Leather or vinyl?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis IN
Leather or vinyl?
The OEM seats in the '04 are cracking and need to be repaired or replaced. Looks like 2-tone vinyl covers are about $600, leather about $1100. Who has vinyl and what do you think of it? Does it look cheap or cheapen the interior? Not sure I can afford leather right now, but also don't want to spend money on something I will hate later. Thanks.
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'19,'22
You don't have to spend that much for leather http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...torsports.html
Leather from Oaktreemotors in my ride. $595. Google them
Leather from Oaktreemotors in my ride. $595. Google them
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
Leather will look better to most eyes. Leather obviously smells better than any other options.
That's a deal above if you want to use your seat frames.
With so many people changing out their oem seats to after market, you might be able to find a pair in good condition and sell yours to recoup the costs.
FWIW, the synthetic leather like products (ULTRA LEATHER, ALCANTARA, PLEATHER, etc) actually wear better than leather in rub tests. There's more variety in colors. There's no chance of imperfections in the hides. Cost is less in most cases. It's less susceptible to temperature extremes.
LEAR (personal jets) and high end motor coach manufacturers often use synthetic leather in their products.
I built two frame off modified tri five Chevy cars over ten years. The first car was a full leather interior. The second car was ULTRA LEATHER. Aside from the aroma, 98% of people who saw the cars at car shows could not tell the difference. The price difference was (at that time) significant at $10k vs $6k.
That's a deal above if you want to use your seat frames.
With so many people changing out their oem seats to after market, you might be able to find a pair in good condition and sell yours to recoup the costs.
FWIW, the synthetic leather like products (ULTRA LEATHER, ALCANTARA, PLEATHER, etc) actually wear better than leather in rub tests. There's more variety in colors. There's no chance of imperfections in the hides. Cost is less in most cases. It's less susceptible to temperature extremes.
LEAR (personal jets) and high end motor coach manufacturers often use synthetic leather in their products.
I built two frame off modified tri five Chevy cars over ten years. The first car was a full leather interior. The second car was ULTRA LEATHER. Aside from the aroma, 98% of people who saw the cars at car shows could not tell the difference. The price difference was (at that time) significant at $10k vs $6k.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Jun 21, 2011 at 01:09 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
The neoprene covers may be another option. They keep cool in the summer and are relatively low maintenance. Do a search, many swear by them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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Leather will look better to most eyes. Leather obviously smells better than any other options.
That's a deal above if you want to use your seat frames.
With so many people changing out their oem seats to after market, you might be able to find a pair in good condition and sell yours to recoup the costs.
FWIW, the synthetic leather like products (ULTRA LEATHER, ALCANTARA, PLEATHER, etc) actually wear better than leather in rub tests. There's more variety in colors. There's no chance of imperfections in the hides. Cost is less in most cases. It's less susceptible to temperature extremes.
LEAR (personal jets) and high end motor coach manufacturers often use synthetic leather in their products.
I built two frame off modified tri five Chevy cars over ten years. The first car was a full leather interior. The second car was ULTRA LEATHER. Aside from the aroma, 98% of people who saw the cars at car shows could not tell the difference. The price difference was (at that time) significant at $10k vs $6k.
That's a deal above if you want to use your seat frames.
With so many people changing out their oem seats to after market, you might be able to find a pair in good condition and sell yours to recoup the costs.
FWIW, the synthetic leather like products (ULTRA LEATHER, ALCANTARA, PLEATHER, etc) actually wear better than leather in rub tests. There's more variety in colors. There's no chance of imperfections in the hides. Cost is less in most cases. It's less susceptible to temperature extremes.
LEAR (personal jets) and high end motor coach manufacturers often use synthetic leather in their products.
I built two frame off modified tri five Chevy cars over ten years. The first car was a full leather interior. The second car was ULTRA LEATHER. Aside from the aroma, 98% of people who saw the cars at car shows could not tell the difference. The price difference was (at that time) significant at $10k vs $6k.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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Leather is a PIA especially in a car where the roof can come off. I covered mine with the Wet Okole covers. Hate the look and feel of leather, especially if I have the top down.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Somewhere in Mo
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I like leather but it depends on the quality. Leather in my FRC sucks for quality versus the leather in my STS. Now that leather is awesome.
As cheap as the leather is in these things the Synthetic leather actually looks better IMO.
As cheap as the leather is in these things the Synthetic leather actually looks better IMO.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: San Antonio TX
if your seats are grey then
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...ers-300-a.html
these are the 2000 and newer darker grey not the lighter grey.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...ers-300-a.html
these are the 2000 and newer darker grey not the lighter grey.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis IN
Thanks, everyone, for all the great info! I spoke with David at DJ Motorsports last night, and his packages look like great deals. We're looking at the grey with black trim. $699 for both seats, a new cushion for the drivers seat, console cover and several other pieces. I told my wife that after get her car fixed up, I'm going back to David for a black and yellow set for my Velocity Yellow C6. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Houston,Texas USA
Thanks, everyone, for all the great info! I spoke with David at DJ Motorsports last night, and his packages look like great deals. We're looking at the grey with black trim. $699 for both seats, a new cushion for the drivers seat, console cover and several other pieces. I told my wife that after get her car fixed up, I'm going back to David for a black and yellow set for my Velocity Yellow C6.
