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Wed Jul 28, 2004 12:16 am

Has anyone else had any probloms with TMI. I've put in many interior kits in different vdubs and it seems the crafmanship always suck. Either the carpet doesn't fit right or stitching in the headliner falls apart. Sometimes the seat cover don't cover the foam. I also took a kit to a known upolstory shop and he had to make different modifications to make it work, but to someone who doesn't have sawing machine handy can't get it right. There's got to be another interior kit out there?

Wed Jul 28, 2004 8:53 am

LonSlo61 wrote: Has anyone else had any probloms with TMI. I've put in many interior kits in different vdubs and it seems the crafmanship always suck. Either the carpet doesn't fit right or stitching in the headliner falls apart. Sometimes the seat cover don't cover the foam. I also took a kit to a known upolstory shop and he had to make different modifications to make it work, but to someone who doesn't have sawing machine handy can't get it right. There's got to be another interior kit out there?

I have a few TMI items left in my shop but I don't buy from them anymore because of what you are saying. If you do interiors and need more I have been buying from Sewfine at sewfineproducts.com I have had luck with them so far. TMI may have just got too bigg and have a bunch of people working there that hate thier jobs. Sewfine is still small and personable.

Wed Jul 28, 2004 9:41 am

This is the first negative thing I have heard about TMI interiors. Although, my plan has always been to go with sewfine when the time comes.

Wed Jul 28, 2004 8:06 pm

Cost doesn't matter it's pretty much the quality. I'll be switching to Sewfine on my next projects. I hope those fools at TMI read this negative suff and get rid of the sweatshop bull.

Thu Jul 29, 2004 8:15 am

LonSlo61 wrote: Cost doesn't matter it's pretty much the quality. I'll be switching to Sewfine on my next projects. I hope those fools at TMI read this negative suff and get rid of the sweatshop bull.

Over the years I have noticed diminished quality in their products...

Once upon a time the stuff they offer was pretty good... now... :roll:

Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:16 am

keifernet wrote: LonSlo61 wrote: Cost doesn't matter it's pretty much the quality. I'll be switching to Sewfine on my next projects. I hope those fools at TMI read this negative suff and get rid of the sweatshop bull.

Over the years I have noticed diminished quality in their products...

Once upon a time the stuff they offer was pretty good... now... :roll:

TMI has been using the same templetes for years. They have just finished upgrading a lot of the patterns. Same thread, same sewing machines, a lot of the same employees for the last 15 years. I say 1 in 10 kits I might have a problem. I have heard the same about Sewfine.
I know one of their X employees who sewed for them for a couple years, that opened his own shop and if the work he does is an indication of Sewfines work, I'll stick with TMI.

We should all be thankful that there is at least 2 choices for off the shelf interiors for our VW's and should thank TMI for stepping up to the plate and reproducing a lot of the OG materials.

If you really want the nice stuff West Coast Classics, TMI and Sewfine can't compare

Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:06 am

I based my post on a half dozen carpet kits that the gearshift and e-brake holes and trim/binding piece were cut out of position, the carpet was some stiff backed BS weave stuff that looked like it was for a commercial office use, seat covers that did not come down the back rest enough to cover the padding material/ metal frame on the sides and piping and stitching that came undone apart way too easily ( and no the seats were not overstuffed) Door panels that the holes in the press board were not fully punched and or mis aligned and that the glue around the edge of the board/ covering was already coming off/curling.
So that tells me something has gotten off track... same templates and patterns... same thread and materials( carpet sure seems questionable grade) .. great... must be the help then?

However, I have had some of the seat cover kits and headliner that were okay. I just think the quality of the carpet is low and that the number of "defective" products could be more than 1 in 10. Or either I am just the unfortunate one who ends up with the shitty stuff.

Also I will likely still buy TMI... in some cases you don't have much choice if you need it right then and a local distributor has it.

Also to be fair, some of the above items were brought to me by people wanting me to do the install and alot of it was bought from places like RMMW and others and "dropped shipped" directly from TMI.
So while I diddn't have to buy it, I had to deal with it and tell the people the stuff was not right.

Thu Jul 29, 2004 4:05 pm

Oh no, not what I wanted to hear. I was just getting ready to order my complete interior kit (I'm pretty sure it is TMI stuff). I know West Coast Classics is the best but isn't a complete interior around the $2000 range? (I have a 57' Oval/Rag) I was quoted about $700 plus s/h for a complete custom kit by Jbugs.

Thu Jul 29, 2004 5:18 pm

If money was no object, I would get this carpet from the UK: http://newtoncomm.co.uk/vw_index.html

It looks very accurate. I have not seen it in the flesh, though so I would ask around before investing.

Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:27 pm

ssx wrote: Oh no, not what I wanted to hear. I was just getting ready to order my complete interior kit (I'm pretty sure it is TMI stuff). I know West Coast Classics is the best but isn't a complete interior around the $2000 range? (I have a 57' Oval/Rag) I was quoted about $700 plus s/h for a complete custom kit by Jbugs.

