Vendors for wood refinishing & seat covers listed here

[nocfn]

Vendors for Interior Wood, Leather & Steering Wheel

I thought it helpful for a central location of vendors for future use. While I have only used all of these as of yet, I know folks who are quite pleased and have used many of them. All do great work but do your homework and shop around. This is a courtesy not a specific endorsement; as always YRMV. Share your experiences if you have used them or have another secret gem to share.

WOOD REFINISHING

http://maderaconcepts.com/

http://restoredinusa.com/

http://apsisusa.com/Iindex.htm

LEATHER

https://www.germanautotops.com/mercedes-benz/mercedes-seat-covers

http://gahh.com (I have used them)

EU Leather work

Limited leather & restoration http://www.baldesign.de/e500_limited.php

STEERING WHEEL REFURB

http://www.dallassteeringwheel.com/

 

[spaceman_west]

i'm thinking about refinishing my center wood over the winter. was going to start looking into options, pricing, etc.
thanks!

 

[Glasgo_Chris]

Good idea, Louis. To improve this thread, possibly we should instate a list of vendors in general for our cars - Mechanical, Cosmetic, whatever the case may be. I will reach out to my friend and see who did the Birds Eye Maple in my car - I know the guy restores wood for a lot of concourse cars that are "on the lawn" I just can't recall the companies name.

 

[nocfn]

YES, I didn't but should have done a WIKI. If you have a vendor you used and not listed, send me a PM and I will modify the OP.

 

[500AMM]

YES, I didn't but should have done a WIKI. If you have a vendor you used and not listed, send me a PM and I will modify the OP.

Thanks for the initiative!

Could you please add the German vendor of Limited leather & restoration to the list; http://www.baldesign.de/e500_limited.php
The company is run by member chromleiste; http://www.500eboard.com/forums/member.php?u=449

The Limited leather pattern is sensitive and doesn't hold up long, so this is a very important source for the Limited owners. Uli has worked on over 60 Limited interiors and does a great job. He applies clear top coat on the sprayed pattern which makes it far more durable than the OE sprayed pattern.


-a-

 

[500AMM]

Good idea, Louis. To improve this thread, possibly we should instate a list of vendors in general for our cars - Mechanical, Cosmetic, whatever the case may be. I will reach out to my friend and see who did the Birds Eye Maple in my car - I know the guy restores wood for a lot of concourse cars that are "on the lawn" I just can't recall the companies name.

That source could be interesting!

Several of the wood panels in my Limited has cracked now, and the panels most exposed to sun are faded. I have collected a set of BEM (birds eye maple) for the '92 as well and some of the panels need to be refurbished.


Thanks,

-a-

 

[frm1484]

Might be slightly off topic but still related would be for any steering wheel refinish I would recommend Dallas custom steering wheel (just google it)

My car came with an aftermarket Benz leather / wood steering wheel that wasn't my taste. Was able to source a genuine sportline size wheel through eBay pretty cheap and sent it out to dcsw for a refinish, excellent quality, fair price, quick turn around. I'll post a pic but am very happy with their work


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[600Eric]

Several of the wood panels in my Limited has cracked now, and the panels most exposed to sun are faded. I have collected a set of BEM (birds eye maple) for the '92 as well and some of the panels need to be refurbished.

I know they are already on the list above but you cannot go wrong with Madera Concepts for any wood work. Those guys are magicians. I have had a lot of work done with them including every piece out of my 500E and everything came back looking virtually brand new. In fact from what I understand at one point a while back even MBUSA themselves had them under contract.

 

[500AMM]

I know they are already on the list above but you cannot go wrong with Madera Concepts for any wood work. Those guys are magicians. I have had a lot of work done with them including every piece out of my 500E and everything came back looking virtually brand new. In fact from what I understand at one point a while back even MBUSA themselves had them under contract.

Yes, I have seen several positive feedbacks about Madera Concepts, but thanks for the recommendation anyway.
I contacted Madera Concepts some years ago and Jeff Wayco explained how they perform the work and some of the complexity behind the process. It is in fact not as simple as most people immediately think, at least to achieve the quality level Madera are aiming for.

One of my concerns is the edges around the switch holes and how sharp they can make them. When looking at the HVAC and shift console panel, you can see the recess for the HVAC controls has rounded and coated edges - both on the klima automatik version and manual version - while the switch holes and other recess' has sharp edges. This means that the recess for the HVAC controls are machined prior to coating, while the switch holes are done after coating. Jeff said it is hard to recopy a fixture like MB has for doing final machining of the edges, simply because the tolerences on the panels varies too much. It would be too demanding to line up the panels to pinpoint the milling tool to the edges on the existing holes. Additional switch holes are done one by one, and they do their very best to make the edges as sharp as possible.


