Hi everyone, Mk1 newbie

[RusDub]

Hi everyone. I've just bought a 1989 T-Bar in Mica blue and I haven't got my hands on it yet, but looking forward to it no end.

I almost bought one in 1993 but common sense prevailed and I used the money as the deposit on a flat (I know, I know, but it kinda was the right thing to do). So, better late than never.

My mate had a 1986 1a with a natty two tone (green/silver) and we had great times hurtling through mid Wales in it in our student days. The dream.

Student days are long past, and I now live in Dubai but thought an MR2 parked at my mums for summer use would be just perfect.

I have a few questions if anyone can help:

1. The leather seats were knackered and replaced with some bucket-y seats from a mk3 (not nice). Any suggestions on where I might be able to get the leather re-clothed and how much I might expect to pay ?

2. Security - the car will be parked on the street, in Birmingham and is therefore very joy-rideable. Any suggestions on how I might better secure it (Alarm-immobiliser ? cat 1, might that also help with insurance ?). Suggestions most welcome.

Shall post some pics once I get my hands on it.

Cheers
RusDub

[AW11mike]

Hi RusDub, welcome to the club!

[Astro]

Hey Rus, welcome to the club mate! I've only recently bought my first Mk1 too! I'm not sure where you could get the upholstery redone, though I'm sure a Google trawl should help there, or search on here!

I'm running an Immobiliser on my MR2, but I don't really live in a high crime zone, it was just already on it. I'd recommend one though!

[Boba Fett]

Original mk1 seats do come up on ebay from time to time or you could try one of the breakers.

[Vistalite]

The leather seats in my car were re-trimmed by www.rei-trim.com.

They were done by the previous but one owner, who had it restored and they used the perforated leather so it matched the originals. No idea about cost but worth investigating, even though they are based in Southampton.

Otherwise, you could search for coach trimmer companies close to you, as per previous post.

Original seats in decent condition rarely come up but then the leather Toyota used was rubbish back then anyway.

[RusDub]

Thanks everyone.

I'm going to go for a Cobra Thatcham 1 alarm/immobiliser and try and get some quotes for re-trimming.

[Master-B]

Welcome to the club

As a price guide I had my seats, doorcards, armrest, steering wheel & dash inserts done for about £650 a couple of years ago, that included new foam in the armrest, seat bases & bolsters.



Most people Ive met over the years with Mk1s who have had just the 2 seats done tend to say they paid around £450-600 so its worth shopping around.

Have fun

[cchrysos]

MMMMmmmmmmmm Still my favorite MR2 interior that i have seen

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi everyone. I've just bought a 1989 T-Bar in Mica blue and I haven't got my hands on it yet, but looking forward to it no end.

I almost bought one in 1993 but common sense prevailed and I used the money as the deposit on a flat (I know, I know, but it kinda was the right thing to do). So, better late than never.

My mate had a 1986 1a with a natty two tone (green/silver) and we had great times hurtling through mid Wales in it in our student days. The dream.

Student days are long past, and I now live in Dubai but thought an MR2 parked at my mums for summer use would be just perfect.

I have a few questions if anyone can help:

1. The leather seats were knackered and replaced with some bucket-y seats from a mk3 (not nice). Any suggestions on where I might be able to get the leather re-clothed and how much I might expect to pay ?

2. Security - the car will be parked on the street, in Birmingham and is therefore very joy-rideable. Any suggestions on how I might better secure it (Alarm-immobiliser ? cat 1, might that also help with insurance ?). Suggestions most welcome.

Shall post some pics once I get my hands on it.

Cheers
RusDub

Hi and welcome,
If you need any assistance with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

[Lexasquirrel]

Hello!

Ooo, congrats on your purchase!

I don't really know anything about immobilisers (I've got a Meta alarm on mine?? ) but as for upholsterers you are in a good area. There are lots of places around Lye / Cradley Heath. I had a rough quote of about £500. Would love to see your car if you're ever in the area!

Lexa