Interior durability?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,709
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
Interior durability?
Was looking at 'vettes the other day and noticed that on a new 2011, the headliner was already falling off. Is it normal for the head-liners to sag in these? I have not looked at a lot of them, but that caught my eye.
Also, the leather seats just somehow look prone to wear. Do you guys use seat-covers to keep them looking nice/maintain resale, or do they hold up pretty well? The seats in my WS6 held up great in my opinion. I owned 2 of them over the last few years and they both had 150K+ miles on them when sold and the seats looked great. GM seems to be using a softer/more "wrinkly" looking leather, though, on the new 'vettes. Is it good stuff?
Also, the switch from Delphi to Bosche, no more electrical issues, or are there still gremlins?
Just curious, date of order/purchase closing in and want to know if there is anything else to consider/plan for.
Also, the leather seats just somehow look prone to wear. Do you guys use seat-covers to keep them looking nice/maintain resale, or do they hold up pretty well? The seats in my WS6 held up great in my opinion. I owned 2 of them over the last few years and they both had 150K+ miles on them when sold and the seats looked great. GM seems to be using a softer/more "wrinkly" looking leather, though, on the new 'vettes. Is it good stuff?
Also, the switch from Delphi to Bosche, no more electrical issues, or are there still gremlins?
Just curious, date of order/purchase closing in and want to know if there is anything else to consider/plan for.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,709
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
Yeah, I am not looking at it for the interior, but it would be nice if GM has handled up on the electronic issues and I am curious about sagging head-liners and what look like scuff-prone seats.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 3
From: Miami, FL
I have never seen a sagging headliner on a Corvette...
Electronic issues seem to occur randomly, again, i have not experienced such problems...
And the seats, as long as you use good leather conditioner once a month or so should keep the leather in great condition, and also, don't sit with keys hanging from the sides of your jeans, that will definitely tear up the leather over time...
Electronic issues seem to occur randomly, again, i have not experienced such problems...
And the seats, as long as you use good leather conditioner once a month or so should keep the leather in great condition, and also, don't sit with keys hanging from the sides of your jeans, that will definitely tear up the leather over time...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,709
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
I have never seen a sagging headliner on a Corvette...
It wasn't the whole thing, just a 3"x3" section or so. Still, it looks ratty on a $50K car.
Electronic issues seem to occur randomly, again, i have not experienced such problems...
And the seats, as long as you use good leather conditioner once a month or so should keep the leather in great condition, and also, don't sit with keys hanging from the sides of your jeans, that will definitely tear up the leather over time...
It wasn't the whole thing, just a 3"x3" section or so. Still, it looks ratty on a $50K car.
Electronic issues seem to occur randomly, again, i have not experienced such problems...
And the seats, as long as you use good leather conditioner once a month or so should keep the leather in great condition, and also, don't sit with keys hanging from the sides of your jeans, that will definitely tear up the leather over time...
1) use it.
2) Don't, it hydrates the leather, then the leather dries out, then you re-hydrate it, etc. and it breaks down a lot faster.
I don't keep keys and whatnot hanging out of my jeans.
Has the swap from Delphi to Bosche cut down on the gremlins?
Last edited by BSSN; Oct 13, 2010 at 02:52 AM.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,573
Likes: 1,684
From: Converse TX
I use leather conditioner and cleaner several times a month and yes the seats still wrinkle, but look great so far on our 09 with 24k on the clock. We only have the glass top so no issues there for us
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
I just got an 05 coupe last Saturday and on Sunday I was out driving it around and felt something tapping on my head. It was the headliner falling down on the left side. It looked like whatever glue was used started melting and let go. I could have taken it back to the dealer and had them fix it but thought they'd use the same glue that didn't work the first time so I used a hot glue gun and fixed it myself. It aint coming off again.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 263
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix Arizona
The C6 interior materials are of poor quality. The nylon pieces (door handles etc) scratch easily, the foam in the seats collapses, the door panels weep a chalky residue, etc. etc. etc.
Totally unaccepable for the price of the car and one of the joys of owning a Corvette.
