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2014 Interior Reconditioning & Modifications - Please Help! (USA)

2.8K views 24 replies 9 participants last post by  mymigueta  
#1 · (Edited)
Hi all, I recently purchased the Mk2 TT that is coming, the seats aren't great and they need replacing, I have looked everywhere for the Mk2 factory seats but I wanted suggestions on where I can get new seats that are comfortable as well as the rear seats. I am mainly looking at colors white, black or red (preferably heated and power). Would need the door card color to match.
Also wondering if I should replace the mk2 steering wheel for the mk3's I know it has limitations but it looks much better. I am also thinking about getting more aggressive taillights and headlights. Anything other suggestions are appreciated.

UPDATE (with pictures): I have driven the car but the interior needs serious love, I attached photos so y'all can see!
UPDATE 2: I had contacted a upholstery here in Houston and they quoted me about $2000 for the full fix but I found these seats and center console for 600$ total and the headliner will be replaced with a black one and the floor mats are custom diamond stitched

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#2 ·
What year and engine do you have?

Seats, door cards, headlights, tail lights and steering wheels can be picked up on eBay and other reseller websites. Use the Forum Search feature to find the various DIYs and How Tos for the installation information as these topics have all been discussed in detail.

Start with a browse through the Knowledge Base as there's over a decade of information in there with posts on just about every possible modification.
 
#3 ·
Stick at it with the seats, many are not very good condition but they do come up. New seats from Audi are horrendously expensive so I doubt you want to go with that option

White was not an option, might have been Exclusive only. Black is common, red is reasonably common. Black and red 2 tone was fitted to some TTS I believe

Why not try having yours reupholstered? I have no idea about the costs of that though
 
#9 ·
Note: The OP is in the US. MK2 TT are very rare over here.
Audi sold ~1.5 - 2k MK2's / yr.

Chances of finding a 'donor' car or used seats at the wreckers is unlikely.
Best bet is to get the existing seats reupholstered.

As far as the MK3 wheel, that would be low priority on my list.

More aggressive taillights and headlights”? Well there are some expensive Chinese aftermarket lights that look more like the MK3's but I wouldn't say they look more aggressive. If anything they make the car look boring like every other modern car that's out there.

I'd say the OP needs to drive his (her?) new vehicle around a bit before focusing on (unnecessary) cosmetic changes.
yes her! but the seats are not the nicest at the moment I will be focusing on those before I drive it daily!
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#4 ·
Just in case you'd like to go down the reupholstering route, I was quoted £1,200+VAT in February by an automotive leather specialist in Holmfirth. The job would include a diamond centre finish on both front seats.

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#5 · (Edited)
Note: The OP is in the US. MK2 TT are very rare over here.
Audi sold ~1.5 - 2k MK2's / yr.

Chances of finding a 'donor' car or used seats at the wreckers is unlikely.
Best bet is to get the existing seats reupholstered.

As far as the MK3 wheel, that would be low priority on my list.

More aggressive taillights and headlights”? Well there are some expensive Chinese aftermarket lights that look more like the MK3's but I wouldn't say they look more aggressive. If anything they make the car look boring like every other modern car that's out there.

I'd say the OP needs to drive his (her?) new vehicle around a bit before focusing on (unnecessary) cosmetic changes.
 
#6 ·
#11 · (Edited)
Yeah looks like someone used this TT as a work truck lol--that's definitely some wear on the seats and even the rears look dirty! Doesn't help they chose the tan/beige interior for their "work vehicle".

The rear seats you should be able to clean up and have them look real nice, probably the pax seat as well as it doesn't look too worn. You should do do the driver's side at the same time of course, but the cracking and stuff that won't be fixable. Still it may look significantly better after a cleanup :) Have a look on YT for videos on deep cleaning car leather seats--there's quite a few on there and they mention what products to get/use for the task. While you're at it should clean up the door armrests, grab handles, steering wheel, and the leather-wrap centre console (which it looks like you have).

After you've done that you can assess the front two seats; I suspect the driver's seat you'd want to get re-upholstered or redyed/refreshed--a good shop specialising in car upholstery repair should be able to tell you what the options and costs are. Might have to go to more than one for a couple quotes, and then decide what you want to do. You might also find after a good cleaning that it's good enough...

