Alwyn678

I bought new leather for the seats from a forum member....very nice. I know need the Foam(seat padding)..where can I get it and does anyone know a company that could attach the foam and the leather to the seat frame?

Alwyn678

Wilcox has a bargain for $310. That price is a joke, but not funny. I just need the seat portion.

Big2Bird

The leather attaches to the foam. They then just snap in to the buckets.

Alwyn678

Is it a "relative" easy job for a novice?

Big2Bird

Popping the seats in the buckets,yes.
Installing the leather on the foam, I wouldn't do it, but friends have.
I just buy new ones, and pop them in.

usmilret

I recommend that you send in your leather seat covers and have a company install them onto new seat foam for you. The extra cost is not that much.
If you do it yourself you will have to buy a seat installment kit consisting of hog pliers and all the wiring.

Easy Mike

FWIW: purchase new foam. Take the new foam and your seat covers to an auto upholstery shop.

mobird

I have the seat foam from my 1979 seats (I believe they are the same as the 82 seats) I could sell you for cheap. It's in good shape. I can send you pictures if you're interested.

Alwyn678

Pics would be great! Sent you a P.M.

Lakeside49

I had Al Knoch do mine, but followed closely. A novice could do just the bottoms. I removed my cloth seat bottoms and had them dry-cleaned when I first got the car ('82), before later having them re-done by Al Knoch. It was not hard, and yes, they just flip in and out - the retaining clips frustration only apply to the tops. You do need the hog rings - though, others have used zip ties.

You do not need a wiring kit as someone mentioned. The power seat wire runs loosely under the seat, exiting through a hole in the bottom clamshell seat. I'll include a couple of pics that I took to let you see what is behind the scenes. Again, go for it, seriously.

Dave

billschroeder5842

mobird

Got it and sent you pics.

Taijutsu

I have seen adds for seat cover kits that have foam that is molded into a more bucket like seat.
The covers had what looked like grommets for cooling?

They seem to be the same size but more side support.
If you are buying new foam for your seats, you might want to check it out.

I hope this helps.

R

DUB

Actually...these types of seat cushions and covers are one of the easiest to do. I do them and I would much rather do these than that of an earlier design seat...lets say for a 1970...which is QUITE different.

Taking them to an upholstery shop is 'do-able' but hat also depends on teh shop. I have seen some upholstery shops do some really crappy stuff.

Getting the hog ring pliers and hog rings and kit might be worth it. No one taught ,me how to do it. I 'reversed engineered' the covers and learned by myself. SO...if I can do it...anyone can do it IF they want to do it.

And I can say that a modified flat blade screwdriver will make installing these back into the buckets MUCH MUCH easier.

DUB

jb78L-82

I agree with DUB............it really is not that hard. Anyone can do it if they have the time, patience, and arm strength...there is some pulling to get things to fit right. With all that said, I have not done the leather seats in my 78 since they still look great. HOWEVER, I did completely reskin the rear bench seats and both front buckets in my Chrysler 300 with brand new leather...never had done this job before that project in 2010. They still look great today!

terry82

they really are easy to do .do them yourself .I would buy hog ring pliers .

80-Vette

Willcox made a how to video that shows the entire process.