The 'E' Type Forum

I’m restoring an early 1961 Roadster chassis 850166. I now have to make a decision on the interior trim. I was going to buy a complete kit and get a coach trimmer to carry out the work. I am getting some differing reports about the kits and was wondering what experience other members have had with kits.
I have samples from all the various company’s and I’ve chosen bright red leather. The car was originally Opalescent Silver Grey with a red interior. Has anybody had success with the kits or do you have to let a coach trimmer carry out the entire job, obviously more money but can a good coach trimmer work with a kit.

Depends on your trimmer.....you want one thats got experiance with early car seats....then ask them whose "kit" they prefer or do they prefer to make their own....if you try to cut corners it probably won't end well....Steve...ps..I have trimmed S2 cars with kits from Ardridge with great results.....the early seats are more difficult....dont think I would try to trim them....everything else is doable diy in my opinion

I've done both.

I used a kit from Aldridge on my OTS and got our (very E Type experienced) trimmer to fit it. It was very good.

I have also had him do my 3.8 FHC car from scratch, and it is just as good. He did all of the trimming for us when we were doing restos for customers.

For me I was primarily swayed by cost. When I did the OTS the Aussie dollar was very strong and it was significantly cheaper to buy the kit. Years later with the FHC the dollar had dropped by around 40% and using a kit would have been a lot more expensive.

I think that if you're going to get a car trimmed from scratch you need to go with a trimmer who regardless of other experience has done E Types before. If you are in the UK then Aldridge would actually be a good choice.

WRT to DIY, unless you have trimming experience I would pay the extra and get it done professionally. Your early car is always going to be worth a premium and a couple of grand extra now guarantees you don't have trimming flaws that draw the eye.

Wow, 850166, that's an early bird!
Could we have pictures of that one and of its restoration?
And like others here, for such a valuable car, I would pay the premium of a good trimmer.

Thank you for your replies much appreciated. As I’m new to this forum I’ve got to work out what I’m posting but I have some great photos which I will post later. I’m meeting Ian Howe tomorrow which I’m looking forward to as he’s got so
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If the photo comes out this is before I started the restoration.

Went to see Ian Howe and a couple of his cars today, I have much to learn about my restoration. Great help with my interior trim decision, not quite there yet but a great help, a coach trimmer will definitely be involved.
Classic and Sports Cars Essex are carrying out the restoration, I’m working with Jason there on what we restore and what has to be renewed.
Steve

Consider BAS in Wales, I thought they were excellent and would go there again. Much of what is in other trimmers’ kit actually comes from BAS …….