Congrats on the purchase anyway :) If you have a 2011 I think you will have a BPY/BWA engine (EA113)--actually looks like you should have a CCTA/CBFA EA888 engine. If you take a pic of the engine bay we can confirm and let you know what things to look out for and maintenance items to be sure are done, to keep it running well.
 
#19 ·
Yeah looks like someone used this TT as a work truck lol--that's definitely some wear on the seats and even the rears look dirty! Doesn't help they chose the tan/beige interior for their "work vehicle".

The rear seats you should be able to clean up and have them look real nice, probably the pax seat as well as it doesn't look too worn. You should do do the driver's side at the same time of course, but the cracking and stuff that won't be fixable. Still it may look significantly better after a cleanup :) Have a look on YT for videos on deep cleaning car leather seats--there's quite a few on there and they mention what products to get/use for the task. While you're at it should clean up the door armrests, grab handles, steering wheel, and the leather-wrap centre console (which it looks like you have).

After you've done that you can assess the front two seats; I suspect the driver's seat you'd want to get re-upholstered or redyed/refreshed--a good shop specialising in car upholstery repair should be able to tell you what the options and costs are. Might have to go to more than one for a couple quotes, and then decide what you want to do. You might also find after a good cleaning that it's good enough...

Congrats on the purchase anyway :) If you have a 2011 I think you will have a BPY/BWA engine (EA113)--actually looks like you should have a CCTA/CBFA EA888 engine. If you take a pic of the engine bay we can confirm and let you know what things to look out for and maintenance items to be sure are done, to keep it running well.
thank you for the response I will look to get the seats reupholstered and get a quote on that. when the car gets in from service check I will take a picture of the engine!
 
#12 ·
+1 TT'sRevenge (y)

@ mymigueta - Over in the UK, there have been several posts with very good results of refurbished leather seats done by specialty interior shops. Depending on where you're located, you might be able to find someone that can do this for you. Unless the seats are seriously damaged; (e.g. torn, deeply scuffed/scratched, etc.) I'm sure a good interior shop that specializes in leather reconditioning will be MUCH cheaper than a complete interior refit.

It might even be worth a trip to a local high-end service shop like Mercedes, Ferrari or Porsche and ask for recommendations. You really don't want some idiot from the local upholstery shop trying to restore your seats with can of Vinyl Magic!

Back to the steering wheel mod, there are quite a few after market steering wheels designed for the Mk2 so you shouldn't need to resort to retrofitting a Mk3. If you use the Forum Search function, you should be able to see some examples installed by other Mk2 owners. As FNChaos mentioned, the Mk2 TT is not very common in the USA so it may not have as big a fan base of 3rd party vendors.

But run a Google search for "Audi TT Accessories in the USA" and see what comes up for starters.
 
#13 ·
Totally missed the part about the steering wheel upgrade. The existing wheel's leather can be redone too and some places can even do "thickening" to make it more like the more recent steering wheels.

Converting to an Mk3 wheel is possible but I believe the LIN bus in the car is too old for the newer steering wheel buttons (and paddles) to work. In this case you have to upgrade the steering wheel module, as well as the clockspring/coil, and figure out the appropriate coding and stuff...will add up to a lot of money most likely but it is possible.
 
#24 ·
Totally missed the part about the steering wheel upgrade. The existing wheel's leather can be redone too and some places can even do "thickening" to make it more like the more recent steering wheels.

Converting to an Mk3 wheel is possible but I believe the LIN bus in the car is too old for the newer steering wheel buttons (and paddles) to work. In this case you have to upgrade the steering wheel module, as well as the clockspring/coil, and figure out the appropriate coding and stuff...will add up to a lot of money most likely but it is possible.
that option seems good as well, will definitely do more research into it before final decisions~!
 
#14 ·
@ mymigueta - Before you even think about cosmetic issues, make sure everything under the hood is sorted first.

Used Audi TT's may have come down in price, but repairs have not and a failure to address maintenance or services can result in brutally expensive repair bills. The post linked below goes over most of the basic stuff you need to get sorted. Especially if you don't have a reliable maintenance history from the previous owners.

And I hate to say this, but if the condition of the interior is any indication of how the previous owner treated the engine and drive train - well, you do the math.