Totally unaccepable for the price of the car and one of the joys of owning a Corvette.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,026
Likes: 9,778
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
The only issue I have had with the seats is wear of the leather from people who don't know how to get in the car. To get in the car the seat has to be run all the way back, then the person entering has to turn around and face away from the car before sitting down. Once seated they twist in the seat and swivel their legs into the car.
People who get in the car by putting their leg in first will always drag their butt down the seat bolster as they lower their body and scrape the surface of either the leather portion or the vinyl portion. This happens because the bolster isn't just a large foam piece but a thin piece of foam supported by the edge of the seat frame. There is nothing to actually cushion the seat skin from the frame when 150+ lbs drops on it. It only takes one clutz with a rough set of jeans to ruin the bolster. I am constantly reminding service people of the proper seating method.
Bill
People who get in the car by putting their leg in first will always drag their butt down the seat bolster as they lower their body and scrape the surface of either the leather portion or the vinyl portion. This happens because the bolster isn't just a large foam piece but a thin piece of foam supported by the edge of the seat frame. There is nothing to actually cushion the seat skin from the frame when 150+ lbs drops on it. It only takes one clutz with a rough set of jeans to ruin the bolster. I am constantly reminding service people of the proper seating method.
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
Likes: 164
From: queensbury ny
Also, the leather seats just somehow look prone to wear.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Was looking at 'vettes the other day and noticed that on a new 2011, the headliner was already falling off. Is it normal for the head-liners to sag in these? I have not looked at a lot of them, but that caught my eye.
Also, the leather seats just somehow look prone to wear. Do you guys use seat-covers to keep them looking nice/maintain resale, or do they hold up pretty well? The seats in my WS6 held up great in my opinion. I owned 2 of them over the last few years and they both had 150K+ miles on them when sold and the seats looked great. GM seems to be using a softer/more "wrinkly" looking leather, though, on the new 'vettes. Is it good stuff?
Also, the switch from Delphi to Bosche, no more electrical issues, or are there still gremlins?
Just curious, date of order/purchase closing in and want to know if there is anything else to consider/plan for.
Also, the leather seats just somehow look prone to wear. Do you guys use seat-covers to keep them looking nice/maintain resale, or do they hold up pretty well? The seats in my WS6 held up great in my opinion. I owned 2 of them over the last few years and they both had 150K+ miles on them when sold and the seats looked great. GM seems to be using a softer/more "wrinkly" looking leather, though, on the new 'vettes. Is it good stuff?
Also, the switch from Delphi to Bosche, no more electrical issues, or are there still gremlins?
Just curious, date of order/purchase closing in and want to know if there is anything else to consider/plan for.
Seat wear yes, and I think GM does use cheap material/leather.. I just picked up an 07 Z with 13k miles on it this past July, I have 17k on it already and already noticing some wear to the seats
I had my C5 for 7 years and the seats never tore, yea the drivers seat was pretty wrinkled, but it held up pretty well. Not sure if the seats on the Z are doing to do the same.
As far as electrical gremlins, I have not had any in my C6 as of yet but its only been a few months.
Cheap interior and Corvette is pretty much a way of life we are used too
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 3
From: Arlington VA
I only drive my car once every 2-3 weeks, but after each drive I wipe the seats down with Lexol conditioner. So far they look brand new after 2000 miles.
When they start getting worn I will replace them with some nice Apsis or DSVettes covers. At that time I plan to get new foam, and have the bolsters wrapped in heavy felt by the installer.
My guess is it will take a few years.
I have the 1LT ultra cheap material BTW.
When they start getting worn I will replace them with some nice Apsis or DSVettes covers. At that time I plan to get new foam, and have the bolsters wrapped in heavy felt by the installer.
My guess is it will take a few years.
I have the 1LT ultra cheap material BTW.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,491
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
The only issue I have had with the seats is wear of the leather from people who don't know how to get in the car. To get in the car the seat has to be run all the way back, then the person entering has to turn around and face away from the car before sitting down. Once seated they twist in the seat and swivel their legs into the car.