Eric - how is the surface on your panels, is it any roughness or is the coating fully stretched?

 

[Lynch]

I'm asking Madera Concepts if they can help me out with replicating the E60 AMG LTD center console trim piece.

Hopefully they will be able to, and I'd be happy to share my experience if I go through with it.

 

[600Eric]

Eric - how is the surface on your panels, is it any roughness or is the coating fully stretched?

It is damn near glass. They don't get cheap when it comes shooting the lacquer. Short of buying new from MB (if even available) I don't see how anyone could make your wood look any better.

 

[spaceman_west]

going to send my center wood over to madera this month for refinishing.
any tips for removing it? (i've never done it before)

 

[sheward]

Re: Vendors for Interior Wood, Leather & Steering Wheel

It's been years since I removed one but it's not difficult. Remove 2(?) screws at the front inside the roll top box. Lift and disengage from tab at rear. Now you can access two screws holding the panel in place. Carefully pry the shifter surround up from the panel. Remove the metal ashtray with the neat slide switch and you will see two Phillips screws that holds the ashtray assembly in. Removal will be easier with the shifter in neutral. Now you are ready to pry up the base wood panel which is only held in place by plastic hooks on the underside and tabs that index the front to the console. The movement is up and then back. The plastic hooks on the underside are old and now somewhat hardened. It may be scary pulling on this piece. There are many and they tend to let go all at once. You may find a picture of the underside hooks with a search or likely on Dave's(GSXR) site. Viewing them will alleviate some anxiety that comes with that final step. While you have access clean or replace any rocker switches that don't operate crisply. Yes, they are serviceable and you may be amazed at the quality!

Moderators. Feel free to move this post to another heading.

drew

 

[spaceman_west]

Re: Vendors for Interior Wood, Leather & Steering Wheel

Thanks drew!
Successfully removed.
Looks like whoever had removed this before me broke one of the tabs that hold it in place under the ash tray. (Wasn't me)
Is that a part you can order from MB?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[spaceman_west]

Re: Vendors for Interior Wood, Leather & Steering Wheel

Hey guys, I want to send this front piece to Madera too.
Looking for help how it come off?
Might be the best idea to send the whole thing over the the colour matches...
Thanks.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lynch]

Does anyone have a contact at Madera?

I enquired about sending my wood trim to them for cloning and cutting an extra hole (for the ASR delete), and they replied saying that they wouldn't be able to help me, as my wood trim is an injection moulted piece, and did not reply regarding cutting out another hole in my wood piece.

I'm planning to take my car to a professional to safely remove the wood trim and take photos of the entire piece so I can show them again, and hopefully send my entire interior to them for refinishing.

That said, I'm a little confused at their lack of response to my emails, which seems unusual to me. If anyone has had a good experience with them and have a contact, I would appreciate it if you could share, it would make giving them a call easier if I had a person to ask for.

 

[8899]

I enquired about sending my wood trim to them for cloning and cutting an extra hole (for the ASR delete), and they replied saying that they wouldn't be able to help me, as my wood trim is an injection moulted piece, and did not reply regarding cutting out another hole in my wood piece.

There is clearly a mis-communication here. When I wanted my upper-console/rocker-switch piece cleaned and cut for an additional hole...I just mailed it to them. No need for emails or phone calls until AFTER they had received the piece. At that point they contacted me to make sure they understood what I wanted. Just follow the instructions on their web-site and send it!

 

[gsxr]

Does anyone have a contact at Madera?

I enquired about sending my wood trim to them for cloning and cutting an extra hole (for the ASR delete), and they replied saying that they wouldn't be able to help me, as my wood trim is an injection moulted piece, and did not reply regarding cutting out another hole in my wood piece.

Key word is "cloning"... what exactly did you ask for? Also, if you have birds eye maple instead of walnut or zebrano, that will add an extra challenge.

If you are sending them your existing piece to refinish / modify, I'd be surprised if they couldn't accommodate you.

:?:

 

[Lynch]

When I got in touch with Madera, I tried to be specific and included a few photos of my wood trim, but I'm 100% positive that there must have been a misunderstanding from them, as they replied saying that they believe my wood trim is injection moulded plastic - I'll post some photos to show everyone why it could have been mistaken for plastic when it's completely wood.

