beautiful job.!👍😁
Looks awesome!
great job 👍
Time and money well spent. I love the E30 and hope to get another one, this time a convertible!
Great work, admire your patience and appreciate your explanations. Thank you.
Very nice.
I've had great success spraying the tan headliner that's found on almost all e30's, even the factory black interior. Using the same type of vinyl paint that you used for those seat backs, think about it, it's not much work but the results are spectacular, it really brings in the whole black on black theme!
And then I'd just have to do the carpet as well!
Excellent series. Going to be sad to see it go. I appreciate your passion for putting your money on fixing things and restoring things over getting a m52 or s52 or something and making it fast first. With that being said-- you should keep this series going by going the engine swap route. Your style of video making plus the subject would be awesome.
Thanks! I'd love to do some sort of swap, but the current budget doesn't allow for it :/
Fantastic job. I think I might go with l seat covers for my s4 with torn lower cushions.
Nice job! excited to see what comes next
Fantastic!!! Keep up the great work.
Wow turned out amazing! Well done mate, love your work
Thank you!
Pro tip. If you really want to fix the foam take it to a local upholstery shop or see if they will steam the foam for you. The steamer just has an element that steams up the base which pushes steam through a vacuum like head. Pressing it up to the squished old foam forces steam into the foam and it puffs up instantly. You just need to let it sit out and the thin plastic you see is just there to make slipping on thee new cover easier. It essentially reduces friction from the cover on the foam letting it slide on.
Dang! One man’s poison is another man’s treasure! I’m trying to get my e30 interior from black to brown, and will have to buy tan interior and paint to brown.
Rad, I’m about to do e21 recaros. Nice work
That interior looks soo good! I did something similar with my E30, but yours looks way better. Great job man.
Thank you!
can't wait for this to be perfect
Looks fantastic mate!
nice work
Must say, a very nice renovation All in all a job very well done,
I have 3 old 2002:s. One super nice e21 a conv e30 with sport seats LSD.
One 2000ca 1968 do I have quite a few BMW.
Again nice to follow these vids.
HAKAN in Sweden
I could see you would need a lot of patience's for this task, great video approach and love the outcome.
Definitely deserve more subscribers
Amazing Job!
Never clicked so fast
leather coats are like $30 at a thrift store. leather is everywhere. a pair women's boots are also a good source of leather for steering wheels and shift boots.
That's a great source of leather! Although in this case, the challenge is finding an 8" x 50" uniform strip of leather.
Awesome video man!! I might have to do this to my E30 as well. I’ll definitely check out they’re website.
good job! :) as always :)
It’s looking swell man, top job! 👌🏻
Love the car man i have an 88 325is coupe. I saw your video talking about the fuel pressure regulator and by the looks of it its not a bosch and may be an off brand. I put one on my car and after only a few months it started spraying fuel from the center pinch weld and i was stranded so i would recommend replacing it with a Bosch which is what i did and it been 2 years now and i have not had a problem. Just thought i would give you a heads up. Love the videos as well i have had to do almost everything you have so dont feel too bad about your neglected e30
Thanks for the info on the fuel pressure regulator. I'll be keeping an eye on it.
Great works ! Are there two different types of seat back frame ?
How long did it take you to re-cover each seat?
Thanks for your vids p.e. I need a good frount seat for my 2008 tacoma were should I look?
I'd probably check the local junkyards, they'll have 4Runners and Tacomas in there I'm sure. Also look on Craigslist in the auto parts section. Good luck!
Fantastic work, Peter. That steering wheel is a great first effort. This car is a showpiece. Curious as to what the final goal is.
Thanks David. I really should have defined an ultimate goal for this car. Originally I just wanted to repair the important mechanical stuff and drive it. I still want to drive it, but now I want it to look decent too. It's a slippery slope, these projects.
looks great, but for the love of God, please, PLEASE put on some original e30 OEM rims!
Not a fan of the Koseis? I thought they looked nice! And they're very light.
