Leather seat cover recommendations needed
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Leather seat cover recommendations needed
My '70 Convertible came to me last year with aftermarket comfort weave seat covers and I want to replace them with high quality leather.
Have seen many different ones listed online including Ecklers, CorvetteMods, CorvetteAmerica and a couple more.
Seems all are in the $700 range for 100% leather, which is what I want.
Looking for recommendations on what you installed. Thanks
Have seen many different ones listed online including Ecklers, CorvetteMods, CorvetteAmerica and a couple more.
Seems all are in the $700 range for 100% leather, which is what I want.
Looking for recommendations on what you installed. Thanks
#2
Drifting
There are two different manufacturers Corvette America and Al Knoch. I personally like the Al Knoch seats better. You can purchase direct or through a distributor
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Stev-o (09-06-2018)
#3
Drifting
Thread Starter
Did you install in your car? I see them on their website for $730. Thanks for the info.
http://www.alknochinteriors.com/stor...ck-seat-covers
#4
Drifting
Thread Starter
Another question: apparently these seats came with a combo of leather/vinyl. What part was vinyl? Here is what Wilcox has to offer...
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...vinyl-original
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...vinyl-original
#5
Drifting
Did you install in your car? I see them on their website for $730. Thanks for the info.
http://www.alknochinteriors.com/stor...ck-seat-covers
http://www.alknochinteriors.com/stor...ck-seat-covers
Last edited by 69FASTFUN; 09-06-2018 at 06:13 PM. Reason: more
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Stev-o (09-06-2018)
#7
Melting Slicks
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Are you certain you want all leather? Both the general design and fall in, rotate then climb out nature of getting in and out of C3 seats means that the bolsters (sides) are particularly prone to damage from excessive flexing. Vinyl upholstery with its permanently bonded fabric backing is significantly more durable in that application. This is the reason the nearly all new cars (and certainly later and perhaps all C3s) with "leather" seats actually have "leather seating areas" or similar phrase when described in the advertising and sales literature.
You can certainly have 100% leather seat covers made but even if the absolute finest leather is used (I don't know how you can know for sure) the bolsters are still subject to far more wear.
If you want something different and supremely comfortable search for tailored sheepskin seat covers. Tailored is the key word here. These are not the sort of seat covers you see in auto parts stores! They are made for the exact type of seat. Seatbelts, etc are accommodated for an will work. In the case of early C3 seats I believe that they completely cover the seat back. They're warm in the winter, and, more importantly, stay cool even in direct sun on hot days. Even though it has fur sheepskin is still leather so you do get "all leather" seats. I've had them on a couple of cars (not my Vette as it has fabric seats) and it is extremely durable. They cost as much or more as the new Corvette upholstery I've seen in the catalogs from the common sources.
You can certainly have 100% leather seat covers made but even if the absolute finest leather is used (I don't know how you can know for sure) the bolsters are still subject to far more wear.
If you want something different and supremely comfortable search for tailored sheepskin seat covers. Tailored is the key word here. These are not the sort of seat covers you see in auto parts stores! They are made for the exact type of seat. Seatbelts, etc are accommodated for an will work. In the case of early C3 seats I believe that they completely cover the seat back. They're warm in the winter, and, more importantly, stay cool even in direct sun on hot days. Even though it has fur sheepskin is still leather so you do get "all leather" seats. I've had them on a couple of cars (not my Vette as it has fabric seats) and it is extremely durable. They cost as much or more as the new Corvette upholstery I've seen in the catalogs from the common sources.
#8
Racer
I agree with what SwampEastMike said. As a matter of fact, I remember reading here on the forum about how the 68 seats were all leather, but they went with the leather/vinyl combo on later years due to the excessive wear problem. That's why I went with the leather/vinyl combination on my '72 LT-1. Plus, it was just like the original seats. I bought them from Corvette America, along with ALL relevant parts & pieces (foam, install kits, and tools.) Plus they have a great video on their site that shows you how to install them.
#9
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I love the black leather Al Knoch seat covers that went into my ‘69.
9 years after install:
9 years after install:
Last edited by vettebuyer6369; 09-07-2018 at 04:56 PM.
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Stev-o (09-08-2018)
#12
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2018 C3 of Year Finalist
Regards,
Tom69
#13
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St. Jude Donor '05
Wonder if they are real leather or that cheap coated look alike stuff?
If you spring for the good stuff get firmer foam underneath it will stay right much longer.
Most repop foam is too soft
If you spring for the good stuff get firmer foam underneath it will stay right much longer.
Most repop foam is too soft
Last edited by cv67; 09-07-2018 at 06:43 PM.
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Stev-o (09-08-2018)
#14
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#15
Drifting
Thread Starter
Sheepshin? You've got to be kidding!!!!!!!!!!
#16
Drifting
Thread Starter
I agree with what SwampEastMike said. As a matter of fact, I remember reading here on the forum about how the 68 seats were all leather, but they went with the leather/vinyl combo on later years due to the excessive wear problem. That's why I went with the leather/vinyl combination on my '72 LT-1. Plus, it was just like the original seats. I bought them from Corvette America, along with ALL relevant parts & pieces (foam, install kits, and tools.) Plus they have a great video on their site that shows you how to install them.
#18
Melting Slicks
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The really good fleece (sheepskin) has about 1 1/2" of extremely dense hair--again this is not the stuff you see in auto stores. As my scree name implies I live in an area with extremely hot and sticky summer weather. I detesting sticking to leather seats and the sheepskin is even more comfortable than the ventilated seats in some cars. In the winter your body warms the fur faster than seat heaters warm the leather.
#19
Drifting
Thread Starter
[QUOTE=SwampeastMike;1597947290]I have all leather seats in a car (Seville STS) and they've worn well even if they're covered in that comfy sheepskin. To my knowledge, the last of the last generation Seville's were the only GM vehicles with all leather seats--even other Cadillac models based on the same chassis had leather + vinyl./QUOTE]
Maybe you should trade up to a CT6? They have AC cooled seats!
Maybe you should trade up to a CT6? They have AC cooled seats!
#20
Drifting
Thread Starter
Ok, back to my seats. I've seen this hardware on some of the websites, is it for seatbelts? Mine does not have it. Thanks
One more question: Where is the best place to buy discounted AK seat covers? Too bad I'm not active Military, they receive 15% discount.
One more question: Where is the best place to buy discounted AK seat covers? Too bad I'm not active Military, they receive 15% discount.