At one time, the Lotus retiming department at Hethel was happy to create custom leather retrim products for virtually any part of the car but no longer offers this service. This has meant that those wanting leather pieces have been left to fend for themselves, dealing with whatever custom shop they felt could do a good job. The results have been as varied as the pricing. I think we would all agree that there would be significant benefits in cost, consistency and quality to dealing with one supplier if they can do a good job. I've had some conversations with them and they are open to:
1) creating additional pieces that they have yet to stock
2) doing custom work (outside of their "stock" templates) at additional cost of course
3) group buy discounts albeit there won't be huge savings due to their already low prices
So, the purpose of this topic is twofold - to determine what other pieces we, as an owners group, would like them to make and to identify what pieces we might like to start a group buy on in the hopes we can get better prices. Now, their "stock" inventory consists of black leather with stitching in a variety of colours including red, blue, and yellow although I believe they supply other thread colours as well and possibly almost any other colour. So, if you're looking for something with some stitching to match the colour of your car its likely possible. I don't believe that the colour of stitching would constitute a "custom" order but we'd have to see how exotic a colour people would like. But, any group buys would likely have to be for their stock pieces or for a custom run with high quantities of exactly the same custom piece of course.
With regard to pieces they don't yet make but could this will involve someone in the UK close to their offices (located in New Malden in Southwest London) dropping off said pieces for them to make a template from (in other words a volunteer!). I can think of several pieces they could make but would like people's thoughts on other items as well.
1) top header rail (to match the A pillar wraps)
2) lower door card insert (currently carpet now)
3) lower B post inserts (currently carpet now)
4) rear bulkhead wall (currently carpet now) and possibly the map pocket on the wall as well
5) center console wrap (to match the dash skin)
Personally, I like all these as I'm desperate to break up that '90's look gray colour and the though of sumptuous leather throughout the cabin gives me giggles. But, thoughts on if these pieces make sense or any other pieces you think should be done in leather would be appreciated.
Secondly, are there any pieces we should start a group buy on? I can't guarantee the price will be significantly lower (or even lower at all based on quantities) but its worth a try if you're considering or are in the market now for a piece that they offer. Also, if you think you'd want a custom designed piece state that and describe it since others may like you're idea and a group buy could be born. The pieces that a group buy could be started for now include all the listed items on their web store 9and stated above). No need to make a list now, just reply that you're in the market and if enough folks say so I'll start a specific group buy thread for that piece. Thanks!
for, but any chance they could do vinyl instead of leather?
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