So I've been wanting to do something we my original seats for quite some time now because I have always disliked (hated) the design of the early DB9 seats. I think they really make the car look dated and changing them up along with updating some other interior pieces is on my list of winter projects to tackle. My original plan was to just get some seats from a newer car because I wasn't sure how to change the design of these seats due to the odd shape that I would be stuck with and have to work with. Then I found some photo's online of what a very creative shop did and it inspired me to keep my OE seats and work with them to create the look I'm after.

First order of business was sourcing new leather hides for the job. Like the Alcantara I used for my headliner project last winter, I wanted to definitely use genuine Aston Martin materials. Although the trim shops I have talked to all said "Our stuff is better" or "It's exactly the same", this was just something I was unwilling to compromise on. The leather in an Aston Martin (IMO) is one of those items that make these cars so special. Although I have owned many wonderful cars over the years, nothing has had the aroma and feel of the leather in my DB9..not even close.. I'm preaching to the choir here though I suspect.

So I got in touch with the really nice people at Bridge of Weir in Scotland and today 5 new "Obsidian Black" beautiful leather hides arrived at my door. I was told it would take approximately 1.5 hides to upholster each of the front seats and I wanted to have plenty of material around for when I get carried away (as I often do) and decide to do matching rear seats, door cards etc..

I snipped a little piece off to check for color match and it couldn't be any better. In the picture it may look a little bit off but it's really spot on actually. I think there's a bit of a shine to the existing leather from the conditioner used which is playing tricks on the camera.

Next the seats go off to the trim shop but I'm hoping I could get some opinions from you guys regarding the new "pattern" I'm considering.

I have really always loved what Aston Martin did with diamond pattern contrasting stitching in some cars and wanted to introduce that look into my car. I started with the headliner and I'd like to do a bit more without it becoming too much. Maybe not do this on the seats, but instead on the door cards and center arm rest? I'd love to hear any suggestions you guys might have.. I'm hoping to create something that looks as if it is OE and not at all custom. Thanks for taking a look.

The goods.



The interior as is:



This is the "pattern" I'm considering most. I think it does a great job working with the shape of this seat to give it a much updated and modern look. I'm thinking about not using the Alcantara in the center and also losing the french seams in place of stitching that will more closely resemble the original stitching throughout the rest of the car. Maybe the diamond stitching in the center area of the seat back and/or headrest?? Too much?



I really love the look of this door card done with the diamond pattern, so I'm considering also instead doing this and not on the seats as to not over-do it.

 

Gorgeous!

 

nicely done... as if Q had a hand in your design.

 

I'm a sucker for diamond stitching, but I love that "modern" looking one. I wouldn't combine them... but I think either would look great

 

I feel the same..absolutely love it. The challenge with this car has been the shape of the seats. I have no imagination at all..and even less creativity so it's been tough dreaming up a design I like. The trim shop is working on some ideas as well.

I already have the diamond quilted headliner so it makes sense to introduce more of that into the car..but as you said, it might not work with the modern look of that seat shown. Decisions..decisions...

 

I'm pretty sure I've seen those seats in diamond stitch. The main section of the back was diamond. The headrest and sides were smooth.

 

Have you seen the work in this PH post? http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...f=70&t=1527447

 

Wow those seats are amazing!

 

Yea.. I did see that. Think the diamonds are too small. Looks great, just not exactly what I want.

I might wind up keeping one of these hides in my living room.. Damn they smell good! Maybe some custom leather pants..

 

Yeah, I think it'd look a lot better with larger diamonds (my god I sound like a woman...)

No joke! I had three of them in my living room for a few days and the smell was glorious hahaha

 

IMO, too much diamond could clutter the cabin. The vertical lines on the modern looking seats are easier in the eyes.

You have ***** of steel messing with the Weir leather so keep some for the pants.

 

Almost lost my coffee

 

Haha... The seats are easy.. Doing the headliner last winter was a real trick, but it came out really sweet.

Still "interviewing" trim shops to do the work currently. 2 of them have made the final cut. Hoping to have the work started in the next couple weeks! (I'm gonna make them toss in the custom pants

 

I too congratulate you on taking the risk. For me, the diamond pattern would be too much. However, I can see how it would match the headliner. Main thing is, I don't have to like it. Only you (maybe your significant other) have to be happy. Look forward to the finished product.

And if you don't have enough leftover for the pants: Lederhosen

 

If you are can't find anyone to do it in your area and if you are willing to ship, there are some very nice shops all over the US.

I have talked to Chris at C2 Design in Tampa and his work, especially the interiors, are the closest to OEM look/feel that I have seen.