So the original cloth interior in my '81 is starting to suffer. It seems that the Arizona/Texas climate that's been so good to the rest of the car (read NO rust), has been a little hard on the interior, in particular the seats, which are starting to disintegrate.

I'm exploring possibilities for repair or replacement and was hoping to gain from the collective knowledge here on the forum.

It seems I have a few options...
1.) Al Knoch leather covers mounted on foam. Will likely be around $1k, but seems to be the gold standard?
2.) Vinyl covers mounted on foam. Seem to be available from any number of sources, including several sponsoring vendors. Looks like they'll cost around $650-$750.
3.) Vinyl covers, not mounted. My foam is in relatively good shape, but it IS still 40 year old foam. $350 from same vendors, but will I regret using the original foam when the seats collapse in a few more years?
4.) C5 or C6 seat swap. Around $6-700. Likely these would be most comfortable, but I lose originality (not super important), and I hear they're taller (I'm 6'1" with a long torso, so my head is almost rubbing the t-top as it is)...
5.) Off brand Summit Racing seats in tan vinyl. $325/pair, obviously not original, attractive due to low cost, but will they hold up over the years?

Do any of you fine folks have experiences with any of these routes? Pros or cons? How hard are the covers to install?
Just trying to explore all my options before I jump in.
Thanks in advance.

DWW

 

You're choice, but I would spring for Al Knoch.

 

Had same dilemma on with 79' leather seats. I did Al Knoch's oyster leather on foam,5 yrs ago,looks & smells like brand new to this day! Get into their site,sometimes they have specials & free shipping. Hdal

 

Don't neglect fabric as on option! That Arizona/Texas climate is even more brutal on leather and I've always found fabric far more comfortable than leather or vinyl in both summer and winter. I can't swear but I believe Al Knoch will make cloth + vinyl bolster covers on request. There are also high quality tailored sheepskin covers available that are wonderfully comfortable--far from cheap but they're my personal favorite..

 

I've got a '71. Leather is original, No rips, tears, or cracks and I actually like the "patina". (kinda like me). So I bought a foam set and re-used the covers. What ever option you choose, go for new foam. Big difference. I'm 6'1 too and didn't notice a significant rise in seat height. But that old leather was hard. I used every trick on YouTube and still ripped 2 seams. If I had it to do over again, I'd go with a reputable shop and have it all done in quality leather. Do 'er proud.
Old man

 

I installed Al Knock seat covers and foam in my 72. I bought the ones that look like stock which for me were vinyl. They have been good so far. The only thing about them was the new form makes the seat sit up higher. Since there is very little headroom in a 72, it took some sitting time to get them broken in and they still sit up a little high for my liking,

 

Thanks for all the advice. You're all telling me what I pretty well knew already. I ought to just save up and do it top notch the first time.

Now I just need to decide where to prioritize the purchase in the ever growing list of things that the car needs done.

Guess I'm off to schedule a meeting with my CFO...

 

+1 new foam...and I installed new leather covers from Wilcox last year. They are a forum sponsor and typically have 20% off sales. Fabric is nice but can stain or absorb odors...

 

This is one of those tricky decisions where a guy has to look at his budget, wants/needs ..and a whole bunch of other personal factors that nobody knows as well as you.

I bought replacement 'leather-like' seats pre-installed on new foam from Corvette America for my 81. They look nice, and do feel a lot like leather. The fit over the foam is really good, no wrinkles. I'm definitely glad I bought them factory foam mounted. My foam isn't roached or dry-rotted either. I've installed seat covers on other vehicles ...you pay for it by time or convenience.

Looking back I wish I would have sprung for the leather. Leather breathes better. You'll never second-guess yourself if you buy the best quality you can. So, it's up to you. If details and good quality matter, buy the leather. You won't regret it. Of course Al Knok is the best, but I wouldn't be afraid to buy leather seat covers from Corvette America either. I saw them at Bloomington Gold one year, I didn't see any flaws that jumped out at me. But I'd listen to experiences others have.