seat cover install
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Joined: Mar 2005
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seat cover install
Hello, I am new to the forum, this looks like a great place for information. I own a '75 and a '78 S/A. I have owned the '75 for in excess of 10 years and replaced everything,almost, and I have owned the 78 for 1 1/2 years and now time to replace the seat covers with new foam. My question is. Aside from purchasing necessary tools, such as hog pliers etc, is this a job that I can do or does it require a person in the upholstery trade?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,132
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Let me tell you this...
I had been holding off on doing my seat covers on the belief that they are hard to do... when I actually went to www.corvettefaq.com and looked at some interior guides to seat covering, and started to do it myself, they are so incredibly easy!!! This is definitely not something you should worry about.. I'd get the install kit - you really don't need hog ring pliers (just something to crimp them together). Also, I took the time to recondition my frames with POR-15 to make sure they aren't likely to rust any time soon. I'll probably take some pictures of those soon.
- Michael
I had been holding off on doing my seat covers on the belief that they are hard to do... when I actually went to www.corvettefaq.com and looked at some interior guides to seat covering, and started to do it myself, they are so incredibly easy!!! This is definitely not something you should worry about.. I'd get the install kit - you really don't need hog ring pliers (just something to crimp them together). Also, I took the time to recondition my frames with POR-15 to make sure they aren't likely to rust any time soon. I'll probably take some pictures of those soon.
- Michael
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
you can do it yourself...it will take time though, we spent i weekend per seat for new foam and new vinyl....and it two of us and hair dryers and we wore our fingers out....
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by 78Shadz75
Thanks for the info. Our snow here in Canada is going to be around for another month so this will be a good time. thanks.
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7
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From: Arizona
Mortals can do it. I did my seats with new foam and leather covers last year.
Hog ring pliers make it easier but you can get by without them. I bought some cheap ones. They broke after installing the first 2 or 3 rings. Did it with pliers afterwards.
I don't know if it is a common problem but both captive nuts on my seat back stops were broken loose. I fixed this while I was in there. I didn't bother welding them back. Just used nuts on both sides of the frame. There are some pictures of this on my website.
Heat helps as suggested. I did mine last summer in S. California so artificial sources weren't necessary.. It did require some beer to keep me cool. It's easy to get frustrated.
Hog ring pliers make it easier but you can get by without them. I bought some cheap ones. They broke after installing the first 2 or 3 rings. Did it with pliers afterwards.
I don't know if it is a common problem but both captive nuts on my seat back stops were broken loose. I fixed this while I was in there. I didn't bother welding them back. Just used nuts on both sides of the frame. There are some pictures of this on my website.
Heat helps as suggested. I did mine last summer in S. California so artificial sources weren't necessary.. It did require some beer to keep me cool. It's easy to get frustrated.