J Bugs used to owned by TMI

Thu Jul 29, 2004 10:49 pm

I've been useing TMI for over ten years and deal with them direct as the area WD.While most kits fit fine there have been a small percentage of product that has problems (panels coming unglued,puckers on piping edges,etc).I have a simple solution for these problems........I send them back and get another.If there was a problem with any kit anyone has bought I suggest you do the same,although if you bought from a drop shipper it might be a lost cause.Good reason to deal with someone local when you can.If you can afford the high $$ interior it's well worth it,but if you can't swing it the TMI or Sewfine stuff works just fine.

Fri Jul 30, 2004 12:38 am

I've called and talk to people in charge of TMI even sent pics of their defective items during installation, but still no response.

Sat Jul 31, 2004 2:48 pm

From what I hear, it seems like the quality control and service went south after Enrico left to go to EMPI and they brought in Pat, former counter know-it-all at Bill and Steve's, coincidence? :wink: They sent me late model rear panels for my 67 and took weeks to ship me replacements. As a result my car went to the Classic with NO panels. :x I was NOT happy.

Tue Aug 03, 2004 1:47 pm

ssx Yes, your correct... It's about $2,000.00 mail order for everything you would need for a Oval interior. That would include German carpet, German wool headliner, seat covers made with German vinyl, etc. That includes everything down to the floor mats. Here is a link to what you get at WCCR. http://www.classicvws.com/56red_interior.htm

I know our stuff is not for everyone. It takes one person 7 hours to stich up Oval "Hidden Stich" seat covers. That is expensive way and is the reason larger companies won't do it. It. For those who that are building a nice driver and are frustrated with TMI should try West Coast Metric for the 60's heat pleated seat covers and door panels.

TMI won't even sell me any Bus fabric because they are so angry that I will not sell any of thier already made stuff. I loved it when Enrico was there. He is the one that got them to make the nice bus material they make. Hell, I even offered to help them with the patterns. Well, we have a surprise for them sometime soon..

I do have to say that if you are doing a correct restoration of an early VW then our stuff is by far the best!!! Cough it up., it only hurts for a little while.

Wed Aug 11, 2004 1:39 am

I got my seat covers and door panels from TMI. I wasn't too happy with the door panels, since the color (grey/off white) doesn't nearly match the color of the originals. Quality and fit are great, but the color is pretty far from the originals.

When it came to the seat covers, though, I have to hand it to them... I got them through Wolfsburg West and I emailed them pictures of what I wanted my interior to look like, based on the original seat covers that were still on my car, and they matched it quite nicely. The fit was very good and so far I'm happy with the quality. Can't say anything about the carpet kits since I got my floor mats from Wolfsburg West.

Wed Aug 11, 2004 6:59 pm

I can honestly say that I have never had any problems with TMI products. I definitely reccomend them. Many interior experts use TMI products with their VW jobs and with their Mustang jobs as well. They are definitely the leading in their class hands down. So if their not good that would say a lot for the rest as well.

Wed Aug 11, 2004 10:01 pm

Juan wrote: I got my seat covers and door panels from TMI. I wasn't too happy with the door panels, since the color (grey/off white) doesn't nearly match the color of the originals. Quality and fit are great, but the color is pretty far from the originals.

When it came to the seat covers, though, I have to hand it to them... I got them through Wolfsburg West and I emailed them pictures of what I wanted my interior to look like, based on the original seat covers that were still on my car, and they matched it quite nicely. The fit was very good and so far I'm happy with the quality. Can't say anything about the carpet kits since I got my floor mats from Wolfsburg West.

don't get the carpet kit 'cause they don't fit either.

Wed Aug 11, 2004 10:47 pm

I just installed TMI panels and seat covers in my66 deluxe (forsale), no problems all panels and covers fit nice.
If you want something nice TMI, if you want really nice WCC, just depends on what your looking for and the $$$$ you have to spend.
I have 7 year old TMI seat covers and panels in my 60 DD and they are still in great shape with 70K miles put on the bus since installed
When I do a really nice VW. WCC is the man, they did my seats for my 60 SC, perfect!!!!!

Thu Aug 12, 2004 10:43 am

I got the very first set of the TMI platinum mesh seat covers and door panels for my 21 window, and have, all in all, been happy with it. However, the old adage of "you get what you pay for" is true- you aren't going to get Lenny quality for a non-Lenny price.... Lenny did the seats in my Beige leatherette '55 sunroof, and they are OUTSTANDING. If you are going to have a daily driver, then WCM, TMI, Sewfine, will most likely fill the bill. if you want to win Best Interior at the Classic, then you are going to have to pay the price...

"Quality co$t$ money; how ni$e do you want it?" :D :wink:

Thu Aug 12, 2004 12:43 pm

I thought you meant the slew of TMI ads in the classefieds. That's annoying me....

Yeah, I have heard a little about TMI starting to get a little slack. I wonder how Sewfine is holding up?