Have any of you run into problems with the stitching in the seats getting dry rotted? When I drive the car in through the summer (typically store it between November and April), I leave the top down pretty much everywhere I go. Now the seam where the seats are stitched together is falling out, separating the leather from the front and side. This is happening to both front seats.

I'm wondering how much this would (or should) cost to fix at an upholstery shop - or if I'm better off just getting some seat covers and calling it a day?

 

I'd be worried about the side impact airbags with a seat cover. would they be able to go off properly if they needed to?

 

Wonder if the stitching got cut...dry rot implies a non-syenthic fiber is used...unlikely...
An car interior shop could restitch it for you with the correct stitch type if the seats are in good shape....they know the RIGHT stitch type to allow the airbags to deploy right....

 

I thought I'd take a couple pictures - here's what I can tell, the leather on both sides is still in tact. I can also see pieces of the stitching (can't see how it would get cut here).

This is the drivers side - which has fully separated.


And the passenger side - which has just started.


I bought this car in 2006 with 6000 miles on the ODO - and it hasn't seen much of the elements, as it's a summer driver only.

 

there ARE seat covers made for our seats - they have the necessary opening for the airbags


here's a 'loose fit' option .... relatively low cost
http://new.minimania.com/part/G2NMI4...Mini-Cooper--S


These guys will custom make anything you want from plain to fancy
http://www.coverking.com/custom-seat-covers.html




If me, I'd like to save the leather look and feel so I would visit an upholstery shop or two and get a price to repair ... they can re-stitch this for sure, and may also be able to get a new OE seat cover if you want.


IMO the concern with just slapping a seat cover over the top is the seams will continue to open, then the foam is gonna start shifting around . . . on the other hand when the cloth seats on my Miata started showing wear at 8 years I put on a set of well made covers and was very happy with the result and now, after 2 more sets of covers the seats underneath are still intact as the car approaches 20. But this was done B4 any seams let go and as stated they are still tight so slightly different situation


btw, long time rag top owner here ... IMO


"When I drive the car in through the summer (typically store it between November and April), I leave the top down pretty much everywhere I go"


I'm reading you leave it parked with the top down too and if so, this is what's hurting you ... that exposure to the sun and maybe a wee bit of moisture at times? Putting the top up when parked in the sun DOES afford some protection to the interior . . .


and P.S.2 having had a GEN1 and a GEN2, both with leather I WILL say that the quality of the leather in my GEN2 was a leap beyond what I experienced in my GEN1. I had the Lapis interior in my 2002 and it showed serious wear after 2 years at certain rub points. After 5 years my 07, with a lighter color leather had only 1 small wear patch and that was from a hand rub habit! (the leather in my current ride is better quality yet but those seats are Recaro ;-) )


< is this on the driver's seat only? Are you a BIG DOG? Not pointing fingers ... just asking>

 

I can see some possible sun damage. If I'm parked in the lot (or at work) I leave the top down - the car is not in the rain too often (not with the top down anyway).

Yeah...not a big dog either - but not small. 220 - 6ft. My wife drives it a bit too...5'7 130. But, I do take my dog where I go.