Replacing seats??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 314
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From: Charlottesville Va
Replacing seats??
The seats in my car need to be recovered. If so how did you do it? Did you buy the seat kits or just take it somewhere and have them do it all? I was looking at zips and its $370 for new leather covers, I didn't think it would cost that much to have new seats. Thanks for any help.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 2
Re: Replacing seats?? (Blue76)
For the most original look, take the seats out, buy the kit, and have an auto upholstery shop do the installation. Most shops will custom make seat upholstery, but I've rarely seen one that looked "right" when finished. They just seem to stick out. For the money the best look is from a kit, IMHO. You can also try installing the kit yourself, but it's my understanding that Corvette seat covers are particularly difficult to install for the novice.
Jeff
Jeff
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 121
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From: Outside Houston Texas
Re: Replacing seats?? (Blue76)
I'm currently trying to install new seat covers and foam myself. If you can afford it I highly recommend the suggestion of having a professional do it. :crazy: I'm sure it won't be all that difficult after the first one, but right now I've got parts and instructions all over the living room. The instructions made it sound nice and simple...and it was, until the second screw decided not to budge. Vice grips, WD 40, two screwdrivers, and finally four drill bits persuaded it to give up. Now I'm kind of wishing it had hung in there so I wouldn't have to figure out how to attach foam to cover. If I ever get the better of it I'll let you know how it turned out. :) The FAQ section I believe has pictures of this process.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 314
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From: Charlottesville Va
Re: Replacing seats?? (StingRayPonyGirl)
I can get the seats done for free, GF's family does upholstery for a living. I just didn't know what the best way to do it was. Wasn't sure if buying the kit was better or just have him make new ones. Even he said putting the covers on would be a pain on vette seats. Thanks for your help guys.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 240
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From: kennett square,pa,us
Re: Replacing seats?? (Blue76)
Blue 76,
I would definetly but the kit. It will assure that the stiching, pattern, and color is correct for that year.
You way want to try changing them yourself, I did and it wasn't too bad. I also purchased new foam, which id make the job a little more difficult.
If you are uncomfortable about the results, then you can have someone else do it.
Good Luck,
Bud
I would definetly but the kit. It will assure that the stiching, pattern, and color is correct for that year.
You way want to try changing them yourself, I did and it wasn't too bad. I also purchased new foam, which id make the job a little more difficult.
If you are uncomfortable about the results, then you can have someone else do it.
Good Luck,
Bud
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Outside Houston Texas
Re: Replacing seats?? (jerryjfunk)
What brand seat covers did you guys buy? Is there a difference in quality between brands?
My Mom had her seats done by a professional and they look pretty nice, I'll try to get some pics of them. I do know he used an exact corvette pattern so they're not really custom, just good quality. The size of the seat foam surprised me some, I'd grown so used to mine being flat I kind of thought they were normal. :lol:
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From: margate florida
Re: Replacing seats?? (Blue76)
hpe i'm not to late seats are very easy to do i would use leather and you must replace the foam also get the install kit go to home depot or hardware store get some long and heavy tie straps don't use the hog rings mont the seat cover one at a time the same way the old ones came off leave the straps loose then pull then evenly untill all are tite cut the ends off the straps and your done they will come uot just like new i've done then more then once trust me it' not hard jim :smash:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
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From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: Replacing seats?? (StingRayPonyGirl)
What brand seat covers did you guys buy? Is there a difference in quality between brands?
I believe mine are by Mid America, purchased through Wilcox, they appear to be nice quality but I don't have anything to compare them to.
My Mom had her seats done by a professional and they look pretty nice, I'll try to get some pics of them. I do know he used an exact corvette pattern so they're not really custom, just good quality. The size of the seat foam surprised me some, I'd grown so used to mine being flat I kind of thought they were normal. :lol:
I believe mine are by Mid America, purchased through Wilcox, they appear to be nice quality but I don't have anything to compare them to.
My Mom had her seats done by a professional and they look pretty nice, I'll try to get some pics of them. I do know he used an exact corvette pattern so they're not really custom, just good quality. The size of the seat foam surprised me some, I'd grown so used to mine being flat I kind of thought they were normal. :lol:
WILLCOX is the place to buy interior parts:
They sell the leather covers for $243!!
http://www.yankeelady.com/willcox/willcox4.htm#seats
:cheers:
Olivier
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 260
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From: Ipswich, MA
Re: Replacing seats?? (Blue76)
I just had my seats redone in cloth. I have leathers also but in the summer time I prefer the cloth. Cost was 700 and I supplied the foam. I kow that a little high but it is a one off.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 38
From: Massachusetts , USA,
Re: Replacing seats?? (CharlieF)
Charlie, who did your seats ? my 66 has 1967 seats that are black vinyl , good condition, but would like to have redone in 1966 leather,,,, if there is a quality seat guy in this area, please advise, your IPSWICH neighbor.... :seeya
