What would you do?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Alhambra CA
What would you do?
I have a small tear developing in the seam of the drivers side seat on my 65.
Interior is 100% original...
1) Replace the seat covers with Al Knoch covers
2) Try to find someone to fix the original
3) Leave it alone
If you would replace them, would you stick with the original vinyl or go leather?
Just wanting to get your thoughts..
Thanks
Tony
Interior is 100% original...
1) Replace the seat covers with Al Knoch covers
2) Try to find someone to fix the original
3) Leave it alone
If you would replace them, would you stick with the original vinyl or go leather?
Just wanting to get your thoughts..
Thanks
Tony
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 41,793
Likes: 153
From: Houston,Texas USA
Re: What would you do? (pittsaj)
Is the stitching comming loose, or is the vinyl tearing at the seam? That would be the deciding factor. As much as I like the leather, I would stick with the origional type of material, vinyl.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 6
From: Spicewood, Texas, USA TX-Texas
Re: What would you do? (pittsaj)
Sounds like you're trying to rationalize getting new leather seat covers. :D
Answer 2 above: Find a good local upholsterer and get it fixed as soon as possible. If he can't make the repair, then you can dream of new seat covers.
Answer 2 above: Find a good local upholsterer and get it fixed as soon as possible. If he can't make the repair, then you can dream of new seat covers.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: What would you do? (pittsaj)
How big of a tear? Is it something you can live with? I would swap seats and put the one showing wear on the passenger's side. There are no lefts/rights in a Shark and, if memory serves, the seats will swap in a Mid-Year.
:)
:)
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Alhambra CA
Re: What would you do? (Tom/99)
Stitching is intact, it is the vinyl that has torn..
It tore at the weak spot were the stitching perforated the vinyl
It gets a little larger every time I look..
I know, stop looking at it..
I have gotten by, by dropping a jacket or other item on the seat when I leave it somewhere, but I’m sure everyone knows :lol: :lol:
Since the car is very original , I would love to get it repaired but can't find anyone that thinks it can be done..
I get many suggestions from non Vette people..
All of them say go Leather..
That is why I asked the question here..
Is it better to leave the original seat including the torn seam and just :D
Or should I go ahead and replace it with a good vinyl staying as original as possible..
What would you guys suggest...
Tony
It tore at the weak spot were the stitching perforated the vinyl
It gets a little larger every time I look..
I know, stop looking at it..
I have gotten by, by dropping a jacket or other item on the seat when I leave it somewhere, but I’m sure everyone knows :lol: :lol:
Since the car is very original , I would love to get it repaired but can't find anyone that thinks it can be done..
I get many suggestions from non Vette people..
All of them say go Leather..
That is why I asked the question here..
Is it better to leave the original seat including the torn seam and just :D
Or should I go ahead and replace it with a good vinyl staying as original as possible..
What would you guys suggest...
Tony
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Alhambra CA
Re: What would you do? (Patrick Tighe)
Thanks Patrick,
My car has always been a fence thing for me.
It is still very original.. low mileage 43K
Original paint still looks great after 35 years
Interior 100% original
But I drive it.. Wouldn't own it if I couldn't
Therefore things break and must be fixed..
I guess that now means "New Seats"
This will be a difficult one as this will be only the second major thing changed on the car... The first was a new Dewitt's radiator last year.
I guess I have to Bite the bullet..
Tony
My car has always been a fence thing for me.
It is still very original.. low mileage 43K
Original paint still looks great after 35 years
Interior 100% original
But I drive it.. Wouldn't own it if I couldn't
Therefore things break and must be fixed..
I guess that now means "New Seats"
This will be a difficult one as this will be only the second major thing changed on the car... The first was a new Dewitt's radiator last year.
I guess I have to Bite the bullet..
Tony
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: What would you do? (pittsaj)
My 63 has about 50K original miles. Has the original carpet in the back...original door panels, dash, etc. The front carpet has been replaced. About 10 years ago, my original seat covers literally started to fall apart. Call it "dry rot"...whatever. Sounds like yours. The vinyl deteoriorated along all the stitched seams and started to pull apart. I went the Al Knoch route, and have been very happy with the covers. Most definitely would go with the original vinyl. Don't change to leather. Chuck
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Alhambra CA
Re: What would you do? (Chuck Gongloff)
Thanks Chuck,
I needed the support on this one..
All the guys I hang out with at the sat night Fud's, love the Vette's, but aren't really Vette people.
They are all saying go Leather....
I'm not a fanatic, but I do want to presurve the car as much as possible.
Seems to me the Vinyl is the right way to go..
Another couple of questions for you..
Did the new seats match the original's
Look and feel..
Also did you replace the foam?
My original seats are so comfortable I hope the new will be the same..
Did you install them or have someone do it?
Tony
I needed the support on this one..
All the guys I hang out with at the sat night Fud's, love the Vette's, but aren't really Vette people.
They are all saying go Leather....
I'm not a fanatic, but I do want to presurve the car as much as possible.
Seems to me the Vinyl is the right way to go..
Another couple of questions for you..
Did the new seats match the original's
Look and feel..
Also did you replace the foam?
My original seats are so comfortable I hope the new will be the same..
Did you install them or have someone do it?
Tony
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: Dunstable MA
Re: What would you do? (pittsaj)
I had a tear in the driver's side bottom bolster (on my 82) and made the mistake of buying new pre-mounted seat covers. That was a mistake. The new foam was not "broken in" and not as comfy. I found a good upholstery shop and for $75 they just replaced the bolster. Now I have my seat fixed, it's matched VERY well, I have my "comfy" seats back in and only one piece of material is not original. Anyone want to buy a set of pre-mounted seat cushions for an 82 camel (code 642) :D ?
Guy
Guy
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Alhambra CA
Re: What would you do? (82-Guy)
Never thought about replacing the entire panel :rolleyes:
I will look around to see if that might be an option..
Anyone else changed the foam??
How was the feel before and after the change??
Thanks guys..
I'm still on the FENCE :lol: :lol: :lol:
Tony
I will look around to see if that might be an option..
Anyone else changed the foam??
How was the feel before and after the change??
Thanks guys..
I'm still on the FENCE :lol: :lol: :lol:
Tony
