63 Seats

[Harry S.]

Has anyone restored 63 seats that have never been touched? I'm looking for some pictures of the original installation of the vinyl, the length of the clips, position of the clips and hog rings.

Thanks

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 Seats

Harry,
Ask Ed about his car I think he replaced the original covers a few years ago

[Tim T.]

Re: 63 Seats

Harry you have a PM

[Frederick H.]

Re: 63 Seats

The unrestored seats in my '63 are in need of restoration as well. I thought Corvette America had a free video you could download at one time? I have heard that fitting the vinyl over the new foam (if you are installing it) can be a pain. I got a local quote for $200 per seat and thinking seriously about taking him up on it.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Seats

The unrestored seats in my '63 are in need of restoration as well. I thought Corvette America had a free video you could download at one time? I have heard that fitting the vinyl over the new foam (if you are installing it) can be a pain. I got a local quote for $200 per seat and thinking seriously about taking him up on it.

I've shared this with others.

I’m trying to determine who make the closest vinyl to the original vinyl. I’m comparing Al Knoch to Corvette America.

From pictures it appears that Corvette America is the closest. I just did my 63 seats with Corvette America Foam and Al Knoch vinyl using the Corvette America Video. While watching the video I noticed a difference.

http://www.corvetteamerica.com/video/63_64scInstall/

Additionally, Al knock supplies very short clips that I found difficult to use/install. While in the Corvette America video they explain the clips, they use on the bottom and the length. That being forward to aft, 4 at 3.5 inches, 2 at 3.0 inches and 2 at 2.5 inches per seat. The extra length made it easier to complete the job. I also changed the clips in the back, I used clips that were 1/2 inch longer, again it made the job easier.

My old foam was gone, and my black vinyl was split. It wasn’t the original vinyl anyway.

I just received this in an email....

63 used loops sewn in that the clips attached to, so all the clips were equal length.
In 64 (sometime in 64) GM quit sewing the loops in where the clips install so the clips because different lengths.

[Bob W.]

Re: 63 Seats

Harry, Is there reason why you choose to use Corvette America foam and Al Knoch seat covers?

Biob

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Seats

Harry, Is there reason why you choose to use Corvette America foam and Al Knoch seat covers?

Biob

Bob, you have mail.

[Jerome L.]

Re: 63 Seats

I remember seeing somebody put the foam cushion into a plastic bag before sliding it into the seat cover.
The bag was removed once the cushion was in place.
That might make the process a little easier.

[Jim L.]

Re: 63 Seats

I remember seeing somebody put the foam cushion into a plastic bag before sliding it into the seat cover.
The bag was removed once the cushion was in place.
That might make the process a little easier.

When I was recovering the seat backs in my '57 Shev-a-lay, I heard about and tried this trick with the plastic bag.

It worked like a charm.

However, I believe I left the bag in place after I slid the new covers over the backs.

Jim

[Bob W.]

Re: 63 Seats

Harry, Thank you.

Bob

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 Seats

How did the "peak" of the seat backs come out ?
That seems to be the big challenge; to make the final shape as original...

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Seats

How did the "peak" of the seat backs come out ?
That seems to be the big challenge; to make the final shape as original...

Frank, the tops came out fine. I decided to use brute force to move the foam and vinyl around. I assumed the new vinyl and the heavy duty thread would not rip or separate. I used a heat gun and a wet rag to remove the remaining wrinkles.

[Bob W.]

Re: 63 Seats

Harry, Looks great nice job

Bob

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 Seats

That "peak" is exactly how my original seats look, very nice work....I've seen a few redone seats where the top was square-ish and clearly incorrect....and I wondered if the issue was the repro materials or just bad workmanship...

Am I correct that you have a 250hp, factory A/C car...?

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Seats

That "peak" is exactly how my original seats look, very nice work....I've seen a few redone seats where the top was square-ish and clearly incorrect....and I wondered if the issue was the repro materials or just bad workmanship...

Am I correct that you have a 250hp, factory A/C car...?

Thanks, the coupe is a 300hp car. A/C, 4spd, P/S, P/B, P/W, tinted glass, plastic steering wheel, AM/FM, Silver blue/Black. The convertible is the 250hp car.