Surely enough, my car is indeed a W124 E500, but there's a slight difference. I was fortunate enough to have a rare OEM interior installed by the previous owner, I do not know how he came across it, but I have confirmed that it is the exact same interior from the W124 E60 AMG Limited (Japan) wood trim, in a black bird's eye maple.

I have taken some photos to share:

Basically, I communicated with Jeff at Madera Concepts that my car's wood trim interior is indeed wood - not injection moulded plastic - and I would appreciate if they could tell me if it was possible to do three things:
1) See if they can make a clone of it.
2) If possible to clone, make it with 9 switch hole cutouts. If not, carefully cut another hole in my original trim piece. (This would be for the ASR delete switch)
3) See if there is any part that is blemished and could be restored to a better state - that said, it's in very good condition already, but wanted them to take a look anyway, because they already would have the pieces on hand.

To my dismay, I did not receive any further email replies regarding the "injection moulded plastic", and I am just trying to communicate again, and see if they would be willing to help out. It's funny to me, because he explicitly stated "Please consider us again for all your wood restoration needs"... haha.

I feel that it is easier to just remove the trim and ship it to them, but unfortunately I'm located in Canada and it will cost me quite a bit of money for 2-day shipping, and wanted to have them take a look at the wood trim before sending it off.

What I'm hoping to do right now is to establish contact (over the phone) with them again, email them more photos of the wood trim front and back (I'll hire a suitable shop to carefully remove it so I can snap some photos and send it off to them), and see if they are able to help with my requests.

If they are able to, it would be absolutely amazing to have a second set of these wood trims, and if they cannot clone it, it would still be nice to have a hole cutout in the wood (not plastic!!) piece for the ASR delete.

Cheers

 

[gsxr]

The photos are a big help. What you have is an aftermarket accessory center console wood kit. This is the "R129" look, common in Japan. The wood around your HVAC controls / radio / ashtray, and also around the shifter, are not factory W124 Limited wood. I'm guessing Madera is not capable of reproducing that aftermarket wood unless you provide a core for them to refinish. They could probably add the extra hole if you send them the upper/vertical wood piece. But cloning/reproducing, nope.

See attached photo of original, genuine Limited wood in bird's eye maple. Note the radio and ashtray are set back relative to the heater controls. There should be 4 separate pieces: 1 around the HVAC, 2 pieces for the ashtray, and 1 piece around the shifter.

 

[Lynch]

I respect your experience and expertise Dave, but I've come across a lot of information that says otherwise, and most importantly, have confirmed with MB Classic Center that this is indeed a AMG Japan production piece and something that is quite rare, possibly an optional addition. I assume that the previous owner of the car had it installed or bought from AMG Japan directly. I'm not sure what the deal was with AMG Japan, but they have constantly "upgraded" MB cars with special pieces, such as the rear muffler with the polished square tips, something that you wouldn't otherwise see on any other W124 from Germany/Europe/NA, but exists only in Japan because AMG Japan made it for their domestic market.

I've also seen this same wood in other vehicles that have been through AMG Japan. The one you posted is definitely the stock one that comes with these cars, and seems to not have the upgraded climate control interface.

You might disagree, and at one point I was also wondering if this was an aftermarket piece, but I assume MB Classic Center would know better than us, and seeing the brown veneered version in the AMG catalogue from a while back have dispelled those suspicions for me.

It's also shown in one of AMG's older (maybe Hammer era) W124 catalogs (I forgot which, I can find it later when I have more time) that they've made this exact wood piece in the other wood colour (brown one), and I assume this is just AMG Japan's own creation.

This is partially why I'm taking extra precaution with treating it, because it's special (appears to be one solid piece of wood from top to down, then a second piece for the shifter/gear knob section) and also why I would like to carefully disassemble and have it replicated (if possible), due to the nature of how rare and different it is, but alas, I'm not so confident that it is possible, but I will find out when I have the opportunity.

 

[gerryvz]

We should have 2phast weigh in on the wood ... he's an AMG Japan expert and will know what they did and didn't do and make available.

 

[Lynch]

I would really appreciate that! The more we know about it, the better.

I wish AMG Japan had documented their products better, but I have a hard time finding out.

 

[gsxr]

I respect your experience and expertise Dave, but I've come across a lot of information that says otherwise, and most importantly, have confirmed with MB Classic Center that this is indeed a AMG Japan production piece and something that is quite rare, possibly an optional addition. I assume that the previous owner of the car had it installed or bought from AMG Japan directly. I'm not sure what the deal was with AMG Japan, but they have constantly "upgraded" MB cars with special pieces, such as the rear muffler with the polished square tips, something that you wouldn't otherwise see on any other W124 from Germany/Europe/NA, but exists only in Japan because AMG Japan made it for their domestic market. (snip).

