C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

replace or restore?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 3, 2009 | 03:49 PM
  #1  
angeleyes13760's Avatar
angeleyes13760
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default replace or restore?

Iam redoing a 1978 silver anniv., I gave it to my son and we are restoring the interior, the question i have is does anyone know of replacement seats that fit with no problems or is it advised to recondition the originals,the drivers side needs some repair wrk. I am looking for the least exspensive way at this time,Iwas told alot of after mkt. seats are a hassle installing, any help would be "GREATLY",appreciated.--------thanks
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 04:02 PM
  #2  
Gordonm's Avatar
Gordonm
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Default

The 78 and later seats were some of the better C3 seats that were made. A lot of the aftermarket seats are to wide for the Corvette. I would redo what you have and keep them in the car.
Reply
Old May 3, 2009 | 04:16 PM
  #3  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
Default

The least expensive way to redo an interior is to "recondition" it. Unless components are broken, severely cracked, torn, gouged, or ripped (to the point that a repair will be easily noticible), re-dyeing faded/worn surfaces and re-stuffing foam/cushions is the way to go. If the seat covers are not worn through, vinyl or leather can be cleaned, softened [in the case of leather], and re-colored [with the correct product] to make them look new. DO NOT buy spray "vinyl dye" from mail order sources...it may not be 'dye' at all. Buy SEM vinly dye from a local professional auto paint supplier. They can mix-to-match an existing piece or mix to original color specs easily. I refurbished my '71 and kept all pieces except the parking brake console (which was badly broken). You can't tell the other pieces from new after the redo.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To replace or restore?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:52 AM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE