Restoring a 2003 VW Beetle Interior... on a budget

This video is all about deep cleaning and restoring the 2003 VW 1.9 TDI diesel beetle's interior! I made a trip to the local salvage yard and scored a black carpet and seats out of a much lower mileage 04 beetle. After a deep cleaning of both, they were ready in install. I couldn't just stop there though. I also decided to remove and install new headliner material, and remove and install new door insert material from grey to black to match the rest of the "New" interior. Over all I am very happy with how it came out and the car is nice to sit down in now. I hope you enjoy the video!
Video Chapters:
0:00 - Interior overview
2:59 - How I fixed the stiff shifter
4:09 - Front seat removal
5:59 - Rear seat removal
7:40 - Center console and carpet removal
11:25 - Headliner removal
16:32 - Carpet install
19:23 - Accent panel upholstery replacement
24:01 - Refinishing the headliner
29:38 - Putting the interior back together
31:14 - Final reveal
Instagram @AllThingsBoost

[@Twobarpsi]

What a project! That's an incredible transformation!

[@RickGTI2019]

I’ve been told that I have patience, but you, my young friend, take to a new level. Great job on the interior, a blend of grays, always look good. I subscribed ! Thanks, RickGTI….. 🌴

[@vodahlava]

This was so good and helpful to see! I just got the same wheels (but gasoline and automatic) and, same drooping headliner and seeing how I might be able to repair it. Really appreciate the effort of record your work on this and sharing it!

[@jdub_vdub]

Such an awesome video! Great job so far!

[@Vaughnrush]

Looks good!

[@wizbang16]

LED dome light and interior lights make a big difference. Nice work.

[@johncavin]

Yes my 2007 New Beetle smells like crayons too!

[@richsmith6952]

Aha, I guess I needed to watch all the way to 26:45 to get the answer to my question about the eyeglass door removal. Thanks for sharing this video!

[@RK-yc4ui]

I Appreciate the detailed info! Going to be tackling similar restoration on my daughters 2010 Beetle that I just purchased.

[@denforent101]

Very well done!

[@Maxxaruba]

Great Job! You live up to the ideal son in law.

[@tedbear369]

interior looks better, good job, bruh.

[@Thanhnguyen-jb4fg]

Good job

[@richsmith6952]

What is the trick to get the eyeglasses compartment on the front center part of the headliner? I can’t figure out how to get to those 2 screws than attach it to the headliner.

[@merrittmenefeejohnson5061]

Ps it looks great!!!

[@Ifixstuf]

air bag warning will be one of the seatbelt buckle sensors

[@AllThingsBoost]

Gotcha. I think it was triggered when I disconnected it. I cleared the code and it never came back

[@merrittmenefeejohnson5061]

You mentioned the ac kit? What is that? Where do I get that?

[@AllThingsBoost]

Just a recharge kit from an auto parts store. Didn't fix it, there is a leak somewhere in the system

[@baaabydoll.k]

awesome restoration! do you remember where you got the headliner fabric from? also, what was your budget?

[@AllThingsBoost]

Thanks, I think everything actually under $1,000. As for the the headliner, I just got a generic roll of headliner fabric in grey off ebay.

[@baaabydoll.k]

cool, thanks for responding! i’m attempting a similar restoration on my 2006 beetle. very informative video. :)

[@wizbang16]

I would change out the Engine coolant temp sensor before the thermostat. They are a common fault

[@AllThingsBoost]

Both were changed!

[@johndean5860]

Where did you get the carpet?

[@AllThingsBoost]

Carpet and seats were both from the salvage yard

[@johndean5860]

@@AllThingsBoost I have a hole through the carpet and the foam. Does the foam pull out as well using the same method?

[@AllThingsBoost]

@@johndean5860 yes

[@johndean5860]

@@AllThingsBoost thanks so much I’m gonna give it a try!

[@wizbang16]

They sell COVERLAYS to cover the door cards on ebay