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Seat Cover Installation wire length placements

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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 10:30 PM
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Default Seat Cover Installation wire length placements

I've looked through several older threads and haven't found the information that I need. I need length / locations of the wires that go through and tie the seat covers to the back side of the foam. Lots of info out there but these cars are getting old enough to be on their second recover. The first recover was done incorrectly and wires weren't used therefore gone. This info didn't come in the directions. Not seeing it on here either. Someone must know what is used where.

73 deluxe seat covers.

I measured through the foam and marked the distance thru but like a puzzle with missing parts, it isn't working out.

Last edited by DeucePhaeton; Aug 27, 2009 at 10:35 PM.
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 11:04 PM
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This should help. http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2001...s/seatspg1.asp
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 11:14 PM
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Nice article but it doesn't have the info I need. DETAIL on what length hooks to use where. I did find some good detail in the "general" section that should be in the "tech" section. However, the seat back doesn't have the same number as my 73 seats. Looks like many people have problems with incomplete installation packages..... Just like me.
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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 12:19 AM
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I drew up a sketch of the wire lengths when I took mine apart (74). The shortest wires/springs all go into the seat back and hook onto the zigzag wires where the foam is the thinnist. These little guys are hard to install.

For the seat bottoms I've added a sketch. You should have 11 springs that come through the foam and hook to the zigzag wires....4 on each side front to back and 3 across the center.

Looking straight down on the seat bottom with the rear of the seat closest to you and the front of the seat (rounded ends) away from you the spring lengths and locations are shown in the pattern below. Hope this helps.


[ Front of seat ]


3-1/2" _______________________________ 3-1/2"




2-1/2" ________________________________ 2-1/2"




2" ____ 1-3/8" _____ 1-3/8"______ 1-3/8"_____ 2"




1-3/8" _________________________________ 1-3/8"


|_ Rear of seat _|

Last edited by goinbroke; Aug 28, 2009 at 12:30 AM.
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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 09:00 AM
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Originally Posted by DeucePhaeton
I've looked through several older threads and haven't found the information that I need. I need length / locations of the wires that go through and tie the seat covers to the back side of the foam. Lots of info out there but these cars are getting old enough to be on their second recover. The first recover was done incorrectly and wires weren't used therefore gone. This info didn't come in the directions. Not seeing it on here either. Someone must know what is used where.

73 deluxe seat covers.

I measured through the foam and marked the distance thru but like a puzzle with missing parts, it isn't working out.
There are 2 sets of wires. One set goes into the listing on the backside of the new cover and the other set goes under the foam. Unfortunately when you buy a seat cover installation kit you only get the wires that go into the seat cover listing.

The wires that go under the foam are wavy and if you are planning on making your own, you need to make them stronger than the the wires in the listing because they have to stand on their own. There is no material to help support them.

There are three for the seat bottom, 2 that run along each side and one that runs across the the seat between the side pieces. Make the side pieces long enough to almost reach the frame from front to back. I don't have the measurement in inches so measure the frame from front to back and subtract about 1.5 inches.

You will need the wire to fit in between the frame because you have to hog ring the springs to the wires both lengthwise and crosswise.

Use the same method for the seat back which also has three wires. You can also make the wire the same length as the seat cover listing wires.

An installation kit runs about $30.00 from the vendors.

cc
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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by DeucePhaeton
Nice article but it doesn't have the info I need. DETAIL on what length hooks to use where. I did find some good detail in the "general" section that should be in the "tech" section. However, the seat back doesn't have the same number as my 73 seats. Looks like many people have problems with incomplete installation packages..... Just like me.
Deuce, sorry, I misunderstood your original post. If you were shorted hooks contact the vendor for another set. I bought mine from Willcox and they sent me a new set right away.

I have an installation diagram I can send you showing which hooks go where and what their lengths are if you pm me your email address.

cc
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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by goinbroke
I drew up a sketch of the wire lengths when I took mine apart (74). The shortest wires/springs all go into the seat back and hook onto the zigzag wires where the foam is the thinnist. These little guys are hard to install.

For the seat bottoms I've added a sketch. You should have 11 springs that come through the foam and hook to the zigzag wires....4 on each side front to back and 3 across the center.

Looking straight down on the seat bottom with the rear of the seat closest to you and the front of the seat (rounded ends) away from you the spring lengths and locations are shown in the pattern below. Hope this helps.


[ Front of seat ]


3-1/2" _______________________________ 3-1/2"




2-1/2" ________________________________ 2-1/2"




2" ____ 1-3/8" _____ 1-3/8"______ 1-3/8"_____ 2"




1-3/8" _________________________________ 1-3/8"


|_ Rear of seat _|

Thanks for this info. I did have the bottoms figured out but it is the back that I'm having the trouble with. All I have left are these little bitty hooks 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. Still I don't have enough..
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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 11:09 AM
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This may help.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/instructi...help_70-78.pdf
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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 01:55 PM
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Here is a diagram from Romeo Engineering that I go by for re-covering seats.

cc

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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 02:18 PM
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Deuce,
I took another approach suggested by someone on the forum. I used black zip ties instead of the wires. No, it is not original but the advantage was that I was able to adjust the pressure (tightness) at each point o get the look I wanted. I also suggest the material be placed in the sun for a few minutes prior to installation. This made the covers very supple and easy to work.

Good luck !
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