Most hides average 50 sq. ft. and depending on the quality of the
hide there is usually a lot of waste. ( imperfections such as cuts
the animal may have had or in the tanning process etc.). IF you can get
more of the same try for 2 hides but you will probably need 3 . And
if you are buying something like the hides we have used in the aircraft
seating @ $400.00 plus then you can see why you want to take some
time to measure. I have bought wholesale black hides for less than
a $100.00 and have had some very good results. I have done aircraft
and auto upholstery for 37 years. Things like thickness,softness,stretch,
and the paticular tanning process can make a big difference too.Look
in Hemmings Motor News and there are some good deals on full hides
and some will sell you half hides even. East Coast Leather is also has
some very good buys on hides. However,They may sell only wholesale?
You could tell them you are Acme Auto Upholstery .
Also, You could use a good grade of vinyl for the trim and use leather
on your inserts where you sit too. Ultra-Leather is some really nice
high quality vinyl and very "leather-like " in feel and looks. And often ,
A really GOOD grade of vinyl will outlast leather .The leather seat repair
business is good since lots of cars nowadays have leather interiors ,
but that can be expected for daily drivers and high use autos. Most all
street rods and our Cobra interiors would last a lifetime the way they are
used. IMO.