I guess I should clarify:

What I meant was, the car did not leave the factory in Germany with that wood. It was added by someone as an aftermarket accessory. AMG Japan is still an aftermarket accessory supplier/installer, IMO. The muffler is another excellent example.

I don't put a tremendous amount of faith in MB Classic's infallibility. They have an E60 Limited for sale which they claim is one of 12 produced, despite people contacting to inform them that claim is untrue (there are 40+ datacards for E60 Limiteds, not counting Limiteds converted to 6L after delivery). I don't like it when they knowingly provide false information which is to their benefit (i.e., claiming increased exclusivity to drive the price higher).

Anyway, yes, it is quite likely your wood piece is a genuine AMG Japan item. Whether or not that is considered "OE / OEM / factory" is semantics. You still end up with the same problem, it is extremely unlikely you will be able to have the pieces cloned without obtaining cores to refurbish.

I am curious what Rik says, he is more familiar with AMG Japan creations than I am!

 

[ahmat19]

Re: Vendors for Interior Wood, Leather & Steering Wheel

Hey guys just few days ago I tried to RE finish my center wood trim look how it came out tell me what you think

Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk

 

[ahmat19]

Re: Vendors for Interior Wood, Leather & Steering Wheel

Also trying to do the wood steering wheel don't know how it'll come out but still trying

Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk

 

[Stevester 500E]

Re: Vendors for Interior Wood, Leather & Steering Wheel

It look fabulous !
How did you do it?
Post the product manufactured you used.
Regards,
Stevester 500e

 

[Stevester 500E]

Re: Vendors for Interior Wood, Leather & Steering Wheel

How did you like the Gahh leather quality?
Is it similar to OEM?
Some people like really soft leather, but I actually like the slightly firmer leather used on our 500e's.

I thought it helpful for a central location of vendors for future use. While I have only used all of these as of yet, I know folks who are quite pleased and have used many of them. All do great work but do your homework and shop around. This is a courtesy not a specific endorsement; as always YRMV. Share your experiences if you have used them or have another secret gem to share.

WOOD REFINISHING

http://maderaconcepts.com/

http://restoredinusa.com/

http://apsisusa.com/Iindex.htm

LEATHER

https://www.germanautotops.com/mercedes-benz/mercedes-seat-covers

http://gahh.com (I have used them)

EU Leather work

Limited leather & restoration http://www.baldesign.de/e500_limited.php

STEERING WHEEL REFURB

http://www.dallassteeringwheel.com/

 

[nocfn]

Re: Vendors for Interior Wood, Leather & Steering Wheel

I like the leather, it is correct for the period. The C126 in 2012 were 1300 for the front seats. Durable and like new after 20k

 

[Ntrepid]

Question on wood refinishers. I have a W202 and I have reached out to Madera Concepts and Apsisusa to get an estimate for refinishing all of the wood. The cost varies from $585 to $1800 for the same project.

Is there something one is giving me the other is not as 30% difference is one thing but 3X is another?


Robert

 

[gsxr]

Robert, how many total pieces of wood is the quote for? I'm curious if they are estimating cost based on quantity, or size, or both.

 

[Jlaa]

Question on wood refinishers. I have a W202 and I have reached out to Madera Concepts and Apsisusa to get an estimate for refinishing all of the wood. The cost varies from $585 to $1800 for the same project.

Is there something one is giving me the other is not as 30% difference is one thing but 3X is another?


Robert

@Ntrepid, in 2016 I availed myself of the service of Jeff Wayco @ Madera. I paid $1095 to refinish these pieces:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, G2

 

[Ntrepid]

Robert, how many total pieces of wood is the quote for? I'm curious if they are estimating cost based on quantity, or size, or both.

10 pieces in all.


Robert

 

[Jlaa]

10 pieces in all.


Robert

Are any of your 10 pcs tambour pieces like G or F? I understand tambour pieces are much more labor intensive and add to the cost because they are not one monolithic piece. To refinish tambour pieces, one must dismount all the little individual tambour pieces, refinish the pieces separately, and then reassemble.

 

[ace10]

For a leather steering wheel and shifter (non Mercedes) I compared Dallas with Craft Customs.

Both had excellent communication. Craft Customs was less expensive with a much quicker turn-around. So I went with them.

The work was completed on-time and the workmanship was excellent. Baseball stitching and a layer of base material on the rim to thicken it a bit.