No one will argue that having a crappy looking interior sucks because it does. But a cam shaft that fails because someone didn't replace the high pressure fuel pump cam follower will really make you start hating life on a whole new level. This is the perfect example where a $30 Cam Follower can wipe out a $1,500 Cam Shaft. Fortunately it's a relatively easy DIY with just a few basic tools.
 
#15 ·
Hola @mymigueta

Felicidades por tu nuevo Audi. 🥳

Like everyone else has mentioned, from a cost perspective I would recommend having the interior detailed by a professional shop. I've had both my Audi & Benz detailed in the past and I must admit that they've done a much better job than I could have done with my limited experience in leather cleaning.

With a proper cleaning you can appreciate your car more, and see what you want to do thereafter. Reupholstered seats will be better and cheaper than buying new or used seats.

I will also parrot what the very knowledgeable contributors have said and focus some of your attention on the maintenance of the vehicle. Don't modify it...... that becomes a very addictive behavior. Trust me I know.

What part of the States are you from, The Audi Club of North America hosts lots of events and alot of great knowledgeable people meet up frequently.

All the best.
 
#25 ·
Hola @mymigueta

Felicidades por tu nuevo Audi. 🥳

Like everyone else has mentioned, from a cost perspective I would recommend having the interior detailed by a professional shop. I've had both my Audi & Benz detailed in the past and I must admit that they've done a much better job than I could have done with my limited experience in leather cleaning.

With a proper cleaning you can appreciate your car more, and see what you want to do thereafter. Reupholstered seats will be better and cheaper than buying new or used seats.

I will also parrot what the very knowledgeable contributors have said and focus some of your attention on the maintenance of the vehicle. Don't modify it...... that becomes a very addictive behavior. Trust me I know.

What part of the States are you from, The Audi Club of North America hosts lots of events and alot of great knowledgeable people meet up frequently.

All the best.
In Houston right now and hopefully only until December which is why I recently switched from my old car to a TT, it's been my dream car. I am definitely settled on getting the leather cleaning, I am just waiting on quotes and for the car to come it! Thanks for the response as well, will be looking forward to my newly cleaned TT
 
#16 ·
I would say that's been a smoked in car.

But that will clean up with the right materials and cleaners. I've cleaned worse for friends, you need;

Some decent brushes, including a proper leather cleaning brush.
Some decent cleaner and conditioner, Swissvax do a Leather Healer in bespoke colours which is very good.
If you can get In your country this kit is veery good;

 
#17 · (Edited)
Same interior here. Granted it wasn't as dirty when I picked it up nearly 2 years ago. Some cleaning using Autoglym Interior Shampoo, the colourlock leather brush and a microfibre towel did the trick. Then a couple of layers of this coloured leather balm made in the UK (The Scratch Doctor) let the seats looking as good as it can considering the car age (2008 model).

Link https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/26089832...=dvsm7U3wQGq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=cp_fIvYjSpy&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I keep on top of cleaning using the autoglym product. Once a year I do a deep clean and reapply the balm.

Check out Colourlock leather cleaning videos on YouTube and you should be able to do this yourself. It might be worth applying their sealant afterwards.
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#21 ·
Same interior here. Granted it wasn't as dirty when I picked it up nearly 2 years ago. Some cleaning using Autoglym Interior Shampoo, the colourlock leather brush and a microfibre towel did the trick. Then a couple of layers of this coloured leather balm made in the UK (The Scratch Doctor) let the seats looking as good as it can considering the car age (2008 model).

Link https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/26089832...=dvsm7U3wQGq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=cp_fIvYjSpy&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

I keep on top of cleaning using the autoglym product. Once a year I do a deep clean and reapply the balm.

Check out Colourlock leather cleaning videos on YouTube and you should be able to do this yourself. It might be worth applying their sealant afterwards. View attachment 485429

Sent from my SM-G996B using Tapatalk
looking good still, will definitely check those out, I am a new tt driver so I am excited
 
#18 · (Edited)
Looks like LSC on YT just did a video a short time ago on leather cleanup/restoration:
(Note in this case he's having to remove a poor DIY dye job by a previous owner, which OP here obviously doesn't have to, but some of the cleaning methods and products mentioned are quite good. Tuff Stuff, for example, I've been using since a kid just like him!)