When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Has anyone here replaced the foam cushions in a 1970ish C-3 that could offer up some tips and tricks? Anything you learned that made the job easier or any got-cha's that you which you knew before you tackled the job?
You have to use new covers The old leather seams will rip apart trying to stretch over the new foam. I used a new wire and clips kit to install mine. Otherwise be careful to remove all the wires without damaging them for re-use.
The bottom seat retaining clips that go around the lower edge are sort of confusing try to take note of how they are attached and the spacing.
the new foam makes the seat height higher than when they were old, so if you have problems fitting under the steering wheel, don't add new foam, its like adding 40 lbs to your self!!!
I just had someone redo my seats redone, covers and new foam, and didn't regret it. Money well spent and no aggravation for me.
It was strongly recommended to buy new foam with the new seat covers, otherwise, the new covers would sag over the worn foam. I'm 6'4" and that is not what I wanted to hear, but I did it anyway.
I guess try it yourself, buy new covers with the foam. Now that I remember, expect to replace worn or broken hardware. Just have someone experienced do it. Good luck.
Have someone do it. I tried to redo my seat foam and ripped the upper cushion installing it. Big fiasco, cost me more in the long run. At least have the up[pers done.
Hi jdk,
I replaced the seat covers on the seats for my 71.
I viewed the video from Al Knock several times before beginning and found it helpful.
It takes time and some WORK but can be accomplished by someone doing it for the first time. It does take some patience!
I spent about one day on each seat.
I found doing the first one took a little longer than the second.
I also found that leaving the second cover in place while doing the first gives you something to refer to while working on the first cover.
I actually did each cover twice. I didn't replace the bottom foam bolsters the first time but then decided to change the bottom bolsters and add some additional foam on the original seat backs.
It's one of those things that can give a sense of accomplishment when you do it.
Regards,
Alan
Have someone do it. I tried to redo my seat foam and ripped the upper cushion installing it. Big fiasco, cost me more in the long run. At least have the up[pers done.
In process of doing this on my 71, the bottoms seat cushions came out perfect, the tops are undoable in my mind, I was on the verge of
Ripping the new skins on install, either the new foam is to thick or the skins are cut small. I’m bringing the tops to a pro upholstery shop this week, if they can do it with out alterations more power to them.
1 trick is to install plastic bags over foam, then slide on the covers.
Once the plastic is on the foam under the covers, are you aware of the plastic being there? Any noise from the plastic? If you have personally done this, what kind of plastic did you use?
I have done 2 sets myself and what I did on the last helped me a lot. I Ripped my first set trying to roll the top over the back. Second go around I put the cover on the frame and front custom first and then worked the upper back cushion in by hand with baby powder to help slide. Worked great fro me.
After looking at the process, and noting that the drivers seat cover needed repairs, I found a great upholstery shop and they wrestled with it. Around $300 for complete job and, as mentioned before, the seat will be raised appx 2 inches.. I furnished the cushions and new clips..
Good Morning All. When JDK541 started this thread, he did so with the intention of helping me to prepare for my cushion upgrade. Yesterday, I started the process. My seat covers are in very good shape and appear to be the originals.
After ordering and receiving the new cushions and hardware kit, I started by removing and disassembling the passenger seat. From there, I decided to start with the seat bottom, as opposed to the back. Once the old cushions were removed from the seat bottom, it was very obvious the new cushions had more volume, which made sense since the originals are so old. Following the Corvette America seat installation video instructions, I went so far as to attach the new cushion to the seat cover, and attached all of that to the original seat frame. This is the point at which I find myself now.
Looking at the cover on the cushion, I'm asking for opinions on whether I should go any further, as it appears to me that it will be very difficult to stretch the original covers enough to span the foam. Also, note the blue tape in one picture in relation to the hole in the cover for the seat back hinge... The line on the blue tape indicates where the receiving hole in the seat frame lines up. The cushion will need to stretch that far for the holes to align.
I'm thinking that between heating the covers and possibly using large clamps and wood to compress the foam, I may be able to do it, but again, those of you with experience may see that I'm in for trouble and should go a different route. I suppose in the end, I could keep the original covers and cushions for a future sale and purchase new seat covers now, although I really would rather not do that.
That really does not look too bad. Even the new covers will require some " man handling " to stretch tight. Put your weight on the frame , compressing the foam as much as possible. Looks like it will work to me from you pix.
Good Morning All. When JDK541 started this thread, he did so with the intention of helping me to prepare for my cushion upgrade. Yesterday, I started the process. My seat covers are in very good shape and appear to be the originals.
After ordering and receiving the new cushions and hardware kit, I started by removing and disassembling the passenger seat. From there, I decided to start with the seat bottom, as opposed to the back. Once the old cushions were removed from the seat bottom, it was very obvious the new cushions had more volume, which made sense since the originals are so old. Following the Corvette America seat installation video instructions, I went so far as to attach the new cushion to the seat cover, and attached all of that to the original seat frame. This is the point at which I find myself now.
Looking at the cover on the cushion, I'm asking for opinions on whether I should go any further, as it appears to me that it will be very difficult to stretch the original covers enough to span the foam. Also, note the blue tape in one picture in relation to the hole in the cover for the seat back hinge... The line on the blue tape indicates where the receiving hole in the seat frame lines up. The cushion will need to stretch that far for the holes to align.
I'm thinking that between heating the covers and possibly using large clamps and wood to compress the foam, I may be able to do it, but again, those of you with experience may see that I'm in for trouble and should go a different route. I suppose in the end, I could keep the original covers and cushions for a future sale and purchase new seat covers now, although I really would rather not do that.
Looking forward to your input.
I was at the same stage you are in now, I trimmed about a half inch of
The new foam on the sides that rose above the frame, then with the seat
Bottom up on the floor knelt on the the frame compressing the foam enough to attach the covers to it.
qball, how did you trim the foam and keep it all even?
I just trimmed the foam edge that rose above the frame with a pair of scissors, this made it easier for me to attach the clips that held the covers to the frame.
I just trimmed the foam edge that rose above the frame with a pair of scissors, this made it easier for me to attach the clips that held the covers to the frame.
Got it--that makes sense. Thanks. Also, once you had your weight on it, did you start with the front seat clips or the rear? Side clips were last?
02-05-2018, 06:06 PM
Replacing Foam Cushions in a 1970