@@PracticalEnthusiast those wheels look great. id keep them
brilliant job! those seats look great, they are next on my list. Awesome steering wheel too (have the same one :) ). I think you just need the old skool mushroom gearstick and it's perfect. :-)
Where can you get replacement foam if the existing foam is deteriorated?
You can pick them up on ECS Tuning or FCP Euro.
Great job! It makes me want to redo my seats as well. Would you consider parting out your broken sport seats?
Thank you! I have the broken seats listed locally (Kansas City area) on Craigslist - $60 for everything. I don't really want to ship anything though.
Emblem on steering wheel (23:07)... where did you get a replacement?
You can get them from a lot of places online. The BMW part number is 32331155957 and they run around $25.
Is there an lseat type option for the door panels so the materials match?
Do you have a DIY instruction doc for this? I have an 88 comin in that needs this level of TLC :). Thanks and love your vids
Driving your awesome Project E30 to the E30 Picnic in June would make a great video. Come and join us!!!
I would love to but I don't think I could get the time off.
Would you consider an update video? I’d love to hear about your driving impressions with the new Bilstein & H&R combo now that it’s been a year.
Sorry - I've sold the car. I don't doubt the suspension is holding up well for the new owner though and is still enjoyable to drive.
at 5:14 what is the white cloth over the seat foam? and why did you put it on?
That was there originally so I just left it. The seats had been recovered at some point in the past so the upholstery shop must have added it. I think it helped add more thickness to the bolster since the original foam had compressed some.
@@PracticalEnthusiast thanks, rebuilding mine and i guess someone recovered them already but mickey moused everything. now i see why everything was so loose.
Great work!
I’m trying to figure out what to do about VW Mk7 GTI seats.
I find the plaid to be very ugly!
I’m thinking of replacing the plaid areas w either fabric or maybe leather. Depending what looks better.
Is there also going to be a video purely with you driving the car? would be cool! awesome work man!
I'll have to look around found some camera mounts. A driving video would be good.
Practical Enthusiast awesome!
Hey there - can you confirm what colour is the seat material? Is it charcoal black or dim grey?
It's charcoal black.
Hey there, did you think in sell the others fabric sports seats ?
How does the material stay down? Like hooks?
Yep, everything is secured with hog rings which are like clamps you bend into place.
@@PracticalEnthusiast ohhh okay, it looked like the little teeth fasteners you use for a medical treatment lol but cool boss, I was looking at them but was unsure how the stayed down!
If you had no idea what car the seats came out of, how did you order the seat covers that fit? How have the Lseat covers held up over three years?
I don't own the car anymore, but I don't see why the covers wouldn't have held up. The quality was great. I knew the seats came out of an E30, so I simply ordered E30 sport seat covers from L Seat.
I was gonna shit talk you for using seat covers, but honestly, I wouldn't call these 'seat covers' in the cheap sense, you basically did a full on seat leather installation involving the hog rings and all..... Big difference. That was not a simple slip on cover and velcro-crap job. Very nicely done!
I've been trying to figure out what you'd call these if not covers. I agree, "cover" does give the sense of some nasty slip over Velcro-type stuff.
Practical Enthusiast you basically did a full on seat reupholstery using prefabricated leather panels.
Very nice work. Do you have a lot of upholstery experience?
Thank you - no, not much experience at all. It's time consuming and tedious but DIY-able without the need for special tools.
Would you recommend steaming the foam to give it more body prior to applying to upholstery?
I haven't tried that before so I can't comment on the benefit of steaming the foam. I'm sure the answer is out there though!
@@PracticalEnthusiast indeed it does! Seems to bring a ring of life back to it. Thanks for the reply.
Came for the seats, stayed for the music.
Awesome Job! Btw. could you please tell me what the Rims on the car are called?
Thanks! They're called Kosei K1, but were also sold under the name Buddy Club P1.
Just a query.
The new seats have a lever on the side to tilt them forward, is this because they were originally from a two door car ?
Also the tilt lever on the passenger side is on the left side, I guess it should be on the outside so it is accessible when you open the door, but why is it in the centre of the car ?
I don't know why the handles are where they are. But, I can tell you these seats were originally from a convertible.
