I'll never mount leather on foam again. PITA!
1985 Corvette Interior Questions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 512
Likes: 17
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
1985 Corvette Interior Questions
Hi everybody,
As a new C4 owner and a long time C3'er, I have a few questions regarding the interior for my black 1985 Corvette. The grey interior and dash are in good condition with the exception of the steering wheel and the outer edge of the drivers seat. I already have ordered a new steering wheel form Chuck Pelton, but wondering if anyone knows where I can get a factory leather seat cover? Is there any seat gurus's here on the CF? Any intel is greatly appreciated.
Below is a pic of my new black C4 and yellow C3 that I have owner for +10 years.
Thanks,
As a new C4 owner and a long time C3'er, I have a few questions regarding the interior for my black 1985 Corvette. The grey interior and dash are in good condition with the exception of the steering wheel and the outer edge of the drivers seat. I already have ordered a new steering wheel form Chuck Pelton, but wondering if anyone knows where I can get a factory leather seat cover? Is there any seat gurus's here on the CF? Any intel is greatly appreciated.
Below is a pic of my new black C4 and yellow C3 that I have owner for +10 years.
Thanks,
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,305
Likes: 216
From: Sussex,Wi
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Corvette Central has them in OEM perforated, or un-punctured.
They also carry Factory die-cut carpeting.
They also carry Factory die-cut carpeting.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Most all of the Corvette accessory catalogs have covers for both bases and backs along with new foam. Mi-America offers sets with new leather installed on new foam so it's a simple R&R to do.
The bases and backs are held in place by clips. The seat bottom and the back can be removed from the shell without removing the entire seat frame from the car.
If you look at the center bottom of the plastic part of the seat base, you will see (or feel) a metal clip about 3" wide. Press down hard on the front of the seat base and push down on the metal clip. Then raise the front of the seat base upwards and pull it out from the frame.
The seat backs are held in place with 4 metal clips attached to the inside of the plastic seat back shell. About 6" down from the top of the seat, push the side of the seat inwards. You should see the clip about 4" in from the plastic frame. There is also another clip about 6" up from the bottom of the seat back. USe a screwdriver to push the metal rod out from the outside clips and then pull the seat back from the two inside clips.
The bases and backs are held in place by clips. The seat bottom and the back can be removed from the shell without removing the entire seat frame from the car.
If you look at the center bottom of the plastic part of the seat base, you will see (or feel) a metal clip about 3" wide. Press down hard on the front of the seat base and push down on the metal clip. Then raise the front of the seat base upwards and pull it out from the frame.
The seat backs are held in place with 4 metal clips attached to the inside of the plastic seat back shell. About 6" down from the top of the seat, push the side of the seat inwards. You should see the clip about 4" in from the plastic frame. There is also another clip about 6" up from the bottom of the seat back. USe a screwdriver to push the metal rod out from the outside clips and then pull the seat back from the two inside clips.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 764
do yourself a favor, order up a set of mounted leather seats from willcox. the mounted covers are a few dollars more, but you'll save yourself a bunch of trouble... willcox sells the stuff listed in the corvette america catalog. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,276
Likes: 3
From: Why are there squished peanut butter cups in my underware?
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Had my '85 seats done in leather from Corvette America by local shop. They came out nice. Total cost--$ 1,000. It can reach deaper in your pocket if foam needs replacing, air bladders bad, broken metal, etc. Now we'll see how long they last at 2,000 miles a year. If you keep up with minor imperfections you can avoid the all too often blown up C4 seat. Keep 'em moist & slippery with dressing. Have fun with that one.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 496
Likes: 4
From: Cordova TN
I am not sure why so many have trouble putting in seat covers. I ordered vinyl/faux leather ones since I didn't see the point of spending over 10% of the car's value on seat covers. Picked up some hog rings and pliers locally and a 12 pack from the corner store. Both front seats took me about 4 hours and half the 12 pack.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 512
Likes: 17
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Thank you all for the intel. 
I will be investigating. Are there any video's [i.e. youtube] that show the installation procedure? I will post some pics of the seats for assessment.
I will be investigating. Are there any video's [i.e. youtube] that show the installation procedure? I will post some pics of the seats for assessment.
