Seat Cover Install Tips
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 447
Seat Cover Install Tips
Super excited that I've ordered a new set of seat covers for my Vette. However, I've read the write up by Vette Essentials and was just wondering if anyone could share any tips or tricks they had from doing the job themselves. Spefically the standard seats. I'm excited and nervous to get them installed. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
Super excited that I've ordered a new set of seat covers for my Vette. However, I've read the write up by Vette Essentials and was just wondering if anyone could share any tips or tricks they had from doing the job themselves. Spefically the standard seats. I'm excited and nervous to get them installed.
Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
Change the foam out!!! If you can afford it have it done professionally about $300- and well worth it. There is a lot of DIY info out there just google. I had mine done and it was the best money spent having it done by an upholsterer. Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 81
From: Bel Air MD
When you get read to put the holes in the side of the seat for adjusting handle and other controls, make sure that the seat bottom is pulled back snug to where it ultimately will rest. The Vette Essentials instructions do not tell you that. When I did mine I had to punch another hole but luckily the wrong hole was covered up
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 739
Likes: 269
From: Batlimore,Ohio
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
If possible you need to get the seat cover's warm. I sat mine out in the sun for an hour while I was working on the seats. I was about 5 inches short pulling the J channel together in the back. Warming up the covers helped a ton. Another tip an extra set of hands it a big help.
My dad was a huge help.
My dad was a huge help.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 739
Likes: 269
From: Batlimore,Ohio
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
Finished product
Last edited by Keev1414; Feb 10, 2016 at 10:04 AM. Reason: forgot post
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 739
Likes: 269
From: Batlimore,Ohio
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
One more thing. Invest in a pair of hog ring pliers. Good luck.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 485
Likes: 90
From: '97 Coupe & '07 Coupe in Allentown, PA
New foam and seat repair kit.
Here is my write-up with some more food for thought.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nsulation.html
Here is my write-up with some more food for thought.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nsulation.html
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 447
Some great tips and write ups. Looks like I may wait and buy some new foam first before installing the covers. Also, appears that zip ties are the way to go.
Witmer, saw your thread last week while doing some research. Yours turned out great
Witmer, saw your thread last week while doing some research. Yours turned out great
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 204
From: Calabash, NC
It is very difficult to get the zippers to close using the normal pulls. Suggest adding some leverage with a tywrap/ziptie and them cut them off afterwards - otherwise you will be trying to close the zipper joint forever.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
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From: Fords, NJ
Racer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 319
Likes: 90
From: North Ridgeville Ohio
Good mod!
One of the first things that I did when I got my 2000 vert last year was to recover the seats. I didn't like the black (too hot). I put in new padding on the drivers side and found a helpful video on You Tube. It took about four hours and make sure you put tubing over the wings on the seat so that the new foam lasts longer. Good luck!
Before
After
Done
Last edited by twill; Feb 12, 2016 at 08:06 AM. Reason: Pictures
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 717
Likes: 80
From: Michigan
