Black Leather Seats... Too Grey?? '69/C3

[Steve G.]

I picked up a set of real leather black seat covers from Al Knoch a couple years ago for my '69R. My paint/interior resto just got finished, and as much as I like the seats, I have to say the seats seem a little "grey" as opposed to a deep black. They look really grey when compared to the original headrests (see photo). I like the look of the seats, but the colors match up a little odd.

Is this a common problem? I took pics of black leather interiors at Bloomington's Certification field this year, and found some seats a deep black leather that kinda looked like GrandMa's recliner... and others that looked just like mine.

Input?

[Anthony S.]

Re: Black Leather Seats... Too Grey?? '69/C3

The original seats that I have seen are typically the darker black that match up to the head-rests as you
describe. In your observations on the field, do you see
any original seats that are on the grey level? If not, then I would suspect that it is a repro related characteristic. What type of leather treatment products are you using on the leather? This will have an effect on the color in some way, ie different products have different effects. I would guess there is a product available that would turn your seats toward the color you desire. Of course, experiment on a small area first with different types of products...It may be that what is happening is that current black is a flat black which in various lighting situations takes on the grey color?. A gloss color may give the darker effect?...T

[Steve G.]

Re: Black Leather Seats... Too Grey?? '69/C3

The photos I took at Bloomington '09 that showed similar color seats were cars entered for Certification, but I do not know if they lost points. As you suggest, I agree it must be a "repro" thing.

I've had the car back approximately 24 hours, so I have done nothing with the seats. I think the lighting exaggerates the color diference in the picture, but there definitely is a difference. So you believe a deep black is more correct, then?

I wonder if Al Knoch would have a suggestion?

[Reba W.]

Re: Black Leather Seats... Too Grey?? '69/C3

All Knoch's black seats that I have seen are dark. As mentioned, they sometimes need some help with the sheen.

Are you sure that you didn't get the Gunmetal color by mistake? 1969 offered a dark gray interior.

[Kenny C.]

Re: Black Leather Seats... Too Grey?? '69/C3

I have a Al Knock black leather interior purchased about a year ago and its definitely dark black and matches the rest of the interior perfectly. I really think looking at these pictures that you may have gotten the gun metal color by mistake.

[Michael D.]

Re: Black Leather Seats... Too Grey?? '69/C3

...Are you sure that you didn't get the Gunmetal color by mistake?...

I agree. They look like Gunmetal to me.

[Steve G.]

Re: Black Leather Seats... Too Grey?? '69/C3

Interesting... I've been looking at the color samples and at a few pictures of Gunmetal interior cars, and they seem a bit lighter/more silvery, but I cannot tell if that is just the picture. I looked at the car again and I'd have to describe the seat color as a dark charcoal rather than black.

So the consensus is they are actually Gunmetal? Ouch.

I sent an email to Al Knoch, but I don't expect much of a response.

[Steve G.]

Re: Black Leather Seats... Too Grey?? '69/C3

Well, went back and checked my receipt... it says black. Installer said the package said black. Sure looks like Gunmetal. Now what?

[Steve G.]

Re: Black Leather Seats... Too Grey?? '69/C3

One last point... I went back and looked very closely at the seats and the entire interior of the car I felt looked just like mine. I believe his interior is Gunmetal. Ooh, Boy.

[Jack C.]

Re: Black Leather Seats... Too Grey?? '69/C3

Keep us posted on Al's response. My guess is that he'll make good on them.

[Reba W.]

Re: Black Leather Seats... Too Grey?? '69/C3

It wouldn't be the first time a box has been mislabeled, and of course, the receipt was written from that. We have found that Knoch has always been very good to work with in regard to customer satisfaction.