C5 Seat Skins

[djohnson01247]

Not sure if anyone is interested, but I recently replaced the leather in my '98 Coupe with a set of leather I purchased "outside" of the normal big suppliers. The leather is heavy, much better than stock... and the style allows you to change any standard seat to sport style. I paid short of $1000, also bought all new foam (just because) and it took me less than 1 day to remove, recover and re-install. DJ

 

[jrose7004]

Well let's see them! Post some shots.

 

[djohnson01247]

If you look on my website (www.theclearoption.com), you will see alittle of my seats (black with saddle accents). BUT, Go down to the bottom of my site an follow the link to ECS (East Coast Supercharging). That is where I bought them. I would highly recommend. Actually very easy to install.
The e-mail contact at the bottom of the ECS site (Chris) is the person I dealt with.
DJ

 

[silverbullit99]

I just got a set of new skins,, do you have any tips on removing and putting on the new ones.? How do you remove the recliner handle ?

 

[djohnson01247]

Seat Skins

Let me check when I get home tonight. I had found a full, step by step, set of instructions on the internet... that I printed out. I believe I saved them so I may be able to get the "link" from the bottom of the printout.
I have to tell you that with those instructions, the stripping and install was extremely simple (and I had never done any seat restroation before... in any car!). I had both seats out, stripped and recovered, and back in the car in an afternoon! No kidding! And I did not rush the job... snow outside... I wasn't going anywhere.
It gave detailed instructions... including the removal of the side bezel. Let me check tonight and I will sign back in tomorrow to let you know what I found.
I am off now to a Corvette meeting to deliver a boxful of my cup holders! (www.theclearoption.com)

DJ

 

[djohnson01247]

instructions

I found the site!
http://www.vetteessentials.com/instructions/full_seat_covers/full_seat_cover_change.html
Check it out. If you have a decent printer, I printed these out so I could refer to them in my garage... so I would suggest doing the same.
Have fun!
DJ

 

[zagger]

What did you pay for the covers and foam??? 1k is about what they cost everywhere else. I've tried to see them on the web site you posted but all I could find was the info on the cup holder you are trying to sell and then my browser froze? It did it twice?? :confused

 

[djohnson01247]

seat skins

I paid short of $1000 for the leather and, I believe, almost $300 for all new foam. The foam replacement was my choice since I knew that the driver's-side outer bolster foam was shot... might as well do the whole job... though it was not truly needed. I purchased the foam through another supplier (internet).
Though the leather pricing is what is "average", the quality is not. The weight of the leather is much better than the stock replacements.
If you go to my website (www.theclearoption.com) and scroll down to the bottom, you will see the link below the East Coast Supercharger logo. I just tried it and it worked for me. If you have a problem with it, let me know and I can help.
DJ

 

[silverbullit99]

That Vetteessentials site seems to be the only good site around,, I printed it out on a color printer, hope I have no problems putting them on. Thanks..

 

[djohnson01247]

Biggest suggestion I can give you is to "warm up" the leather before you install. I believe it suggests that you put the leather in a black trash bag and put it out in the sun while you are stripping the old seats. It really makes the leather easier to handle.
The only time I freaked out... and there was (and is) really no need to... was when you have to cut the holes in the leather for your side bezel mounts and the release levers behind the head rests. But, no need to worry... just take your time.
DJ

 

[joelgjoel]

Use new single edge razor blades to make any slits. If the cover is too tight going on, use silicone spray or very thin plastic to help it slide on. Getting the cover warm is crucial.