The covers look like they could be nice, but I would not accept them the way the look in the pics. They really look tacky with all the wrinkles. In fact you can in many cases tell right away when you see aftermarket covers. The wrinkles always give them away. I just couldn't accept that and would have to go with Carravaggio, Apsis or the like and get something that looks perfect, more like something from the factory or better. Just my .02.

 

An observation.....

In 1970 I purchased my first Corvette, a '66 427 4 speed fastback. It was a great car, passed everything on the road but a gas station, and I really enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of my fellow Corvette owners. We drove our cars, we raced our cars, and had a lot of fun in the process. In 1985 I purchased my second Corvette, an '81 mirrored "T" top. I'll admit I was spoiled by my first Corvette and I was generally disappointed with the performance of the '81. However, after an engine rebuild it could smoke the tires with the best of them. It was still a fun experience, although it seemed fewer fellow Corvette owners would wave as you passed by. There also seemed to be a movement in the direction of the "garage queen" mentality. It has to be pristine, unmodified and only driven on sunny days when the weather was perfect. Oh, and if you dared to modify your Corvette you were lucky if other owners would even talk to you, yet alone let you park near them at a show.

This year I purchased my 3rd Corvette, a '99 FRC and all I can say is: WOW! there has been a big change in Corvette owners over the years. The "garage queen" mentality seems to be stronger than ever, and there's nothing wrong with that if you're more into cleaning and polishing than driving. However, at least now it seems that modifying your car no longer ostracizes you from the community, and that is a good thing. Unfortunately, there now seems to be a new kind of ugly movement where some owners set themselves up as judgemental know-it-alls and take every opportunity they can to criticize other people's work or choices... especially if they fail to measure up to their somewhat **** standards. I suppose its only natural for some to set themselves above others, that's just human nature. It gives them an excuse and in their mind justifies an "its my way or the highway" attitude. Unfortunately this is something that is not good for the hobby, and gives the impression to those outside the community that all Corvette owners are that way.

Upon reflection, maybe its best if I just keep my opinions to myself. That said, I can only hope others will do the same.... there is a big difference between offering constructive criticism and just bitching because something fails measure up to your personal standards.

 

This thread went to hell in a hand basket real quick...

 

I have always felt if one can't take criticism, then they aren't much of a person, and perhaps should crawl back in their shell, and stay there.
Criticism can be constructive, and good, or bad and downright hateful.
That is up to the person who is being criticized for what ever reason, as to how they view it.
Criticism, like praise has to be earned, and like everything in life, it is a part of life.
One should not be coming on a public forum stating it is wrong to criticize

Perhaps it all boils down to how we handle situations in life.
We are not all the same, and different people express themselves different from others.
Not everyone is going to "bend" to your way of thinking, and that is as it should be.
If one can't accept that fact, then that is their problem.

I get the feeling the latter part of your post was directed at me, and that is fine.
The only advice I could offer you is, you have two options.
One, don't read my post, and two, add me to your ignore list if what I post bothers you.
I enjoy this forum, and would hope I have made some friends along the way,but that in no way reflects on why I shouldn't post what I feel.
I was brought up to know, honesty is always the best policy, so why would I come on here and say something opposite of what I believe?
Perhaps you, and others need to look at that sentence, and give it some honest thought.

In the original post, "Rides" posted something I felt was mistake, and could end up reflecting on his business.
That was a true assessment.
Obviously it was not meant in a mean way, but I feel some took it that way.
Some felt I was right in my assessment, and agreed with what I stated.
I just don't see a problem with that.
Bob..

 

My comment about the red covers in this post , obviously had some sort of impact on "Rides".
I notice there is another thread he posted , with yellow covers.
Though not what I would consider perfect, they are a vast improvement over the red one's in this thread.
Again, helpful, and constructive critisim.

Bob.

 

Couldn't possibly been said any better.

 

I believe a significant part of the seat cover concern was addressed by c5vetteguy.

I realize there may be some who are totally capable of evaluating the quality of upholstery by simply looking at a picture. Unless there are obvious missed stitches, incorrect spacing of threads used for any type of rolling, tufting, pleating, etc, I’m not skilled enough to simply look at wrinkles and immediately determine whether the wrinkles are a product of poorly prepared seat covers or poorly installed seat covers.

While wrinkles may address the quality of the seat covers, the wrinkles may also address well executed seat covers that were put on the seat frame/padding by an amateur – perhaps even someone attempting this for the very first time. C5vetteguy’s comments are worthy of consideration. Who installed the seat covers? How much experience do they have with installing upholstery? Did the installer reuse old foam or install new foam?

Many forum members do their own work. They may do so because they enjoy the challenge of the work; the opportunity to learn a new procedure; or they may have spent their money on the seat covers and cannot afford to have a shop install them for another $200, $300, $500 or whatever cost. I recognize that some of our members are financially fortunate enough to be able to have the finest restoration shop available perform their work. Many cannot afford this. And – do any of us really believe that the quality upholsterer, body person, painter, engine builder or whomever else did show-quality work their very first time?

It appears we may be citing “shoddy work” without truly examining whether the photo truly reflects on seat covers we believe to be “shoddy” or whether they were the best seat covers ever produced but installed by a member who has absolutely zero seat cover installation skills because they have never done this before.

Are there better manufacturers of seat covers? Certainly, but at what price? 02BlownZ06, I’m with you. If you want the ultimate, go with Carravaggio or Apsis or another comparable shop; but, as you and I recognize, they are much more costly than the covers that started this discussion. And I’m not sure that a “first timer” might not still end up with wrinkles in their seat covers, too.

Does the red color of the seats look good in the silver car? Yes.

Should the manufacturer have considered using professional installation of the seat covers before posting the ad? Probably so; both to present their product in a better light as well as to avoid the critique seat cover wrinkles appear to prompt.

Should the manufacturer have not responded to the barbs of criticism? Yes.

If we want to offer “constructive criticism” should we truly make it constructive and not just criticism? Yes. (Two common tenets of constructive criticism are addressing the situation without attacking the person and giving recommendations on how to improve).

 

In the original post, the op certainly made it seem that his company was the installer, as well as the manufacturer of the covers.
I offered constructive criticism by stating the product is reflective of the kind of work they do.
If it was not reflective, then they should have posted some thing else more representative of their products, and workmanship.
If they did not do the installation, then it was up to them to make sure it was done correctly before allowing their product to be shown.
Regardless of who did the installation of these red covers,it reflects in a negative way, back on the company that made them.

I have been in business perhaps longer than some members here have been living, and one important fact I learned over the years is something ALL business owners should consider, and that is,good or bad, your reputation follows you.
It is up to the business owner to decide which one that will be.

Bob.

 

You have nothing to show other then your hateful writings (not just in this thread but in pretty much all the threads you touch)...and you try to justify your negativity under "constructive criticism".... good luck in your life with so much negativity.

 

When products and services are brought onto this forum in less than perfect condition, you bring that negativity with you, in the pictures you post.
Why not go back and read the post in this thread, many besides me gave a negative response regarding these red seat covers.
You argument doesn't hold water.

Bob.

 

Most of us are not perfect. In fact most people who actually drive their cars much don't give a damn if there are a few wrinkles in our seats. Probably because most of us in fact can't afford perfection. Its a real shame but **** ant protectionists are the reason Corvette owners now days are less than they once were. Not less in quantity, but less in quality.
OK, I'm done feeding the trolls.