I got my entire interior for $650, and had it in less than two weeks.
Replacement Interior
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,757
Likes: 3,277
From: Phoenix area, AZ
I did everything but the center console cover and the e-brake myself. I did the interior in my C5 as well so I'd had prior practice, but it really isn't that hard to do as long as you take your time. The console cover requires tools and clamps that I do not have, and did not want to buy, and the e-brake requires removal of the plastic frame and gluing the new boot to it, so I took it to my interior guy. He did both for $50. When I did my seats I replaced all of the foam, and used the seat rebuild kits to prevent the base from getting cut by the frame. The original foam had been cut all the way through on the driver's seat. The pic I posted was from very shortly after the install. I've had it out in the sun a lot since then, and the wrinkles are all gone now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7,001
Likes: 988
From: lake havasu city arizona
I did everything but the center console cover and the e-brake myself. I did the interior in my C5 as well so I'd had prior practice, but it really isn't that hard to do as long as you take your time. The console cover requires tools and clamps that I do not have, and did not want to buy, and the e-brake requires removal of the plastic frame and gluing the new boot to it, so I took it to my interior guy. He did both for $50. When I did my seats I replaced all of the foam, and used the seat rebuild kits to prevent the base from getting cut by the frame. The original foam had been cut all the way through on the driver's seat. The pic I posted was from very shortly after the install. I've had it out in the sun a lot since then, and the wrinkles are all gone now.
Reason being is after having the shop I use install new seat foams and covers which I bought online for my 70 El Camino from TBI Ind. I think he would have been cheaper and BETTER if he had done the whole job from start to finish
NSF
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 478
From: NY
If I was doing that, I'd be looking at the 2012 seat upgrade kit from leatherseats.com. It's about $2k, including the seat coverings and upgraded foam. It takes you to the look of the 2012 seat upgrade, but with much better materials.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Just out of curiosity ED, did you happen to get a bid from your upholstery guy having him do everything, ie. making the seat cover and all ??
Reason being is after having the shop I use install new seat foams and covers which I bought online for my 70 El Camino from TBI Ind. I think he would have been cheaper and BETTER if he had done the whole job from start to finish
NSF
Reason being is after having the shop I use install new seat foams and covers which I bought online for my 70 El Camino from TBI Ind. I think he would have been cheaper and BETTER if he had done the whole job from start to finish
NSF
I've had my seats in my F-150 redone locally from scratch for a fraction of the cost but if you're upgrading to a 2012 type seat, are the prepackaged foam inserts better?
RC
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 159
Likes: 32
From: DFW Texas
I may end up going this route. Not a fan of my '08 seats for sure but there aren't a lot of options out there...
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Is the new foam high density & provide the same level of support as the 2012?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 478
From: NY
The foam in the leatherseats.com kit is supposed to be denser than what came from GM in 2012. There is a full write up on here by a member that did this upgrade. Sorry I cant remember his name. He has a cyber gray wide body coupe.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7,001
Likes: 988
From: lake havasu city arizona
I know that for my El Camino I went with what they called their "sport seat" bucket which had a little higher seat bolsters than OEM, looked very cool but the foams were on the FIRM side and not so comfortable.
I think I will ask my upholstery guy just what he would charge for a complete seat make over to find out.
I'll let you know if you want
NSF
Last edited by Not So Fast; Jul 6, 2017 at 05:55 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,937
Likes: 336
I bought upgraded seat foam for my 2005 which was much denser and works with the older style seats.
http://www.shop.djmotorsportaccessor...&categoryId=10
I did all the work myself (seat covers, ebrake, shift and entire console cover (not just the lid). Just finished my door panels in leather.
http://www.theredlion.us/Tech%20tips2.htm
This thread was a 2012 conversion but you can use it for the older style as well
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-of-pics.html
Leatherseats.com has a youtube video that is pretty detailed as well.
Last edited by 1rusty1; Jul 6, 2017 at 07:03 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,757
Likes: 3,277
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Just out of curiosity ED, did you happen to get a bid from your upholstery guy having him do everything, ie. making the seat cover and all ??
Reason being is after having the shop I use install new seat foams and covers which I bought online for my 70 El Camino from TBI Ind. I think he would have been cheaper and BETTER if he had done the whole job from start to finish
NSF
Reason being is after having the shop I use install new seat foams and covers which I bought online for my 70 El Camino from TBI Ind. I think he would have been cheaper and BETTER if he had done the whole job from start to finish
NSF
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,757
Likes: 3,277
From: Phoenix area, AZ
My seats are still the stock sport seats that came with the car. I didn't do the 2012 upgrade. The foam I purchased from Corvette America. II supplied the leather parts only.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7,001
Likes: 988
From: lake havasu city arizona
Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 14
Swapping my interior color and rebuilding my seats. I went with interior innovations, they great definitely happy with the covers and looking forward to installing them. I also bought new foam, they have them avail from WCC, southern car parts etc. And also bought the "repair" kit that WCC has the cheapest.
I'm taking pics and going to make a guide. It's honesty not that bad to DIY. Hopefully will have them done over the weekend and can get it posted.
I'm taking pics and going to make a guide. It's honesty not that bad to DIY. Hopefully will have them done over the weekend and can get it posted.
Advanced
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 59
Likes: 5
From: Roanoke VA
Interior Innovations is great. I did my 2005, just leather and they turned out great for about 1/2 the cost. They can probably be done DIY if you are pretty handy but for another 300 bucks I had a local shop do them and they turned out great. They are much better quality and heavier leather than the originals. Mine are grey and I will be glad to get a couple pics.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,685
Likes: 5,606
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
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Interior Innovations is great. I did my 2005, just leather and they turned out great for about 1/2 the cost. They can probably be done DIY if you are pretty handy but for another 300 bucks I had a local shop do them and they turned out great. They are much better quality and heavier leather than the originals. Mine are grey and I will be glad to get a couple pics.