@@PracticalEnthusiast Thanks mate. What happened to 325i. I didn’t see any mention of it ?
Looks fantastic. Great job.
Door cards next?
Thanks! The door cards are in good shape so I'll probably leave them alone.
Hi, we are wondering how are the seats holding up after a year+? We want to do the same thing to our e30. But we are really shopping around to get the right covers, your input will be highly appreciated :)
I sold the car, but I have no doubt they are still holding up great. The leather and stitching was very nice quality.
@@PracticalEnthusiast oh man, sad to hear that. But better things have come your way I see. Thank you for sharing
How much were those sport seats? Those are in surprisingly good condition
They were $200. A good deal for seats with good foam.
@@PracticalEnthusiast If you're aware of the tan backseat for the convertible let me know! My bottom seat is in real rough shape and I'm having trouble finding anything that's in decent condition or less than $500 lol
@@davidcover9591 I don't have any leads on one of those, but you should check out lseat's website. They offer new leather covers for the convertible back seat. I think they're $299 as well, not a bad deal.
For the vinyl/fabric spray you use, did you go gloss or flat black? I'm going to do the same thing as you and want to make sure it matches as best as possible
I used a satin black but it came out more like gloss black. I think it matched well.
Excellent attention to detail! Where did you get the ambient music from? I dig it!
Thanks! It's all pulled from the TH-cam Audio library.
You have motivated my to get my E30 back on the road. Thank you
Where did you get that stubby antenna?
Rod b
That's good to hear! Are you talking about the radio antenna? It's an electric antenna that is fully retracted.
Hi Great video ! Is this real leather or faux leather ? because i looked for covers like those here in europe but the price for real leather covers is around 2000€ compare to 800€ for faux leather covers (front and rear seats of course). Anyway the final result is great, is it still fine now two years later ?
Would you sell me a pair of the detent springs from the unused sports seats? These are the Springs that hold and release the seat position dogs. thx and fantastic work. I am restoring my 1980 323i
Joel send me an email and a picture of the spring you need. I'll see what I can work out.
👌👌👌
I saw a comment down that you sold the car but do you happen to remember the lseat color you chose?
These are the "Charcoal Black" color.
the price is 349$ now....
This covers is looking sick (((
Like new.
Nice job! I'm be afraid to take on recovering sport seats, especially in leather. Also, get some smaller gloves- those look huge on you :)
There's a reason for the oversized gloves - it's so I can actually put them on when my hands are sweaty.
So did u guess the seat covers would fit ??
Since u didn’t know where the seats came from . Unless I misunderstood.
I knew the seats were "Sport Seats", but I wasn't sure if they were from a coupe, sedan or a convertible. Usually the convertible seats are in worse condition because the top ends up leaking which translates into the seats getting rusty.
Build is amazing and the videos are great. I know editing is a nightmare but if possible, please could you use less time lapse. Like maybe for repetitive tasks, you show one part fully in detail and then time lapse the rest.
I believe those are convertible seats
They’re either from a facelift convertible or a e30 m3 due to the horizontal stitching.
She say : Do you know, what is the real sex? He say: Of course, Im BMW E30 owner! Nice job.
Thanks!
The problem with doing swat covers this way is the cushion is all dry and compacted and you can’t get new ones. The seats look better but sit poorly.
It would have been nice to see the steps in real-time but this was just too fast.
Yeah, I was thinking exactly the same thing. What's the point of an instructional video if you're going to do it this fast?
Hi, we love your video. With your permission, we'd like to post this on our social media pages and credit your account. Please feel free to contact us at divya[dot]rawlani[at]ntdtv[dot]org
Thank you.
Upcoming Z content ?
dont throw away your tan covers. sale them i bet someone will buy them
I've got them listed, so we'll see!
watched few different videos, does no one have a damn table or a bench to work on ? save your back lol
Umma keep it real witchu chief.... they look like they were upholstered by Stevie Wonder. There are things you shouldn't cheap out on. Take it to a professional upholstery shop.
Looks good enough for a project car as a hobby. Unless you're going for factory concourse restoration why waste the big bucks on it