Craft Customs - Steering Wheel Restoration

Steering Wheel Restoration and Customization, Dashes and Interior Trim. We restore, enhance, or customize any make or model vehicle.

craftcustoms.com

I recently sold this vehicle and everyone who saw the finished product was impressed. Much better than OE.

These pics were taken about 2 years after install.

 

[Ntrepid]

Are any of your 10 pcs tambour pieces like G or F? I understand tambour pieces are much more labor intensive and add to the cost because they are not one monolithic piece. To refinish tambour pieces, one must dismount all the little individual tambour pieces, refinish the pieces separately, and then reassemble.

No tambour pieces. All are solid (unflexible) pieces.


Robert

 

[JAB12]

C36 Designo?

 

[Ntrepid]

C36 Designo?

No. Just a 1996 C36 that @Jlaa bought for me. He's a stand up guy.


Robert

 

[JAB12]

No. Just a 1996 C36 that @Jlaa bought for me. He's a stand up guy.


Robert

I will PM you.

 

[Ntrepid]

Question on wood refinishers. I have a W202 and I have reached out to Madera Concepts and Apsisusa to get an estimate for refinishing all of the wood. The cost varies from $585 to $1800 for the same project.

Is there something one is giving me the other is not as 30% difference is one thing but 3X is another?


Robert

RestoredinUSA came back with a $2500(!) quote. Now Madera is looking to be priced middle of the road.


Robert

 

[ace10]

RestoredinUSA came back with a $2500(!) quote. Now Madera is looking to be priced middle of the road.
Robert

Any chance you already have or can pick up a spare set of the pieces? Send that set to the lowest cost option.
Or even one spare piece as a trial. Which might be insulting to them, but worth a shot.

The spread of those quotes is downright scary.

 

[gsxr]

RestoredinUSA came back with a $2500(!) quote. Now Madera is looking to be priced middle of the road.

Are they cutting down fresh trees in Germany and bringing the original artisans out of retirement to fabricate new ones?

 

[JAB12]

For what it's worth, Madera did the refinishing on my car's wood trim back in Dec. 2007 for a grand total of $523.50 including the machining for the the 2 additional switches in the instrument dash. That was almost 13 years ago and it has held up exceptionally.

 

[Ntrepid]

Are they cutting down fresh trees in Germany and bringing the original artisans out of retirement to fabricate new ones?

This service is to only refinish (sand old finish and apply new) and not changing the veneer.


Robert

 

[gsxr]

$2500 almost sounds like "we don't want the work".

 

[ace10]

$75 for this large piece

1997 MERCEDES BENZ C36 AMG Walnut Wood Dash Trim W202 C-class OEM 2026830625 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1997 MERCEDES BENZ C36 AMG Walnut Wood Dash Trim W202 C-class OEM 2026830625 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Apsisusa would charge what, maybe $100 to refinish it, based on the $585 quote for the full set.

So invest $200 for the chance to save $1200 if the work meets your standard.

Sell the refinished piece afterwards.

 

[Ntrepid]

$75 for this large piece

1997 MERCEDES BENZ C36 AMG Walnut Wood Dash Trim W202 C-class OEM 2026830625 for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1997 MERCEDES BENZ C36 AMG Walnut Wood Dash Trim W202 C-class OEM 2026830625 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Apsisusa would charge what, maybe $100 to refinish it, based on the $585 quote for the full set.

So invest $200 for the chance to save $1200 if the work meets your standard.

Sell the refinished piece afterwards.

You actually bring up a great point. I actually sourced an entire set to send out so that the door panels would be taken off once (pull installed wood and replace with new refinished) as the door card material is not something which shows a lot of durability in remove/replace.


Robert

 

[Darryl Thompson]

We should have 2phast weigh in on the wood ... he's an AMG Japan expert and will know what they did and didn't do and make available.

 

[GarryZH]

RestoredinUSA came back with a $2500(!) quote. Now Madera is looking to be priced middle of the road.


Robert

For half of that amount of money, I know someone can do real wood/carbon fiber job for your whole interior. If you only want to fix clear coat or do some hydro printing, they only charge like less than 300usd for whole set of wood panel include shipping

 

[GarryZH]

Recently I decide to repair my crack and faded w210 e50 wood panel, find a guy do some real quality job for a fraction of what we normally pay. They do very inexpensive repair (clear coat repair/ hydro printing) they also can do some real quality job for fraction of what we paid here in North America (real wood/carbon fiber). I’ll post mine when I get it repaired and pm me if you are interested about the cost and stuff.