Painting Seats
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
You might change the color, but they'd still be wrinkly.
Perhaps get a new set of seat covers? Your choice on new foam, too.
I've had good luck with SEM color coat, when using the entire system (SEM soap, SEM vinyl adhesive), and it will absolutely work for the seat backs, but I haven't done any wear items like seats themselves.
Perhaps get a new set of seat covers? Your choice on new foam, too.
I've had good luck with SEM color coat, when using the entire system (SEM soap, SEM vinyl adhesive), and it will absolutely work for the seat backs, but I haven't done any wear items like seats themselves.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,258
Likes: 7,848
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I would absolutely replace the upholstery. New leather covers in the correct color.
I have seen people color change seats many times in the past. Most of the time they never have to tell you. No matter how great they look the day you do them. A year later, not so much.
I have seen people color change seats many times in the past. Most of the time they never have to tell you. No matter how great they look the day you do them. A year later, not so much.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,959
Likes: 3,354
From: NYC NY
Trying to change the color of the seats will be taking a step backwards IMCO. It's almost impossible to make them look "like new" with a color change regardless of the effort you put into the recoloring. Plus a seat is high wear especially getting in and out. Buy new covers when the time and budget becomes available. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
They look like leather...and you do NOT want to "paint" them. They can be RE-DYED. But I would highly recommend that you remove the seat covers and have a leather shop or good upholstery shop do that work. Prep work must be done correctly for leather recolor to be even and not damage the leather in the process.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
This might help.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-the-4th.html
Perhaps Top Flight is having a similar sale (Corvette America, which they own, is the only other source of stock-style C3 seat covers that I know of).
Years ago, I found a great deal on some road-tested clamshells on Facebook, that matched my car and were in nearly-new condition.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-the-4th.html
Perhaps Top Flight is having a similar sale (Corvette America, which they own, is the only other source of stock-style C3 seat covers that I know of).
Years ago, I found a great deal on some road-tested clamshells on Facebook, that matched my car and were in nearly-new condition.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,406
Likes: 8,212
From: Napa Valley California
Al Knock Interiors is an excellent choice and their items are top quality.
If you don’t see what you need on their web site, call them.
Their customer service is very impressive.
If you don’t see what you need on their web site, call them.
Their customer service is very impressive.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
From what I could see in your photo, the seat COVERS look to be in great condition. Maybe not the color you want, but very worth keeping. Your problem with the seats is that the support foam under the covers needs "help". Over the years, it disintegrates, leaving the covers looking floppy and wrinkled. Remove the covers, fix the foam, re-dye the covers the color you want, reassemble them and ENJOY.
If I were you, I would commission an upholsterer who can verify having such skills (past example photos, prior customer support, etc) and let him/her have at it. If you are a good DIY'er, YOU could remove the seat covers and re-foam the seats. Have a good leather shop clean and re-dye the covers, then put them back on.
Just trying to offer the lower-cost options to you.....
If I were you, I would commission an upholsterer who can verify having such skills (past example photos, prior customer support, etc) and let him/her have at it. If you are a good DIY'er, YOU could remove the seat covers and re-foam the seats. Have a good leather shop clean and re-dye the covers, then put them back on.
Just trying to offer the lower-cost options to you.....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 478
Likes: 235
From: Lawrence Kansas
Thanks, i live under a lucky star and there was a nice enough looking pair of dark blue seats in the for sale section this morning. i said I would take them so think problem solved.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 383
From: Toronto, Ontario
