'66 Interior

[dlrshort]

I just purchased a '66 with original interior. There is a seam pull on the drivers side seat panel. I took the car to two separate auto interior specialists who told me that it was not a situation for a repair and suggested I replace both seat covers. The car is very correct, and I may want to show or eventually have the car judged. What would you do if you were me about this problem?

Dave S.

 

[richscorvettes]

My first choice would be what you have already done in trying to repair it if the remainder of the seat covers are in good shape. If these shops are real pro's they should know what they are talking about but sometimes it all depends on who you speak to. Sometimes different people in the same shop will have different ideas or experience and might have a different answer. Short of that you might want to take one more shot at another upholstery shop.

If all else fails, Al Knoch makes great reproduction interior pieces and they can also do the installation if you want. You shouldn't lose any points in judging when using their products.

Rich Lagasse

 

[Ron Miller]

Pull the originals and save them, put on some new covers, especially if you plan on dirving the car for a while. Meanwhile, you'll be able to shop for replacement originals, or to determine if yours are repairable or not.

My opinion.

rlm :cool

 

[WayneC]

What is a "seam pull"... do you mean the vinyl is split/torn?

If a couple of upholstery shops tell you it's not repairable, I agree with the suggestion from richscorvettes to buy repro covers made by Al Knoch and have them professionally installed.

 

[dlrshort]

By a seam pull I mean that in the seat panel there are sewed seams one of which pulled apart. When you sit on the seat the seam opens up. When nothing is on the seat it looks almost normal. Two installers told me that if you try to repair it, there will be too much tension on it and it will tear again as there is not enough material to make a good repair.

For those of you who have used Knoch, how good is the match. Will I have to buy two covers and do both just for match?

 

[Ron Miller]

I believe to ever have a good match, you'll have to buy a complete set for both seats, otherwise the new material won't match the worn look of the ones you have now. Al's covers are the standard of the industry, in my opinion.

 

[dlrshort]

Ron, what color is your interior? Mine is the green. We may have twins!

 

[richscorvettes]

Dave,

If you replace the seat covers I would think it would be less obvious to do both seats. Knochs covers are patterned after the originals and you shouldn't lose anything in NCRS judging. I would also save the original covers in case you change your mind later or find a way to repair them.

From what you have described of the problem I still wouldn't give up on the repair approach though. I wonder if adding additional material on the underside to make it stronger (they have some great glues out there) and resewing it might not work. It might at least be worth a try if you really want to stick with the original covers.

Rich Lagasse

 

[Ron Miller]

Ron, what color is your interior? Mine is the green. We may have twins!

Nope, both of mine are black interior, the Mosport green convertable is a powerglide 300 hp w/both tops.


Again, I would pull the originals and save them, put on some new covers, especially if you plan on dirving the car for a while. Meanwhile, you'll be able to shop for replacement originals, or to determine if yours are repairable or not.

rlm :cool

 

[Ron Miller]

Also noticed the Aruba license plate in the photo of your car. Did you find it there, or is that an earlier pic?

rlm:cool

 

[dlrshort]

Found the car in central PA. The plates belonged to the owner I bought it from.

My car is a 4 speed.

Dave

 

[Sting Ray]

Are the seats leather or Vinyl? Alot of times vinly gets very hard after alot of years, I might try taking them off and sewing them, then like Rich said glueing or applying a somewhat larger patch on the bpttom side to take the pressure off the seam, if you have a cobbler around they might be more helpfull then an Upolstery shop, alot of thoose guys like a good challenge.

Tom

 

[dlrshort]

I ordered replacement seats from Al Knoch. They are vinyl. I am then going to take my time and have the original repaired. It may take some time to find some one who will have a solution.

 

[dlrshort]

I ordered replacement seats from Al Knoch. They are vinyl. I am then going to take my time and have the original repaired. It may take some time to find some one who will have a solution.