Recovering C3 seats
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville Indiana
I'm going to get a delux interior package from Willcox soon as I get my drivetrain lined out. I am going to get the installation kit and also new foam set. I have ran across some good step by step instructions online, might be some help on willcox page. Take some before and after pics! Good luck
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
You don't mention what year car you have. That will make a difference in what path you might want to choose. You can get the 79-82 seat cushions already covered and all you have to do is snap them into the seats. With the older style seats it is quite a bit more work to get the covers on.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 439
Likes: 4
From: Oakville Ontario CANADA
Yes purchase the installation kit.
I did my seats on my 72 Vette.
When you remove your old covers and foam you need to duplicate the holes in the exact areas of the replacement foam and covers. You will have to strip the seats to the bare frames and check for cracks which will have to be welded or add/weld seat frame reinforcements. Then paint. It took me over 3 full days to do the seats, DO NOT RUSH / TAKE YOUR TIME. When you complete the work the seats may have to sit in the warm sun for the day to get rid of any wrinkles. If you need additional information e-mail me if you like at vadelsohn@cogeco.ca.
I did my seats on my 72 Vette.
When you remove your old covers and foam you need to duplicate the holes in the exact areas of the replacement foam and covers. You will have to strip the seats to the bare frames and check for cracks which will have to be welded or add/weld seat frame reinforcements. Then paint. It took me over 3 full days to do the seats, DO NOT RUSH / TAKE YOUR TIME. When you complete the work the seats may have to sit in the warm sun for the day to get rid of any wrinkles. If you need additional information e-mail me if you like at vadelsohn@cogeco.ca.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 3
From: Piscataway NJ
Yes purchase the installation kit.
I did my seats on my 72 Vette.
When you remove your old covers and foam you need to duplicate the holes in the exact areas of the replacement foam and covers. You will have to strip the seats to the bare frames and check for cracks which will have to be welded or add/weld seat frame reinforcements. Then paint. It took me over 3 full days to do the seats, DO NOT RUSH / TAKE YOUR TIME. When you complete the work the seats may have to sit in the warm sun for the day to get rid of any wrinkles. If you need additional information e-mail me if you like at vadelsohn@cogeco.ca.
I did my seats on my 72 Vette.
When you remove your old covers and foam you need to duplicate the holes in the exact areas of the replacement foam and covers. You will have to strip the seats to the bare frames and check for cracks which will have to be welded or add/weld seat frame reinforcements. Then paint. It took me over 3 full days to do the seats, DO NOT RUSH / TAKE YOUR TIME. When you complete the work the seats may have to sit in the warm sun for the day to get rid of any wrinkles. If you need additional information e-mail me if you like at vadelsohn@cogeco.ca.
Exactly what he said
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 228
Likes: 3
From: Tampa FL
I finished one of the 2 vinyl seats in my 72, so far. I have not yet, after several months, had the urge to tackle the other one. I would definitely not consider this to be fun.
In my opinion the Wilcox seat foam is too big/too stiff. I bounce around, fell like I am falling out of the seat, and hit my head on the roof now, and I am only 5 6. Might be other new foams are the same, but my original clapped out foam felt better.
In my opinion the Wilcox seat foam is too big/too stiff. I bounce around, fell like I am falling out of the seat, and hit my head on the roof now, and I am only 5 6. Might be other new foams are the same, but my original clapped out foam felt better.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You need to understand the proper steps to take the seats apart and also know where each of the wire attachment clips go (there are different sizes in the seats and they need to go back where they came from. You will need to buy...or make...a wire clip "pull-thru" tool and you will need an inexpensive pair of hog-ring pliers and some hog rings. It is easiest to buy the install kit. You really don't need the wavy wire and new attachment clips if the one's you carefully remove are not broken/damaged/rusted. Same with the internal foam bodies. If they are in good shape you don't need to replace them. If they are 'rotted', you do. Do some searching on the internet to see if you can find a seat rebuilding review or tutorial.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby BC
I bought the Wilcox Leather Covers, foam and install kit for my 69.
Get yourself some hog ring pliers. I bought a pair on E-Bay after trying with reg pliers and getting pissed off. Save yourself the grief that I had.
I assume you have a 79 (dpv1979) so you won't have to tackle the headrest.
Have fun and take your time.
Get yourself some hog ring pliers. I bought a pair on E-Bay after trying with reg pliers and getting pissed off. Save yourself the grief that I had.
I assume you have a 79 (dpv1979) so you won't have to tackle the headrest.
Have fun and take your time.
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 511
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix AZ
I've done my 82's. Wasn't that hard. I've heard the earlier seats aren't as easy.
I got one of those cheapy hog ring pliers from e-bay also. The piviot rivet sheared off 3/4 the way through. Had to buy a real one. I hate stopping part way though something like that, just to rebuy a tool.
I got one of those cheapy hog ring pliers from e-bay also. The piviot rivet sheared off 3/4 the way through. Had to buy a real one. I hate stopping part way though something like that, just to rebuy a tool.
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Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
I finished one of the 2 vinyl seats in my 72, so far. I have not yet, after several months, had the urge to tackle the other one. I would definitely not consider this to be fun.
In my opinion the Wilcox seat foam is too big/too stiff. I bounce around, fell like I am falling out of the seat, and hit my head on the roof now, and I am only 5 6. Might be other new foams are the same, but my original clapped out foam felt better.
In my opinion the Wilcox seat foam is too big/too stiff. I bounce around, fell like I am falling out of the seat, and hit my head on the roof now, and I am only 5 6. Might be other new foams are the same, but my original clapped out foam felt better.
when job was completed they felt just like old seats should
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 5
From: the land of a never ending frame-off resto-mod. May Visa have mercy on my soul.
What you should consider first is the age of the seats. If they are original then the foam is more than likely worn out, cracked, hardened, etc... I suggest that you purchase the covers with the foam pre-installed. This will save you so much grief and wasted time trying to do this yourself.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Al Knoch has a DVD showing how to install seat covers. If you install new foam, putting the covers on is really difficult since you'll swear the foam is too oversize. The Knoch video shows how to get the covers on (the seat cover is most difficult) and Al will also insist that the foam is not too much oversize.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Last edited by Paul L; Feb 19, 2009 at 01:28 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
