Need suggestions on adding suede to the headliner

gnhm3 · 08-26-2010, 08:33 PM

Hey everyone. I am redoing my whole headliner in suede tomorrow morning. I researched and went ahead and purchased 5 yards of ultrasuede from my friends furniture factory to do the job. I got a call today from the shop working on my car and they said if I am sure I want to put this suede in the car. When I asked why, they told me this was cheap suede probably used for furniture. I have seen many people use ultrasuede in their cars with no complaints. My question is:

Should I go ahead and tell them to use the suede I bought or should I go with their suggestion of using their "automative" suede. I'm thinking the shop just wants to make an extra $200 off me but they guarantee the work with their suede. Would you guys fork up the extra $200 for the piece of mind?

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

MEMMEZZ · 08-27-2010, 11:50 AM

How much does that run?

Kyoshi71 · 08-27-2010, 12:14 PM

That is going to look awesome. Why didn't you opt for Alcantara though?

gnhm3 · 08-27-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyoshi71

That is going to look awesome. Why didn't you opt for Alcantara though?

Honestly Alcantara was too much money. I know im spending all the money to do it but the difference between the two does not justify the cost for me as they look identical. I get it back today and will post pics.

Kyoshi71 · 08-27-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnhm3

Honestly Alcantara was too much money. I know im spending all the money to do it but the difference between the two does not justify the cost for me as they look identical. I get it back today and will post pics.

What was the approx difference in price between the two?

MEMMEZZ · 08-27-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyoshi71

What was the approx difference in price between the two?

Probably a lot.

gnhm3 · 08-27-2010, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyoshi71

What was the approx difference in price between the two?

About $500-$600. Alcantara ranges for $150-$200 a yard. You need about 5-6 yards to do the whole headliner. That price difference on top of the labor was way too much for me.

Kyoshi71 · 08-27-2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnhm3

About $500-$600. Alcantara ranges for $150-$200 a yard. You need about 5-6 yards to do the whole headliner. That price difference on top of the labor was way too much for me.

Holy Cow!! Too Much!!

JCtx · 08-27-2010, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnhm3

About $500-$600.

That's not real suede though, right? Suede is leather. Alcantara is basically cloth (microfiber, to be precise), or 'synthetic suede'. You must be using another brand of the fake stuff, which probably looks just like 'Alcantara' indeed. I can't comprehend how auto manufacturers can get away with substituting leather with Alcantara without dropping the price, which is exactly what Porsche and others are doing. Alcantara is absolute crap on wear areas, which is where you find it most of the time. It's perfect for a headliner, however. Hey, don't forget about the sun visors

. Good luck.

xsilvor · 08-27-2010, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elp_jc

That's not real suede though, right? Suede is leather. Alcantara is basically cloth (microfiber, to be precise), or 'synthetic suede'. You must be using another brand of the fake stuff, which probably looks just like 'Alcantara' indeed. I can't comprehend how auto manufacturers can get away with substituting leather with Alcantara without dropping the price, which is exactly what Porsche and others are doing. Alcantara is absolute crap on wear areas, which is where you find it most of the time. It's perfect for a headliner, however. Hey, don't forget about the sun visors

. Good luck.

Agree completely.

I'd stick with what you have. If you want to be really badass, have them re-upholster it in leather

SchnellM3 · 08-27-2010, 05:57 PM

Ive been thinking about doing the whole interior in alcantara anything that isn't leather. Headliner, Doors, Dash, and Center Console going to do it once winter hits so the car isn't tied up in pieces when I want to drive it

Anyone have any pics or tips from a similar project??

ring007 · 08-28-2010, 09:52 AM

I',m very interested in a similar project to yours

Quote:

Originally Posted by SchnellM3

Ive been thinking about doing the whole interior in alcantara anything that isn't leather. Headliner, Doors, Dash, and Center Console going to do it once winter hits so the car isn't tied up in pieces when I want to drive it

Anyone have any pics or tips from a similar project??

ersin · 08-28-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elp_jc

That's not real suede though, right? Suede is leather. Alcantara is basically cloth (microfiber, to be precise), or 'synthetic suede'. You must be using another brand of the fake stuff, which probably looks just like 'Alcantara' indeed.

Ultrasuede is "fake" alcantara. Well, it's nearly the same thing. Both are made by the same company but alcantara is treated with different chemicals -- it stands up better to ultraviolet, so they say.

Quote:

Originally Posted by elp_jc

I can't comprehend how auto manufacturers can get away with substituting leather with Alcantara without dropping the price, which is exactly what Porsche and others are doing. Alcantara is absolute crap on wear areas, which is where you find it most of the time. It's perfect for a headliner, however. Hey, don't forget about the sun visors

. Good luck.

