Question on replacing seat covers
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 14
From: Vacaville, CA
Question on replacing seat covers
I need to replace the seat covers on my 71' roadster. (They are the vinyl comfort weave). I noticed in the Corvette America catalog that they provide this service as well as bead-blasting the seat frames and refinishing to like new condition. This would cost over $1,000 to have C.A. completly refurbish both seats. 
I may try doing this job myself; sanding and or sand blasting the seat frames, repainting rustoleum black, new seat foam, new hardware, new seat backs, and finally new covers to include the headrests.
Are there any other inexperienced novices like myself that have replaced their seat/headrest covers and had good results. Using those "Hog Ring" clips & pliers makes makes this job look like its for the pro's. Naturally, I dont want any wrinkles, folds, or tear-outs.
Thanks!
I may try doing this job myself; sanding and or sand blasting the seat frames, repainting rustoleum black, new seat foam, new hardware, new seat backs, and finally new covers to include the headrests.
Are there any other inexperienced novices like myself that have replaced their seat/headrest covers and had good results. Using those "Hog Ring" clips & pliers makes makes this job look like its for the pro's. Naturally, I dont want any wrinkles, folds, or tear-outs.
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I've installed new leather seat covers on 2 Vettes (71 & 78). Didn't have any problem with either. Scaryest part was cutting the slits in the back for the 2 clips that hold the plastic seat back on. Do the bottom first since it seemed simpler to me and will give you a little experience in pulling the cover tight. A hair dryer help remove the wrinkles too.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have done it to my 72 and would do it again. Get a good set of hog ring pliers, not the cheapo ones that come in a kit sometimes. A hair dryer is a great tool for this. Take your time. I would suggest new seat foam also.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Edmonds WA
Don't be intimidated by the hog rings; they're actually easy to work with.
Make sure the material (vinyl or leather) is warm before you start the job. It also helps to perform the work in a heated area but it's not a must. You can use a hair dryer for heating the material but I prefer using a heat gun. The heat gun gets the material warmer and more centralized. Just be carful not to set the tip of the gun on the material. Heat guns have come down in price over the years. I just saw one at Home Depot for under $50.00; money well spent.
I agree that you should do the bottom covers first and then the uprights. If you buy quality covers you will get quality results. Don't rush and don't force anything and you will be pleased with your results. I also suggest that you purchase the book titled " Auto Upholstery & Interiors" written by Caldwell. It's filled with useful information, techniques, and tips. Well worth the $18.95 list price; but cheaper in most cases.
Good luck.
Make sure the material (vinyl or leather) is warm before you start the job. It also helps to perform the work in a heated area but it's not a must. You can use a hair dryer for heating the material but I prefer using a heat gun. The heat gun gets the material warmer and more centralized. Just be carful not to set the tip of the gun on the material. Heat guns have come down in price over the years. I just saw one at Home Depot for under $50.00; money well spent.
I agree that you should do the bottom covers first and then the uprights. If you buy quality covers you will get quality results. Don't rush and don't force anything and you will be pleased with your results. I also suggest that you purchase the book titled " Auto Upholstery & Interiors" written by Caldwell. It's filled with useful information, techniques, and tips. Well worth the $18.95 list price; but cheaper in most cases.
Good luck.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Hewitt TX
I agree totally. I have redone the seat covers on my 66, my 77, and my 74. If you are confident in your skills it's really not a big deal. I will add something though. A great deal relys on the quality of the cover you buy. You get what you pay for, so buy from a top notch company. The fit is better, and you'll be happy that you did it. You might have to spend a few extra dollars, but my philosophy has always been if you are going to do something....do it right. Hint : Since this will be your first seat cover job, take digital pics before you start of all angles. Doesnt take much time and you might need to refer back to them to find out how it was before you tore into it. Just a thought. Good Luck!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 947
Likes: 46
From: Saint Cloud Florida
All above is great advice. Most any one can do it. as a matter of fact, a caring amateur can probably do a better job than an expert paid by the job. If your seat frames are solid, repaint and restore. The only thing visible after the new covers are the rails. More care needed here. The installation kit is nice with the new wires and clips. If new foam is used, don't be afraid to take some out on the seat back where the chrome and black molding goes at the headrest. A little triming of foam goes a long way in that area. A $1000 goes a long way towards new hinges, headrest moldings, release buttons and bezels, and adjust *****. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 3
From: belle plaine ks
seat rebuild
I'm no upholsterer so I farmed the install out to local custom upholstery shop. However I had bought an extra set of rough seats off ebay for 50 dollars as my frames were tore up and rusty. Anyway between 4 seat frames I had enough for two decent seats. I also bought the plates from mid america to reinforce the frame in the back. Well worth it as it stiffened it right up. Also leather like seat covers new foam and install kit. ( Originally planned on doing it myself. ) Anyway I watched the professional put them back together and he did an excellent job. He said he was glad I had bought the install kit as alot of those wires you poke through the back side of the seat covers on the old seats were rotten. I had the frames sand blasted for 25 dollars locally as well. All in all I probaly save 200-300 dollars ( not to mention shipping ) over what sending your seats away. He also used a heat gun to help fit the new seat covers as well. He knew a lot of tricks to get the seats to look right. I'm glad I went the route I did. They actually look better than new and are comfortable. My head is a lot closer to the t-top now because of the new foam.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill NC
I like the reinforcing plate, didn't know about that. The one tip I got that stuck in my brain? was to use plastic bags over the foam and suck the bag down with a vacuum cleaner to slide the seat covers on initially. Then rip the plastic bags out. Haven't tried it yet, but sounds reasonable??? This is one of my next jobs also.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 4
From: Celeste Texas
I bought premounted leather covers on new foam from Corvette America. It seemed like a good idea but I sent the first set back and the second set isn't a lot better. For what I saved by doing it that way I would rather have done it myself.
Bill
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
These two articles might give you a good headstart...
http://rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair2.html
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2001...s/seatspg1.asp
Eddie
http://rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair2.html
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2001...s/seatspg1.asp
Eddie
