GTI seat side bolster protector

[DLatham]

Recently bought a 2014 GTI.
Excellent condition, with only the very slightest, barely visible wear to the drivers side bolster.
Want to keep it this way, so searched high and low for a bolster protector/cover, with no joy. Seems there's really nothing out there for us, and I'm sure you all feel the same way I do, not wanting a full seat cover, which would ruin the look of those lovely tartan plaid seats.
Thought some may be interest to see the solution I managed to come up with. Could obviously be improved if you had them professionally stitched. My wife stitched these, and as a home made solution I reckon it's perfectly acceptable,  and will certainly do the job of preventing the ugly bolster wear.
Costs peanuts to make, and if you use a material with a foam backing, it grips our cloth seats well and stays in place. At worst you could add a small piece of sticky backed velcro to each side.
Hope this helps some of you.

I see the camera flash has made it look a lot lighter than it is. It's actually a much closer match to the seat than the photo makes out.

[Adam T7]

Neat👍

[verbalpaul]

Hi. You are so right about the fact there is nothing out there for the side bolsters to protect them. Can you share a link of where you got the fabric from? Thanks.

[Carbon VW]

Am I the only one that thinks this is really naff ?? Sorry but just get out of the car properly to protect the bolster otherwise just get it repaired when it’s ripped if you can’t manage that.

[SRGTD]

Am I the only one that thinks this is really naff ?? Sorry but just get out of the car properly to protect the bolster otherwise just get it repaired when it’s ripped if you can’t manage that.

Ignoring the way it looks, I can see how it could help protect the bolster from wear, and if buying a car used, previous owners might not have been too careful getting in and out. I’m with you though - using the correct technique to get in and out of the car is the best solution to keeping the seat bolsters looking factory fresh.

Of all the VW’s I’ve owned, I think my mk6 GTD had the most prominent seat bolsters. I owned that car nearly five years and the seat bolsters still looked like new when I sold the car.

If the seats in my car were suffering from bolster wear, I’d personally get the bolsters re-trimmed by an auto upholstery re-trimmer rather than fit a protector over the bolster(s).

[DLatham]

Hi. You are so right about the fact there is nothing out there for the side bolsters to protect them. Can you share a link of where you got the fabric from? Thanks.

Just copy and paste "Car Headliner Alcantara automotive Faux Suede Fabric 2MM Foam Backed Nylon 140cm" into Ebay and it should come up. Failing that, PM me and I'll send you some. Got tonnes left over.

Regarding it looking "Naff", maybe. But for now it will keep my near perfect bolster in it's near perfect condition, and down the line when I sell, the new owner will appreciate it.
If you come up with a better solution, please share.

[Adam T7]

Am I the only one that thinks this is really naff ?? Sorry but just get out of the car properly to protect the bolster otherwise just get it repaired when it’s ripped if you can’t manage that.

What’s ‘properly’? I sort of hover over both bolsters using the steering wheel as support to avoid rubbing against them? (so many double entendres in that).

[P6GTD]

Interesting, I instinctively use the wheel for support getting in and out. My right hand bolster is perfect after nearly 6 years.
My wife has no wheel to grab on to and slides over her passenger seat left hand bolster. In consequence the bolster “wing” is broken.
I always wondered why…..now I know. I wonder if I could find an upholsterer to fix this…..anyone done it?

PS : I must be getting old if I’m becoming interested in bolsters as a “thing”!

[madstaff]

You should try living with Recaros!! Nice seats but a pain at times.

My Mrs struggles getting in and out of them, and i have a technique i use to avoid the bolsters when getting in or out.

I had a 197 with Recaros and a hole in the bolster appeared after 3000miles from new, id owned it since 1200miles, fortunately repaired under warranty.

[Carbon VW]

Am I the only one that thinks this is really naff ?? Sorry but just get out of the car properly to protect the bolster otherwise just get it repaired when it’s ripped if you can’t manage that.

What’s ‘properly’? I sort of hover over both bolsters using the steering wheel as support to avoid rubbing against them? (so many double entendres in that).

I can write you a detailed method if you like !!?  My gti is over 10 years old now and bolster has no wear and I’m 6”3’ and 100kg. Mind you I’m the only owner so that definitely helps !