Fitment Issues with New Leather Seat Covers- 1970

[Mark E.]

Top Flight is replacing my puffy Al Knoch seat covers, and I have concerns about their fit around the trim piece on the front that the shoulder belt goes through, and about coverage above the seat hinge.



This photo shows how far down the cover extends at the hinge. It seems short... in fact the foam shows at the bottom.

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These photos show the fit of the trim piece. It looks too low (or the cover is too high) and actually covers up the stitching on the cover.

541569.1.jpg 541569.2.jpg



TF says this is how original covers fit. I'm thinking I'd like the trim pieces to fit close to the center of the surround in the leather, regardless of originality.

But I want to know: what's TFP? Photos of original covers would be great. Also, comments about other aspects of these covers is appreciated.

Seat Cover Front TF 06 2024.jpg

Luckily I had TF send photos before shipment, so they can still make changes.

Thanks guys!

[Owen L.]

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You can see how low the indentation is on this cover.
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[Patrick H.]

Re: Fitment Issues with New Leather Seat Covers- 1970

I always note the low gloss of the reproduction leather compared to original material.
You can see it on both the tan and black reproduction seat covers in this thread.

[Mark E.]

Re: Fitment Issues with New Leather Seat Covers- 1970

I always note the low gloss of the reproduction leather compared to original material.
You can see it on both the tan and black reproduction seat covers in this thread.

Could the gloss be due to wear? Leather in new cars we've had begins low gloss, then shines up with use, age, application of products.

[Mark E.]

Re: Fitment Issues with New Leather Seat Covers- 1970

For my '72, I put on Al Knoch leather covers recently and questioned the same thing. That trim piece sits very low on mine but I have the original cover to compare to — had just put it in the trash yesterday!

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You can see how low the indentation is on this cover.
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Thanks Owen.

Did the trim piece overlap the stitching on the original or reproduction covers? Hard to tell from the photos.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fitment Issues with New Leather Seat Covers- 1970

Could the gloss be due to wear? Leather in new cars we've had begins low gloss, then shines up with use, age, application of products.

I've seen the difference on extremely low mileage cars, and on every surface, so I don't think that's the explanation.

[John S.]

Re: Fitment Issues with New Leather Seat Covers- 1970

Mark, a couple shots of the originals on my ‘73 for comparison. Stitching is right at the bottom of the trim piece and dips noticeably lower right below the hole for the shoulder belt. Hope this helps.

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[Mark E.]

Re: Fitment Issues with New Leather Seat Covers- 1970

Thanks John. Original covers were certainly far from a perfect fit.

[Mark E.]

Re: Fitment Issues with New Leather Seat Covers- 1970

Here's a sampling of the many photos my friend Jason Rick sent of his '70 with 24,000 miles. Indeed, more evidence that the seat back trim sometimes (often?) covers the stitching and even the piping on the cover.

BTW, Jason's car is an amazing example of a pristine, original 1970 light saddle interior. Over the years, he shared many detailed photos with me as I restored my interior.

Thanks again Jason!

Right Seat Belt Bezel:

IMG_0046.jpg IMG_0047.jpg IMG_0048.jpg



Left Seat Belt Bezel:

IMG_0058.jpg IMG_0056.jpg IMG_0057.jpg


Hinge Area:

IMG_0043.jpg IMG_0049.jpg IMG_0050.jpg

[Mark E.]

Re: Fitment Issues with New Leather Seat Covers- 1970

Update-

I shared this thread with Top Flight acknowledging the poor fit of many original covers but asking if they can install my set so they fit "properly" (i.e. trim piece is centered in its leather surround). They replied that this requires them to make a new pattern and covers, which they agreed to do but will take a couple more weeks. I'm surprised the current pattern used doesn't quite fit properly, but impressed they agreed to accommodate me.

Work is still in process so stay tuned.