Center console: cap or original

[Kingme2]

I see the same seller is selling a cap ($115) and an original replica ($335)...

Anyone had experience with the caps?? Picture seems to look pretty, but MUST be some difference (besides the glorious opportunity to spill an extra $200...)

[radiopilot]

Both my spiders had caps that were trashed after some years of use by the PO, they had cracks, didn't fit well and basically discolored after a while (tan ones). I basically removed the caps and recovered the consoles in leather. Not to say that the caps being sold aren't great or the replacement consoles aren't a good buy, I just wanted the original consoles recovered in the same leather as the rest of the interior.

Nick

[So Cal Mark]

the caps are very thin, and you can see part of the console underneath around the heater controls. I have fiberglass replacement consoles that are very sturdy for $175 plus shipping.

[azygoustoyou]

You got any pic's Mark of the consoles?

[Newell33]

Hi Mark

I'd like to see some pics as well.

Thanks,
Josh

[Kingme2]

lol... Mark, I'd like to see the pics as well...

Also, RadioPilot... about what did it cost to get them covered in leather? Saw a picture of one done up in leather and it was gorgeous... and I'm NOT afraid to copy other people's great ideas!!

[radiopilot]

Sure... it would be nice to see others do what I did, of course you'd want go to an upholsterer to do what I did unless you have the patience and skills/equipment (regular sewing machine won't sew layers of leather)... here is the site for the leather for that I used:

http://www.globalupholstery.com/mercedesleather.html

MB1880
Shell Nappa
1999-On

To make the lower console it would take 1/3 - 1/2 hide of leather because of the pattern, it could be made with less if you don't mind more seams, 1/2 hide is approx. 20 sq. feet and would cost approx. $120-150 for the best quality leather... Ebay has some good buys for leather but when doing the interior it's best to stick with a good quality supplier to get the color match for all the interior. You could use a naugahyde vinyl that would look very good and it's durable. Global upholstery has both, since I planned to show the car I wanted leather instead of vinyl.

Let us know which you plan to use and show pics of your progress.

Nick

[Kingme2]

RadioPilot, thx for the info.

Leaning ever so gently towards a leather wrap, including the seats. The price for the leather is certainly reasonable, compared to buying a whole new unit...

[Newell33]

I still haven't seen any fiberglass console pics, and don't see them on Mark's website. Anyone seen any pics yet?

Thanks,
Josh

[So Cal Mark]

sorry, haven't had a chance to take pics yet. Give me another day

[RJ80]

If your console cap is just dirty and marked up, you could use SEM ColorCoat to refinish. That's what I used to turn my dingy old tan console black. If you have cracks, chips, or pieces missing, you're probably better off with either Mark's console or a cap though! The paint won't cover up actual missing material...

[So Cal Mark]

Here are some pix of the fiberglass replacement console, installed in a car and also prior to installation. It's hard to see in the pics, but the surface has the look of vinyl. It's not smooth, and can be painted or left natural