Recover seats or replace?

Bruce Huling · 09-25-2003, 02:37 PM

My tan interior is nice, the seats are not. I was thinking thru options, and so far #1 is recover at a reputable upholstoy shop, #2 purchase from pelican recover kits and pay #1 to install, or #3 buy new aftermarket seats and save originals. Thoughts? I am on a tight budget. I like the tan color, prefer leather, but probably am on a naugahyde budget.
thanks
bh

Bruce Huling · 09-25-2003, 02:39 PM

here is my car. I love this thing!
bh

dfink · 09-25-2003, 03:18 PM

How bad are the seats. There are several threads on renewing seats. I am currently trying leatherique to rejuvinate mine. They also appear to have many items to repair and redye the seats. Unless they are totally ripped check out www.leatherique.com

Bruce Huling · 09-25-2003, 03:36 PM

the seams are gone and a gaped open.
I have lexol kit whic is wonderful cleaner/finisher, but these are too far gone
bh

rlane · 09-25-2003, 03:54 PM

The least expensive route may depend on what seats you have/want. After searching for a while I found a wonderful set of high backs in my Cork leather color for a very reasonable price. IF you have the earlier sports seats...well those things go for a fortune!. I do have a nice set of tan leather power seats (probably a 85-86 Carrera set that are in great shape. I didn't think they would dye well to Cork and I didn't know how to redo the rails to fit in my 78.. It would cost you $1200-$1500 to recover in original quality leather.

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

If you choose to use vinyl instead of leather for the seat covers, be very careful while installing the covers (especially the seat backs). Vinyl (even the German vinyl) is not as strong as leather and could tear if pulled on too hard. Other than that, replacing the seat upholstery is not very difficult on the older Pcars. I just did the front seats in my '80 911SC coupe in tan vinyl and the results of my novice efforts were rewarding. All you will need in the way of tools are a couple of screwdrivers, a 10mm socket and ratchet, pliers and a pair of "hog ring" pliers. It took me about 3 hours from start to finish to do each seat. You will have to disassemble the seat backs from the bases, but that is pretty straight forward. When you pull the old covers off the seat cushions, expect a lot of dirt and disintegrating upholstery bits and pieces. It helps (a lot) to have a fairly tall table to work on.
As you uninstall the old covers, there are some metal rods that need to be reused so pay attention to where they go and how they fasten.

Good luck!

Fred Cook
'80 911SC coupe (a work in progress)

GB83SC · 09-25-2003, 06:03 PM

This place sells the vinyl kit covers on Ebay for 289.00 or less
and does the install for 100-150 for both seats.

http://www.inlandimports.com/homepage/home.php

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

http://www.worlduph.com/

world upholstery has it all...recovering in vinyl is your best bet...it's my plan for my tan '74.
ryan