Need tips 73 Leather seat cover replacement

[James B.]

I have purchased some slightly used Leather seat covers for my 73. They are Corvette America from 2000. They have nice wear to them and should blend in nicely with my interior. I would appreciate any tips regarding removing the old ones (They both are original with some tearing at the seams, I may repair them later on). I have had both seats out once in the past 5 years so they should come out easy. I plan to refurbish the seat tracks at this time. So put your memories to work and throw some tips at me for this project. Please.

[Edward J.]

Re: Need tips 73 Leather seat cover replacement

Jim, if you go to Corvette America's website I Believe that a video you can watch. you will more that like need a few tools and a instalation kit from them. and new seat foam, makes a big difference with new seat foam.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Need tips 73 Leather seat cover replacement

Jiand new seat foam, makes a big difference with new seat foam.

Unless the foam has changed in the last few years, it's only a fair facsimile of the original foam. If you original foam is not breaking down then I'd use that. There's probably a 50% chance, though, that it is and you'll want to replace it anyway.
After watching the guys at Al Knoch replace seat covers at Bloomington I went out and got similar tools to help shape the new foam. Being able to blend the edge4s of the foam really helps.

Take several photos of how the seat covers are assembled. You will re-use some of the wires that go inside the foam and the covers, and modify some of the new ones that come in the replacement kit. Borrow a good hog ring pliers if you can.

[Ron G.]

Re: Need tips 73 Leather seat cover replacement

James,

Usually after market leather seat covers have a duller finish than the originals. The originals seem to have a slight sheen to them. Be cautious as not install too much foam in the covers. As for the seat frames, I know from experience that 68-71 are gray phosphate and 72's and 73's as I am not a 73 guy are usually painted black.

- Ron

[Edward J.]

Re: Need tips 73 Leather seat cover replacement

Unless the foam has changed in the last few years, it's only a fair facsimile of the original foam. If you original foam is not breaking down then I'd use that. There's probably a 50% chance, though, that it is and you'll want to replace it anyway.
After watching the guys at Al Knoch replace seat covers at Bloomington I went out and got similar tools to help shape the new foam. Being able to blend the edge4s of the foam really helps.

Take several photos of how the seat covers are assembled. You will re-use some of the wires that go inside the foam and the covers, and modify some of the new ones that come in the replacement kit. Borrow a good hog ring pliers if you can.

Pat what I have seen is that after 40+ years the foam settles and compresses, I really like the feel of new foam, the before and after is such a big difference in the feel when sitting, you'll feel like your sitting 6 inchs higher in the seat. and seeing the difference between factory and repro is a hard sell. as for the repro covers I would say there's a slight difference. but then nothings really perfect in the repro market.

[Joe R.]

Re: Need tips 73 Leather seat cover replacement

Sir, I have restored Corvettes since the 60's and have NEVER seen anyone but a professional (Al Knock, or Corvette America) that could do a job that I would have in my Corvette!
The seat covers you have are form fit to your foam and your anatomy and the seat covers that you have bought used are fit to another car's foam and owner.
The best advice that could be given is find an interior shop in your area (with recommendations from Corvette owners) and visit their shop. The toughest job in restoration is the interior work! It's an art!

JR

[Patrick N.]

Re: Need tips 73 Leather seat cover replacement

As you mentioned your seats are slightly used, but keep in mind, new leather should be a little baggy when first installed, it will shrink and fit tight after it has been installed. This way your stitching should last a long time. Seats that are tight fitting on install place stress on the stitches as they shrink further. New skins that are a tiny bit baggy is a hallmark of good leather seats. Treat with Lexol and you will have them forever'ish.