People who get in the car by putting their leg in first will always drag their butt down the seat bolster as they lower their body and scrape the surface of either the leather portion or the vinyl portion. This happens because the bolster isn't just a large foam piece but a thin piece of foam supported by the edge of the seat frame. There is nothing to actually cushion the seat skin from the frame when 150+ lbs drops on it. It only takes one clutz with a rough set of jeans to ruin the bolster. I am constantly reminding service people of the proper seating method.
Bill
People who get in the car by putting their leg in first will always drag their butt down the seat bolster as they lower their body and scrape the surface of either the leather portion or the vinyl portion. This happens because the bolster isn't just a large foam piece but a thin piece of foam supported by the edge of the seat frame. There is nothing to actually cushion the seat skin from the frame when 150+ lbs drops on it. It only takes one clutz with a rough set of jeans to ruin the bolster. I am constantly reminding service people of the proper seating method.
Bill
My '05 will be 6 years old next week, daily driver, and the drivers seat shows minimal wear. Maybe just luck of the draw and my seat was made out of a tougher cow.
My 6 year old C5 showed more wear at the same point in time.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
Likes: 164
From: queensbury ny
Originally Posted by Bill Dearborn View Post
The only issue I have had with the seats is wear of the leather from people who don't know how to get in the car. To get in the car the seat has to be run all the way back, then the person entering has to turn around and face away from the car before sitting down. Once seated they twist in the seat and swivel their legs into the car.
The only issue I have had with the seats is wear of the leather from people who don't know how to get in the car. To get in the car the seat has to be run all the way back, then the person entering has to turn around and face away from the car before sitting down. Once seated they twist in the seat and swivel their legs into the car.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 148
From: Magnolia Texas
headliner on my '08 came loose after about 2 years but some 3M tape and its been solid ever since. my seats are not showing any wear or issues after 30k miles and all I do is clean them with a mild soap and water. then again, I didn't buy the car for what's under the top, but what's under the hood and that has been trouble free so far! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 906
Likes: 0
From: Skippack PA
I have heard 2 sides to leather-cleaner.
1) use it.
2) Don't, it hydrates the leather, then the leather dries out, then you re-hydrate it, etc. and it breaks down a lot faster.
I don't keep keys and whatnot hanging out of my jeans.
Has the swap from Delphi to Bosche cut down on the gremlins?
1) use it.
2) Don't, it hydrates the leather, then the leather dries out, then you re-hydrate it, etc. and it breaks down a lot faster.
I don't keep keys and whatnot hanging out of my jeans.
Has the swap from Delphi to Bosche cut down on the gremlins?
Head liner - solve that by getting the transparent top. I'd say 95% of all who have both never use their solid top. I didn't want the transparent top, but came with my car. Glad I got it and wouldn't get the solid top ever. It really opens up the interior, and as you pointed out, I don't have to worry about the head liner, because there isn't one!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 263
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix Arizona
To get in the car the seat has to be run all the way back, then the person entering has to turn around and face away from the car before sitting down. Once seated they twist in the seat and swivel their legs into the car.
Bill
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 915
Likes: 3
From: Ft. Worth Texas
The only issue I have had with the seats is wear of the leather from people who don't know how to get in the car. To get in the car the seat has to be run all the way back, then the person entering has to turn around and face away from the car before sitting down. Once seated they twist in the seat and swivel their legs into the car.
People who get in the car by putting their leg in first will always drag their butt down the seat bolster as they lower their body and scrape the surface of either the leather portion or the vinyl portion. This happens because the bolster isn't just a large foam piece but a thin piece of foam supported by the edge of the seat frame. There is nothing to actually cushion the seat skin from the frame when 150+ lbs drops on it. It only takes one clutz with a rough set of jeans to ruin the bolster. I am constantly reminding service people of the proper seating method.
Bill
People who get in the car by putting their leg in first will always drag their butt down the seat bolster as they lower their body and scrape the surface of either the leather portion or the vinyl portion. This happens because the bolster isn't just a large foam piece but a thin piece of foam supported by the edge of the seat frame. There is nothing to actually cushion the seat skin from the frame when 150+ lbs drops on it. It only takes one clutz with a rough set of jeans to ruin the bolster. I am constantly reminding service people of the proper seating method.
Bill
