GAT Leather Grain

[silver_diesel_benz]

After way too long trying to get samples from GAT they showed up and the color matched good but the grain didn’t match at all, I just wanted to know those who have had their seats redone by them what you think about the quality and how it matches etc.

 

[r44raven]

The only thing I can tell you is that some months ago, I ordered some front seat covers from GAT. Whilst the colour and grain was good, the stitching and sizing of the covers definitely was not! My upholsterer refused to fit them.

 

[TerryA]

Those GAT samples look like crap
Looks like JC Whitney quality. With samples like that they will be out of business soon.



Soooo Raven,

Who’s seat covers did you use? OR have you not reordered yet? I think there is another CA seat cover manufacturer but don’t remember the name at this time.

What about the Guy (Uli?) that duplicates the Limited interiors?

 

[silver_diesel_benz]

That’s sad to hear, yeah I’m very disappointed in the leather, the color is good but it doesn’t match at all. If the stitching is bad too then that would be a double mess up, and it’s not like they give the seat covers away either. GAHH is the only other one I know and they want $2K go redo 2 seats. I think that’s way too expensive. I would rather have a good used gray cover but I can’t for the life of me find one. So I’m not sure what to do.

 

[gsxr]

GAT must have changed suppliers from years ago. And possibly have different people stitching them. I could live with the grain difference (nobody else would notice) but if they don't fit properly, that's a serious problem.

 

[r44raven]

My main gripe with GAT was the fact that the covers wouldn't have fitted well (for example the seat bottom covers were 2 cms too wide), plus none of the stitching would have lined up, I.e. the stitching up the seat squabs would not have aligned with the "ladder effect " at the top of the seat backs.
The whole experience cost me $$$$, as although GAT refunded me the cost of the covers, I could not reclaim my forwarding, import taxes, or my return shopping costs.
As a result, I have not pursued any alternatives - although I believe Uli (at least as far as "Limited" replacement leather is concerned) is v good.
I've decided to stay with my "patina" look! My upholsterer tells me it would take years for any new material, (I.e. on the front seats), to match the "wear and tear " of the back seats - and so the "new" coverings will always "stand out"!
All in all, I've decided to stay where I am!

 

[Gatorblue92]

That’s very disappointing to hear the quality is so poor especially considering what they cost. I desperately need my seats recovered but it sounds like I need to find some good used covers.

 

[r44raven]

I think, if you can find a provider who will accurately reproduce the original covers, then the best option would be to renew both front and rear seats. This would avoid any colour/texture/grain issues. I don't think the leather in the door cards is sufficiently dominant to affect such a change?

 

[nocfn]

My gahh covers for the c126 were spot on but its been 10 years now.

 

[Jlaa]

After way too long trying to get samples from GAT they showed up and the color matched good but the grain didn’t match at all, I just wanted to know those who have had their seats redone by them what you think about the quality and how it matches etc.

FWIW --- New leather grain will never match old leather grain b/c old leather typically "smooths out" (like in your picture). This is due to many many multiple thermal cycles (heat from the sun inside a car's greenhouse), moisture from the atmosphere, and lots of mechanical friction (human butts/backs sliding across the surfaces).

 

[silver_diesel_benz]

Yeah that’s definitely true but they basically said that they can’t do anything to make it match better which after talking to a guy somewhat near me that contacted me he says he can try and make the grain and color match and GAT wouldn’t try to do either

 

[gerryvz]

I have always been a bit skeptical of GAT, and purposely have never bought anything from them. The old adage "you get what you pay for" has always come to mind. I have had several sets of GAHH skins on several different cars, and while not a 110% match, they are very very good from a grain perspective, and the fit has always been good, as well.

My issue is that ANY aftermarket hide is not as thick as the original MB skins, at least for the 126, 124, 107 and 463 skins I've seen/bought up close and personally. I visited GAHH many years ago in SoCal and was very impressed at the time with their operation, as well.

 

[gsxr]

Years ago someone visited both establishments in person, and found that at the time, both GAT and GAHH sourced leather from the same supplier. This may have changed of course.