Sport seats question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Sport seats question
My 1999 has leather sport seats passenger side is cherry condition but the drivers has torn thru the bolster and have a small tear in the bottom as well. I found a nice used passenger seat online but wondered if it would work on the drivers side also. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
Last edited by 99cpe; Aug 31, 2017 at 04:38 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 789
From: Hernando MS
The outside of the side bolsters are different. You'd have the fabric part that usually touches the center console facing out toward the door on the drivers side.
Last edited by MikeG37; Aug 31, 2017 at 05:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Thanks a bunch guys. Really don't want to over think this. My trim shop couldn't find the GM firethorn red to repair the bolster which is vinyl. Knowing myself I wouldn't be happy with mismatch. I originally thought I could have him install the passenger seat cover on driver's seat. It sounds like he would have to remove and stitch the bottom panels from the original drivers seat for a correct fit. Not worth it IMO but maybe I'll ask him
Racer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 380
Likes: 67
From: Kelso Wa.
It is NOT just a bolt in set of issues you will be facing trying to use a passenger seat on the drivers side.
Look at the part of the seat back that touches the center console and you will notice it is not leather (or vinyl) but rather a fabric to help it slide more easily against the center console. Passenger seat in the drivers location means this fabric will show. Even if this appearance is livable to you consider that the power switches will be on the WRONG side when installed in the drivers location. Beyond that there is the Seat Control Module that a drivers seat has that a passenger seat does not and as I recall some of the early year passenger seats were not electric. Additionally I have never seen a C5 passenger seat that had the adjustable bolsters/lumbar that the drivers seat has.
With enough time and effort all these can be addressed. Simply trying to give you some heads up about what you are getting into...........
Look at the part of the seat back that touches the center console and you will notice it is not leather (or vinyl) but rather a fabric to help it slide more easily against the center console. Passenger seat in the drivers location means this fabric will show. Even if this appearance is livable to you consider that the power switches will be on the WRONG side when installed in the drivers location. Beyond that there is the Seat Control Module that a drivers seat has that a passenger seat does not and as I recall some of the early year passenger seats were not electric. Additionally I have never seen a C5 passenger seat that had the adjustable bolsters/lumbar that the drivers seat has.
With enough time and effort all these can be addressed. Simply trying to give you some heads up about what you are getting into...........
Besides the controls and bolster material, the recline lever would be on the wrong side.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,429
Likes: 973
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
A major reason I didnt elect to have a local shop do any work for me was the excessive cost. For example, I was quoted $250 to replace the area in the side bolster that was wearing thru. You may want to think about replacing both seat covers so they match. There's lots of possibilities.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Chasboy you're right. My guy wanted 300 to fix the bolster plus seat bottom but could not get the original firethorn red. Saw some new leather covers corvette america factory replacements for around 900. Last seats i recovered were for my 65 vert but that was almost 30 years ago. Guess I'll look online for a video and see if i want to have at it. Fingers don't work like they used to anymore
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,429
Likes: 973
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Chasboy you're right. My guy wanted 300 to fix the bolster plus seat bottom but could not get the original firethorn red. Saw some new leather covers corvette america factory replacements for around 900. Last seats i recovered were for my 65 vert but that was almost 30 years ago. Guess I'll look online for a video and see if i want to have at it. Fingers don't work like they used to anymore
My covers/foam were from Interior Innovations. Full custom, cost about $1150. Take the seats out, bolt them down to a workbench, and you will be able to do it, especially if your foam is in good shape. I ended up abandoning the hog rings and 'push plugs' for zip ties.
If you're going with factory style, look around, there are lots of price points.
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 146
Likes: 30
From: Perry OH
I had mine replaced by a trim shop three years ago- same exact problem. I bought leather covers from Auto Custom Leathers, out of Massachusetts. They are an e-bay seller, and the seat leathers were great at a lower price than most - I paid about $700 for both and the installer charged me $150 per seat. Service was good- about 3 weeks as I remember. They have all the OEM colors- the Torch Red was a perfect match.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2004-C5...-/122676830789
They are probably as good as OEM ( which means not the best in the World) but I wasn't willing to pay $ 1200 for the leather and installation. Three years, and 30,000 miles they still look good. Perfect match as to color, too.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2004-C5...-/122676830789
They are probably as good as OEM ( which means not the best in the World) but I wasn't willing to pay $ 1200 for the leather and installation. Three years, and 30,000 miles they still look good. Perfect match as to color, too.
Last edited by MikeWyatt; Sep 1, 2017 at 06:27 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,429
Likes: 973
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
I had mine replaced by a trim shop three years ago- same exact problem. I bought leather covers from Auto Custom Leathers, out of Massachusetts. They are an e-bay seller, and the seat leathers were great at a lower price than most -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2004-C5...-/122676830789
They are probably as good as OEM ( which means not the best in the World) but I wasn't willing to pay $ 1200 for the leather and installation. Three years, and 30,000 miles they still look good. Perfect match as to color, too.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2004-C5...-/122676830789
They are probably as good as OEM ( which means not the best in the World) but I wasn't willing to pay $ 1200 for the leather and installation. Three years, and 30,000 miles they still look good. Perfect match as to color, too.
When I was looking for my covers there was a British company on EBay that made what looked like nice all leather covers but they had limited styles. I'm familiar with the company mentioned above, and also Ridies, which seems to sell the identical covers I got from Interior Innovations. All of these vendors offer customization, but their prices for stock OEM versions are pretty good and the leather IS better than the stock GM stuff.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Thanks all.
