Perforated leather RS door panels: "square" or "diamond" pattern?
08-10-2012, 09:07 AM
#16
Drifting
Thread Starter
Thanks for all of the tips, fellas. I actually forgot about the basketweave pattern, interesting how similar it appears. I thnk I've decided to go with the 90 degree, square orientation.
08-17-2012, 07:54 PM
#17
Drifting
Thread Starter
Photos of a few completed panels!
Update: I was able to cover a few panels in the perforated leather today after a bit of prep work. I am pumped about the results!
After making the patterns, I stapled them to plywood and placed it in direct sunlight for a couple of hours:
After about two hours, I stuck it in the shade and immediately slathered it with Surflex Soffener while the pores were open. It is buttery soft.
Aligning the pattern--a quite detailed process that is near-impossible to get perfect. Here, I scribed a line on the underlying fabric at the exact point where the window sill trim contacts the cards (I'll call these rear quarter panel pieces "cards") to ensure I would not split the pattern incorrectly with the sill trim, and also for a baseline to match the left and right cards.
I was able to glue half down, ensuring alignment with the straight edge, then glue the other side after having secured the first half of the panel. The rear quarter cards are now complete:
I managed to complete the two door sill tops as well in Can Can, quite pleased with the result and I'll post up more pics in the main thread I intend to start (detailing the whole build) once I get the opportunity to execute it how I would like--I'm a bit of a perfectionist which inhibits me from starting things at times. Too many projects.
Anyway, back to the subject: I had not yet had an opportunity to put two completed panels, one Can Can and one with the perforated leather, together to see how it will look installed in the car. Obviously, these are not the two panels that go together, but it gives the look anyway. I'm ecstatic with the results; it's fuel to finish the damn car!
Different lighting situations really seem to affect my camera's ability to capture the Can Can accurately (as with any cameras and vivid reds); this isn't a perfect representation but it gives you a good idea:
The lower portion of the rear deck is halfway done, but I'm having quite the time aligning the pattern on such a large panel. Had to take a break and post up. I'm saving the RS panels for last, as with the upper dash, as I'm scared to screw them up! At least I will have my skills polished for the hardest pieces.
After making the patterns, I stapled them to plywood and placed it in direct sunlight for a couple of hours:
After about two hours, I stuck it in the shade and immediately slathered it with Surflex Soffener while the pores were open. It is buttery soft.
Aligning the pattern--a quite detailed process that is near-impossible to get perfect. Here, I scribed a line on the underlying fabric at the exact point where the window sill trim contacts the cards (I'll call these rear quarter panel pieces "cards") to ensure I would not split the pattern incorrectly with the sill trim, and also for a baseline to match the left and right cards.
I was able to glue half down, ensuring alignment with the straight edge, then glue the other side after having secured the first half of the panel. The rear quarter cards are now complete:
I managed to complete the two door sill tops as well in Can Can, quite pleased with the result and I'll post up more pics in the main thread I intend to start (detailing the whole build) once I get the opportunity to execute it how I would like--I'm a bit of a perfectionist which inhibits me from starting things at times. Too many projects.
Anyway, back to the subject: I had not yet had an opportunity to put two completed panels, one Can Can and one with the perforated leather, together to see how it will look installed in the car. Obviously, these are not the two panels that go together, but it gives the look anyway. I'm ecstatic with the results; it's fuel to finish the damn car!
Different lighting situations really seem to affect my camera's ability to capture the Can Can accurately (as with any cameras and vivid reds); this isn't a perfect representation but it gives you a good idea:
The lower portion of the rear deck is halfway done, but I'm having quite the time aligning the pattern on such a large panel. Had to take a break and post up. I'm saving the RS panels for last, as with the upper dash, as I'm scared to screw them up! At least I will have my skills polished for the hardest pieces.
08-17-2012, 08:23 PM
#19
Drifting
Thread Starter
Thanks. Of all places, eBay. No chance in hell I would be able to afford a hide of that size other than at closeout prices, so I kept my eyes peeled on eBay for weeks to find the right hide. I think I paid about 110 bucks for the whole thing, and it's enough to cover all of the panels mentioned above and the headliner (not a full headliner going back in the car, so the piece is smaller).
08-17-2012, 11:06 PM
#21
Drifting
Thread Starter
Thanks Jakob! It's going to surprise some folks; I've kept my cards close to my chest while I have been working, but it's about time to get some more photos out there. It started out as an interior makeover and has morphed into a quite extreme resto-mod.
03-06-2015, 10:58 AM
#25
hey Benton,
I love the photos you have of your can can interior and perforated leather. Im planning to do the same... except grey instead of can can. Do you have any more photos of the interior ? It is inspiring to say the least. I was even thinking of basketweave.
I love the photos you have of your can can interior and perforated leather. Im planning to do the same... except grey instead of can can. Do you have any more photos of the interior ? It is inspiring to say the least. I was even thinking of basketweave.
