The Background:
After seeing “the Bean’s $14.99 leather parking break handle” I decide to do my own version and posted in the DYI section. I was really happy with it but later I realized that there were some flaws compared with the OEM version such as the stitches were on top instead from the bottom and there were some bulge in the folded ends. After several attempts in remaking the leather handle cover, I quickly ran out of leather that I first bought in the local auto part store. So, I turned to a local auto upholstery shop (they reworked my seats from my old Z) and got a much nicer and decent size scrap of leather free of charge.

The Deal:
After coming out with a new pattern and perfecting the leather working techniques (Thank God for the Internet!), I decided to give away and install 3 parking handle leather covers for RX8 owners (Sorry RX7 owners, I don’t have anything to go with to make the pattern). Yes, you read it right! FREE! I wish that I could make more but there was just enough leather for 3 more pieces.
The people interested will be picked randomly. You know, people’s name in a hat. So everyone interested will have a fair chance. Since the meet starts at 11:00 am, the draw will be taking place around 11:15 am. So plan to be on time. I only have black leather, but I have red, yellow and black threads. So at least I can sort of make the stitches to match your car’s paint. Sorry no blue, I had hard time finding the right shade of blue. The red and yellow threads are made out of cotton. Not sure what would be the long term durability. Black thread is nylon. Will let you decide.

What is the catch?
There is NO money involved, only a few conditions.
1) Willing to allow me to work on your cars It should take about 30 minutes per car.
2) To make it fair, I will work in the same sequence as the owner’s names were picked. So, clear your schedules just in case if you get picked. I really don’t want to a job in a hurry that most likely will come out crappy, nor can’t do it in another day. I will bring the pieces already prepped so that I can only concentrate in stitching.
3) Again, this is not OEM. I managed in getting rid most of the end bulging and this time the stitches are in the top (much easier to do). No gluing required for installation.

Reasons:
Because I got the scrap of leather for free despite that I was willing to pay for it. It will be appropriate to pass the kindness from the upholstery shop owner to the RX8club members. And, true labor of love. What else I can say? :D

So, see you at the OC meet at In-n-Out parking lot (Tustin mall) hopefully it won’t rain.

Picture 1 OEM leather cover from a member
Picture 2 Previous leather cover
Picture 3 New leather cover
Picture 4 Close up
Picture 5 Sample piece with red, yellow, and black stitches.

 

more pictures

 

TR1GGERx1,
At first, I thought that no one was interested. I am glad that you are. If it turned out less than three interested owners, they will get the leather cover by default. Originally, I was planning in making the offer in the OC weekly meeting but I could not able to do so since is at night and I have to go to work early. Besides, I need al lot of light otherwise I might ended up pocking my fingers with the needles. Not too pleasant leaving blood in someone's car. hahaha...

 

I live in Rosemead, but I work in Cypress. I used to live in Tustin for three years. The reason why I go to OC meets (when I have time) is because after the meet, I go to the “Taco Factory” in the corner of Newport and Walnut Ave. Yep, so far they have the best Mexican food IMO even though I have to drive about 40 miles. About R/Cs, so far I have 8 cars, on road, off-road, electric and nitro. Sometimes I think that I got too much r/c cars but my buddies have like 15 or so. I used to race in the intermediate level but now I try to hit the track (Socal Raceway) twice a month. But lately my buddies and I are lucky if we can go there once a month because we have family to take care. At least wife is ok with all my toys that I have :D

 

I see, maybe next time if I get more material.

 

What time is the meat at in-n-out on saturday?

 

nvm found it 11 am

 

I was able to give away and stitch 2 out of 3 leather covers. Because I was so concentrated stitching the covers, I forgot their names. I hope you guys are enjoying it, and if you have any issues, let me know.
TR1GGERx1, since you are still interested, I am going to reserve the last piece for you. I will see if I can go to the weekly meetings, and it won’t be very hard to spot you since you got the Mint blue kit

 

Did you? I left around 1:30 or so. Oh well, I will let you know if I can go this week meeting

 

romulus set my car up with the leather parking brake cover. He did it right there and did a damn good job. Thanks romulus for your time and work in it I gotta put some pictures of it online :D

 

To be honest, I was not seeking attention or trying to build my reputation. I love cars and I am sure that all the members of this club have the same interest. As of today, I will be at this weeks meeting. If there is any changes, I will let you know in advance. So, that would be at Pat and Oscar in Buena Park at 9:00 pm? Can you be there around 8:30? if not is ok. I am planning to hit socal raceways after I get off from work to kill some time (5 hours). You know is no sense for me going back home because I am already in the area. Let me know, and see you there.

 

romulus,

When you installed the DIY leather e-brake cover on the the OEM e-brake handle, did you apply the leather over the existing plastic grip or did you remove the plastic grip handle? Thanks.