Alcantara is more expensive than (some) leather. This might have to do with the fact that it comes from Europe (Italy I think), IDK. But if you take care of it it does hold up. You need to gently clean and brush it. Having said that, I agree, on the headliner wear doesn't matter much. It's an ideal material for the headliner. I think this will look awesome. Have you seen it in an E39 M5?

OP, don't forget the pictures, even if it is "just" Ultrasuede.

Cheers.

gnhm3 · 08-28-2010, 11:15 AM

Hey everyone, just an update. I had the headliner finished yesterday and I love it. I will try and take some pics and create a new thread. I will post a link to the new thread here soon. Thanks

switchface · 08-28-2010, 08:17 PM

I have alcantara on my s4 seats and they are holding up well after 10 years. If my next car is another Audi, instead of a m3, I would definitely look to get alcantara again.

I use a fabric shaver (like you'd use on old sweaters) and they look next to new. Mine typically stay clean, but any stains can be removed with a magic eraser if need be.

I'd say if its a wear area to go with the higher quality stuff, but for your project, what you have would be fine...unless you plan on sitting on the headliner somehow.

Alex@Alpine · 08-31-2010, 01:31 AM

Buddy of mine just did this on his car, cost about $1200, but damn it looks great!

buddster · 07-07-2011, 10:54 AM

Alex - where did he get it done? I'm in LA and looking to get it done myself.

08-26-2010, 08:33 PM	#1
gnhm3 Lieutenant Colonel 219 Rep 1,804 Posts Drives: F82 M4 / F87 M2 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: West LA iTrader: (19)	Need suggestions on adding suede to the headliner Hey everyone. I am redoing my whole headliner in suede tomorrow morning. I researched and went ahead and purchased 5 yards of ultrasuede from my friends furniture factory to do the job. I got a call today from the shop working on my car and they said if I am sure I want to put this suede in the car. When I asked why, they told me this was cheap suede probably used for furniture. I have seen many people use ultrasuede in their cars with no complaints. My question is: Should I go ahead and tell them to use the suede I bought or should I go with their suggestion of using their "automative" suede. I'm thinking the shop just wants to make an extra $200 off me but they guarantee the work with their suede. Would you guys fork up the extra $200 for the piece of mind? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
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08-27-2010, 11:50 AM	#2
MEMMEZZ Captain 71 Rep 752 Posts Drives: MR.E92 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (6)	How much does that run?
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08-27-2010, 12:14 PM	#3
Kyoshi71 Colonel 93 Rep 2,528 Posts Drives: 2010 M3 Coupe Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	That is going to look awesome. Why didn't you opt for Alcantara though? __________________ "But resist we much; we must; and we will much; about that be committed." ~Rev. Al Sharpton 2010 E92 M3\|Silverstone II\|M-DCT\|NCSW\|2MT\|ZCW\|ZPP\|ZTP\|302\|507\|Gas Guzzler Tax
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08-27-2010, 05:57 PM	#11
SchnellM3 Digger 205 Rep 2,619 Posts Drives: 03 E46 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Pa iTrader: (5) Garage List 2003 BMW E46 M3 Tra ... [8.00] 2009 BMW E92 M3 [8.30] 2009 Yamaha R1 (FOR ... [9.50]	Ive been thinking about doing the whole interior in alcantara anything that isn't leather. Headliner, Doors, Dash, and Center Console going to do it once winter hits so the car isn't tied up in pieces when I want to drive it Anyone have any pics or tips from a similar project?? __________________ 2009 E92 M3 /// Melbourne Red /// Fox Red /// M DKG Full Innotech Exhaust - DINAN Intake - IND Engine Bay Appearance - IND Hand Stitched Boot Covers - and much more....
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08-28-2010, 11:15 AM	#14
gnhm3 Lieutenant Colonel 219 Rep 1,804 Posts Drives: F82 M4 / F87 M2 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: West LA iTrader: (19)	Hey everyone, just an update. I had the headliner finished yesterday and I love it. I will try and take some pics and create a new thread. I will post a link to the new thread here soon. Thanks
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08-28-2010, 08:17 PM	#15
switchface New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: '01.5 Audi S4 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	I have alcantara on my s4 seats and they are holding up well after 10 years. If my next car is another Audi, instead of a m3, I would definitely look to get alcantara again. I use a fabric shaver (like you'd use on old sweaters) and they look next to new. Mine typically stay clean, but any stains can be removed with a magic eraser if need be. I'd say if its a wear area to go with the higher quality stuff, but for your project, what you have would be fine...unless you plan on sitting on the headliner somehow.
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08-31-2010, 01:31 AM	#16
Alex@Alpine Colonel 1303 Rep 2,441 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: United States iTrader: (50)	Buddy of mine just did this on his car, cost about $1200, but damn it looks great!
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07-07-2011, 10:54 AM	#17
buddster Second Lieutenant 64 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 2022 M8 Gran Coupe Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Alex - where did he get it done? I'm in LA and looking to get it done myself.
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