Interior - repair or replace???

[Rob H.]

Happy New Year!

My black vinyl interior is giving out on my '69 L36. Has anyone had any luck having the "comfortweave" successfully repaired? It seems to me due to the nature of the material that once it rips, the only option is to replace it...

That being the case, I have heard that Al Knoch is THE place to go (but also the most expensive!). Could anyone recommend another option that delivers up to NCRS specs (i.e. will pass judging)?

Thanks in advance for any info & suggestions!

Rob

[Tom H.]

Re: Interior - repair or replace???

Hi Rob:

I don't have any personal experience with your exact seat, but I would expect you find the results from Al Knoch to be top notch.

[Steven B.]

Re: Interior - repair or replace???

Rob, years ago, before reproduction upholstery, I used some vinyl glue very sparingly on seats, windlaces, and door panels to stop small cracks from getting larger. I have not looked recently but I assume there is much better "glue" on the market today, possibly Super Glue will work. The cracks have not expanded since 1965.

I have purchased a couple of items from Al Knoch and was pleased. Rather than price, since most are similar or close in price, I first look at the most authentic reproduction.

Steve

[Michael G.]

Re: Interior - repair or replace???

Rob,

Ultimetly you'll need to decide what you want long term from your car. Nice driver well preserved or judged car up to NCRS spec? Tough call. After numerous restorations I've determined (understated) that "hang on parts" from the days of old do not last forever. Typically some items when repaired just plainly appear as old items repaired. The decision is....replace or repair? I personally go for the old school look only if item can be preserved, have reliability and long lasting.....appearing to not have been repaired. Seats are a high wear item.....hard to repair old vinyl and leather and not look like old vinyl/leather that is repaired. I regret not changing the original dash pads on my '63 Coupe 5 years ago when the dash was out. As nice as they were, pads have now developed cracks across both pads. Corvette Amercia makes nice stuff, believe Knoch is step above.

[Edward J.]

Re: Interior - repair or replace???

Rob, I did my 72 coupe seats about 3 years ago with corvette america, I thought that they were really close the the original vinyl covers, and replaced the seat foam at that time, what a difference it makes, I don;t think that there really is anything that made exact, as they try, there maybe some minor differences color, the weave,I will be having my car judged this year in the spring, we'll see what happens, lets face it when we restore are cars they'll never be as factory,unless you find some n.o.s parts and then there not always the same.unless its a bow tie candidate, you don't want to touch.

[Jeffrey A.]

Re: Interior - repair or replace???

Rob, I had my 68 seats done by Corvette America and they did an outstanding job. Al knock is the company for the mid years. After researching this the two for my 68, I felt Corvette America did a better job to coming to the original style pattern. Al Knock did my 63 and did a great job. I would only consider either Al Knock or Corvette America if you decide to redo them. Hope this helps. Good Luck

[Rob H.]

Re: Interior - repair or replace???

Tom, Steven, Michael, Edward and Jeffery - thank you very much for your feedback and suggestions!

I'm debating my next steps but you all provided me with some great food for thought. I'm leaning toward attempting to fix the originals (and saving a bit of $ in the process).

Wishing everyone a prosperous 2010!

Rob