79 Seat Repair
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Alpine Texas
79 Seat Repair
My original dealer sticker from the car says "Dark Blue cloth/leath bkt" so I would assume that is IS leather, not vinyl? There is some "butt rub" wear on the driver's side, the leather has about a 2" sq tear and it is separating from the cloth. My plan is to repair this and then put on some good covers to protect the seats. I would take the seats out, get new ones and store the old if I had someplace to store them. I have one upholstery guy in the next town over and he said it looks like vinyl, not leather, he has some leather in dark blue that he can dye to match my seats. He's going to get back to me about repairing it, but I'm going to check the next big town over and see if anyone there does upholstery. I'm not sure about the separation of the cloth/leather, how would that be fixed? I know there is a 20 min video on taking off the seat covers from these cars and I'm not sure he can get the cover off/on? What have others done to repair seats and how difficult is it?
Le Mans Master
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From: Tuttle OK
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From: USA
Taking off the seat material is one thing, putting it back on is another. I too saw the 20 minute video and thought 'how difficult could this be?' In my case I replaced the foam as it was falling apart (the leather covers were fine). It took me about three hours to replace one back! I got better with the other 3 sections (2 bottoms and remaining back), but it never got easy and each took the better part of two hours. The next day my whole upper body hurt from the workout. But it turned out great!
Last edited by rmm82; Oct 13, 2013 at 02:27 PM. Reason: spelling error
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If you have some wear on the driver's, you can switch it with the passenger's for now to kind of "even out" the wear. Mine were in great shape, but after 35 years, I know the driver's side definitely gets more use.....and we can't get cloth replacement anywhere. Be real careful trusting that older material to an upholstery shop. The removal and replacement could do more harm than good if the technician isn't well trained in his craft. I'm not a material expert by any means.....but I've wondered how difficult it would be to graft new leather onto that old houndstooth. Good luck in your decision, but if the passenger side is OK, switch them for now.
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From: Alpine Texas
Thanks, guys. I think my seats are really in better shape than the ones you are selling, Avett4me, I just have one spot that is bad and I really do like my cloth. I know now that they are getting used, it's going to be difficult to keep them that way. I may switch them, I guess I was thinking you couldn't do that with the seatbelt, but I guess that won't be in the way? I am worried about an upholsterer screwing them up if they haven't done it before. I do need to get covers now. Thanks!
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From: Southbound
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From: Alpine Texas
The upholstery guy has the cloth from a 79 (that houndstooth looking fabric) from a site that says it is original for that year. I had him send me a pic and it is identical. It's $95.00/yard and said if I bring him the seat he will have it looking the exact same as it was. New fabric and leather installed for $295.00. Does this sound reasonable to you guys?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The upholstery guy has the cloth from a 79 (that houndstooth looking fabric) from a site that says it is original for that year. I had him send me a pic and it is identical. It's $95.00/yard and said if I bring him the seat he will have it looking the exact same as it was. New fabric and leather installed for $295.00. Does this sound reasonable to you guys?
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Alpine Texas
Yes, Easymike, it does sound good to me, and I'm planning on getting it done real soon. Going to Fl next week so I'm waiting til I get back. Just wanted to be sure that someone else who has maybe done this had a different idea. That's why I'm here, to get ideas from those who know so much more than I do....
Brian, the info is: Original Auto Interiors
7869 Trumble Rd
Columbus, MI 48063
586-727-2486
Kevin Tamblyn is the guy he is dealing with.
Brian, the info is: Original Auto Interiors
7869 Trumble Rd
Columbus, MI 48063
586-727-2486
Kevin Tamblyn is the guy he is dealing with.