I think Chasboy set the bar for me so I'm going to purchase replacements and take the self install route. I'll have new seat covers for a little more than the cost of a patch and more than likely a better job if I take my time and do it myself.
I'll be schooling myself on the forum to prepare for fitting some plastic bushings in the seat tracks at the same time.
That'll be a better solution as I plan on keeping this ride for a while.
I think Chasboy set the bar for me so I'm going to purchase replacements and take the self install route. I'll have new seat covers for a little more than the cost of a patch and more than likely a better job if I take my time and do it myself.
I'll be schooling myself on the forum to prepare for fitting some plastic bushings in the seat tracks at the same time.
That'll be a better solution as I plan on keeping this ride for a while.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 494
Likes: 76
From: Beverly MA
St. Jude Donor '20
I had mine replaced by a trim shop three years ago- same exact problem. I bought leather covers from Auto Custom Leathers, out of Massachusetts. They are an e-bay seller, and the seat leathers were great at a lower price than most - I paid about $700 for both and the installer charged me $150 per seat. Service was good- about 3 weeks as I remember. They have all the OEM colors- the Torch Red was a perfect match.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2004-C5...-/122676830789
They are probably as good as OEM ( which means not the best in the World) but I wasn't willing to pay $ 1200 for the leather and installation. Three years, and 30,000 miles they still look good. Perfect match as to color, too.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2004-C5...-/122676830789
They are probably as good as OEM ( which means not the best in the World) but I wasn't willing to pay $ 1200 for the leather and installation. Three years, and 30,000 miles they still look good. Perfect match as to color, too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 898
Likes: 25
From: Dallas, TX
Reading through this since I have the same issue. My side bolster is OK right now but the bottom is torn and the foam needs replaced. Wondering if a passenger seat bottom cover only would fit on the drivers side.
I wasn't sure if anyone here had tried to swap the cover only without the seat and just the bottom?
I wasn't sure if anyone here had tried to swap the cover only without the seat and just the bottom?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 898
Likes: 25
From: Dallas, TX
Seat bottom can be moved but keep in mind that there will be holes in the edges for the seat controls and set back latch which, while now on the inside toward the center console and somewhat less visible, will still be there. Additionally you will need to remake holes for the seat controls and seat back latch to be able to install them on the outside of the seat.
I know that eventually I'll redo the two seats and all the foam but figured if I came across a parts car this could get me along a while more until I take the plunge.
My drivers bolster is mostly just scuffed right now.
Don't want to hijack this thread though, much appreciated!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,429
Likes: 973
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Not a hijack, 03, its all related and you never know which statement sparks a choice bit of info!
99: once the covers are off take a good look at the foam, unless you are getting new. If new foam, be advised that it's denser and firmer than the 18 year old foam that's there now. It will likely need trimming. That is NORMAL. Don't trim too much or you will lose the benefit of the new foam. Of course this means you will have a wrestling match with the covers, but it's worth it. Also, I used a small length of neoprene tubing duct taped over the leading edge of the bolsters, which is the area most people agree is the first to go. On mine, the fiberglass shell was starting to wear thru the leather.
99: once the covers are off take a good look at the foam, unless you are getting new. If new foam, be advised that it's denser and firmer than the 18 year old foam that's there now. It will likely need trimming. That is NORMAL. Don't trim too much or you will lose the benefit of the new foam. Of course this means you will have a wrestling match with the covers, but it's worth it. Also, I used a small length of neoprene tubing duct taped over the leading edge of the bolsters, which is the area most people agree is the first to go. On mine, the fiberglass shell was starting to wear thru the leather.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Not a hijack, 03, its all related and you never know which statement sparks a choice bit of info!
99: once the covers are off take a good look at the foam, unless you are getting new. If new foam, be advised that it's denser and firmer than the 18 year old foam that's there now. It will likely need trimming. That is NORMAL. Don't trim too much or you will lose the benefit of the new foam. Of course this means you will have a wrestling match with the covers, but it's worth it. Also, I used a small length of neoprene tubing duct taped over the leading edge of the bolsters, which is the area most people agree is the first to go. On mine, the fiberglass shell was starting to wear thru the leather.
99: once the covers are off take a good look at the foam, unless you are getting new. If new foam, be advised that it's denser and firmer than the 18 year old foam that's there now. It will likely need trimming. That is NORMAL. Don't trim too much or you will lose the benefit of the new foam. Of course this means you will have a wrestling match with the covers, but it's worth it. Also, I used a small length of neoprene tubing duct taped over the leading edge of the bolsters, which is the area most people agree is the first to go. On mine, the fiberglass shell was starting to wear thru the leather.
Gotcha brother. I'll keep that in mind for sure. In the meantime I just opened another can of worms and started a new thread
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 2,521
Likes: 219
From: Los Angeles CA
You could have these for less than the cost of the patch
http://www.interior-innovations.com/...uct_detail/105
Install was cake, I even converted my seats to sport seats.
http://www.interior-innovations.com/...uct_detail/105
Install was cake, I even converted my seats to sport seats.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,429
Likes: 973
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
You could have these for less than the cost of the patch
http://www.interior-innovations.com/...uct_detail/105
Install was cake, I even converted my seats to sport seats.
http://www.interior-innovations.com/...uct_detail/105
Install was cake, I even converted my seats to sport seats.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 2,521
Likes: 219
From: Los Angeles CA