Torn/ worn bolster, need advice.

[Dash Rip Rock]

I am looking at purchasing a 1991 NSX and the driver side bolster has a two inch rip/wear spot on the driver side seat. What would someone recommend if I were to purchase the car? Can the rip typically be repaired? A new bolster is pretty expensive and may look out of place with a used seat. How likely is it to purchase a used seat out of a wrecked NSX.

The car has about 90,000 miles. Would you consider this to be abnormal wear for a seat?

Opinions appreciated.

 

[PHOEN$X]

I really think it's more a function of exposure and care than mileage.

Run a search on worn bolsters and you'll see what other people have done. Also, from time to time used seats pop up for sale. Or, you could always go aftermarket:

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Accessories/seats.htm

 

[NSXaholic]

Mileage does make a difference Dash Rip Rock. The more miles a car has, the more one can assume it's been gotten in and out of, which is when most of the friction against the bolster occurs. To prevent excessive bolster wear, you need to get out "like a lady" meaning swinging your legs out and onto the pavement, and then hoisting yourself up. Ditto for getting in. This can get cumbersome quickly, which is why most people don't do it.

Seat leather can be conditioned, and a knowledgeable individual can repair minor damages (slight perforations in the leather) almost to perfection. How deep (not wide) is your "rip" spot? Has it broken through the leather? Regardless, you might want to show it to a leather specialist to see what they can do. If the answer is "not much," you may want to look into purchasing seats on Prime, or other NSX forums. However, I don't think this is a cheap alternative. Neither is buying sports seats. Also, I don't think that just the bolster can be repaired -- I don't believe they are sold individually -- although you may want to double check this.

Let us know what you ultimately decide.

Regards.

 

[nsxtasy]

I don't think that just the bolster can be repaired -- I don't believe they are sold individually -- although you may want to double check this.

It has been posted here that you can buy each of the individual pieces of leather that, together, comprise an NSX seat. Talk with the parts folks at your dealer for details.

 

[KGP]

... you can buy each of the individual pieces of leather that, together, comprise an NSX seat.

Has anyone bought the pieces and done the re-skin work themselves? I would love to see a Danoland type DIY review.

 

[rogerm]

Just out of curiosity I asked a local auto upholstery shop for the price of replacing driver bolster on NSX. I was quoted a price of $135. They would charge $350 per seat to replace the entire leather.

 

[Dash Rip Rock]

Thank you for all the information, you have given me some ideas.

 

[KGP]

"Dash Rip Rock". Would you be from the band, or be the world famous NSroX race car driver from the Flinstones?

 

[PHOEN$X]

That's funny, KGP.

NSXaholic: the bolsters in my '91 with 56k miles seem to be in comparable or better shape than many other vehicles with significantly lower mileage. In fact, overall the car seems to be in great condition compared to other cars of the same vintage that I've seen. Therefore I can only assume that the prior owners took very good care, or the seats (along with everything else) were replaced at some time. Otherwise, all else being equal, I would agree with you that mileage would be the primary indicator of seat wear.

 

[NSXaholic]

...NSXaholic: the bolsters in my '91 with 56k miles seem to be in comparable or better shape than many other vehicles with significantly lower mileage...Therefore I can only assume that the prior owners took very good care, or the seats (along with everything else) were replaced at some time. Otherwise, all else being equal, I would agree with you that mileage would be the primary indicator of seat wear.

I think it's terrific Phoen$x that your bolster is in good shape. As you note, it is probably a combination of one or more of the following factors: the prior owner(s) taking careful care getting in and out of the car, proper and timely conditioning of the leather, perhaps extended trips that resulted in mileage not commensurate with the average number of times in-and-out of the vehicle, potential replacement of all or part of the seat leather, etc. Whatever the case, it must be nice not having to see a tattered or worn-down bolster.

Regards.

 

[NSXaholic]

It has been posted here that you can buy each of the individual pieces of leather that, together, comprise an NSX seat. Talk with the parts folks at your dealer for details.

Ken, could you link the "here" part of your post.

Regards.

 

[Forums Nazi]

I think he was referring to this topic.

 

[wilsonp]

Looking in the FAQ, I had a recommendation for Dr. Vinyl. I found one nearby (35 miles away).

They put some leather replacement to fix a tear at the seam of my bolster, but it didn't harden as quick as they hoped and I tore it a little. They put a piece behind the seam to glue the seam closed.

After it wore a few weeks they decided the leather repair wouldn't last and put a vinyl repair on it (for free, and to fix the tear). It doesn't look like leather up close (the leather repair looked perfect at first) but it has worn pretty well and can't be seen from any distance. They also re-dyed the entire seats for free as compensation.

The original repair was about $120 for the torn bolster, a worn corner and some minor marks they touched up.

 

[Dash Rip Rock]

Thanks for everyones information regarding the torn bolster question. As it turned out the seat was in a bit worse shape than I originallly expected. However after the car came home I took it into a local shop that worked magic on the seats. They replaced a worn section of vinyl on the outside, sewed the leather rip and dyed and conditioned both seats. All that cost about $270.00 US. I was very pleased with the outcome and the seats look very new again.

I strongly recomend to anyone that has a similar situation to invest the small $ and get their seat repaired. An NSX should not be left in this condition.

Thanks again for all your help.