Mk1 Golf GTI Seats

Sometimes we just like to do things the way Volkswagen intended, so it was great when we were brought some very grubby Mk1 Golf GTI seats to do just that.

Mk1 Golf Cabriolet Seats In Leather

Mk1 Golf seem to be like buses. We can't remember the last time we worked on one and then we do 2 within a matter of weeks.

First up are the seats from a Mk1 Cabriolet. As well as trimming all the seats and panels in burgundy leather, we modifed the faux rear split seat to look like a single bench, and had to do lots of repairs the bolsters.

Range Rover Seats For iKustom T5

A pair of Range Rover seats trimmed in black leather with Golf Gti plaid inserts for Iain at iKustom's slammed air ride T5

A Visit From Volkswagen Classic

Back in early february, we had the pleasure of a visit from Volkswagen Classic (Germany) while they were on their "Round Britain In A Camper" trip.

Hidden away in a backyard are the workshops of Bernard Newbury Auto Interiors; just a little sign alludes to their existence. You would have to be well known to be found here. Both Newburys – Bernard and his son Louis, who warmly welcomed us – are just that; known throughout the country.

In the workshop, materials, covers, seats and upholstery make it clear what kind of work goes on here on a daily basis: the Newbury's profession is to restore, trim or completely redesign the interior of classic Volkswagens. The walls are adorned with pictures and magazine covers of award-winning Beetles and Karmann Ghias; there are several shelves filled with trophies, many of them carrying the title ‘Best of Show' or ‘Best Interior' – we are clearly in the company of professionals here, who have enjoyed many years of success.
 
It all began with Bernard's passion for racing cars. When he was unable to find anybody to design his car the way he wanted it, he got to work himself. From 1970 his skills enabled him to stand on his own two feet professionally; from 1986 it turned into a family business when Bernard's son Louis began working with him, bringing with him his personal passion for Volkswagens. ‘In the 24 years that I have been driving, I have only owned Volkswagens, with two exceptions,' says Louis, and begins to list them: they include the first four Golf generations, campers, the Jetta II, Polo II, Caddy, Type 181, Karmann Ghia Squareback and numerous Beetles. Then he adds with a smile: ‘I like the reliable German engineering!'
 
Louis' first Beetle – bought for £60 – was the start of his career. Louis radically overhauled it and, together with his father, designed it how he wanted it. The 1967 bright yellow Beetle, with matching interior, was christened ‘No Lemon' and it aroused a great deal of interest in the popular British magazine VolksWorld. The foundations for specialising in Volkswagens were in place. So, in Louis' opinion, what is so special about Volkswagens? ‘They are such distinctive vehicles. I like their classic looks – the Beetle in particular has a unique shape like no other car.' What we'd like to know is, if he likes the classic look so much, will he only restore the cars in keeping with their original look? No, he goes along with the wishes of the customer: ‘They can have it however they want it; there is absolutely no dogma!' It's also a case of always looking at what you're starting out with: when restoring or renovating a well-kept car, he prefers to stick as close as he can to the original. However, when he is presented with a ‘rusty old Beetle', it is quite possible for him do it up in any way he sees fit.

Most of the vehicles that end up in Louis and Bernard's workshop are Beetles and Campers, followed by Karmann Ghias, and occasionally a Golf I or similar. The number of water-cooled models is rising, yet the focus remains on air-cooled vehicles. What do the customers ask for? What is feasible? ‘At the end of the day, we can do anything; it all depends on the budget.' They offer everything, from new upholstery for the seats to a complete makeover. The professionals from Leigh-on-Sea are never bored: ‘We do an average of 12 full interiors a year, plus other seat retrims, carpets and head linings in between.' The various fixtures and fittings are mostly agreed upon in collaboration with the customer; the colours, materials and details are individually put together. Do you see any kind of trend? ‘Yes, they want them more like the originals. They would rather have them restored than customised, because the classic cars are becoming ever rarer.' Just like the current vehicle they are working on, a 1956 ‘Karmann Kabriolett', on which the side panels and floor mats are being replaced and the seats somewhat overhauled.

The interior can present a real challenge, especially on very old and original cars. In contrast, newer cars are cleaner. ‘You have no idea how much life you can find under the panelling of a classic vehicle; unbelievable … !' laughs Louis. ‘But when the cars turn out really good and even impress people at shows, then it makes you proud – and very satisfied.'

The Newburys can be thoroughly satisfied, because they have enjoyed an excellent reputation on the Volkswagen scene and in the industry in general for many years. And Bernard and Louis want to continue to live up to that reputation every time. ‘When Beetle drivers acknowledge each other on the road, it is apparent that classic Volkswagens are just a whole lot of fun – and we want to keep it that way.'

Back Once Again Like A Renegade Master !

Back in the summer we converted a T5 panel van into a luxury day van which was featured in Ultra VW. Well, not long after, it was sold on to make way for a new project. What was even more suprising is that the new owner, DJ John '00' Fleming, brought it back to us for some more work. He wanted us to take out the rear triple seat and replace it with 2 Porsche tombstones and a small sleeping area. As well as this, he wanted a heater, fridge, table and a smaller cupboard fitted. We also had to fabricate the seat frames so they tilted forward to access the sleeping area.

'53 Ragtop Oval

Beard Super Seats trimmed in tan leather, brown piping and fat biscuit cloth inserts. Rear seat and door panels have matching leather and fat biscuit cloth combination. Oatmeal square weave carpet throughout with herringbone cloth binding. West of England cloth takes care of the full headlining and ragtop inner, while the ragtop outer is finished in black mohair.

Luxury T5 Day Van Conversion

Feautred in this months Ultra VW, Gordon Chrystie's luxury T5 day van was brought to us as a bare panel van with just a set of Audi A8 seats.
We set about soundproofing throughout with Dynamat, then making the interior panels from birch faced ply with sculptured inserts. This was then trimmed along with the headlining with black tweed after we had laid all the wiring and electrical work for the split charging system, 240-volt hookup, 12 & 240-volt sockets throughout the van, 12-volt halogen down lighting, LED mood lighting and hidden speakers for the 24-inch LCD TV/DVD screen. 2 tone grey leather features on the retrimmed Audi seats up front, a retrimmed T4 Caravelle seat in the rear, headlining centre panel and rear over head speaker & down lighting box. This is finished off with a Piano-black gloss cabinet and black Wilton carpet through out.

Inch Pincher & Lightning Bug

Just a couple of the Nostalgia Bugs at EBI 4 this weekend in Chimay, Belgium that we've worked on.

Latest Set of Carpets



Electric Blue T25 Dash

T25 camper van dash in electric blue Alcantara®, with door panels and rear cushions in matching Alcantara® & black PVC vinyl.