new seat covers installation.

[vmrod]

I'm presently looking at some 79-82 style seats for my 1977 vette. The seats need recovering.

Is it really difficult to recover these yourself? (I've done all of my own work so far on the car)

I've also heard that steaming old foam restores it to original shape. Is this true?

-Vic

 

[tx73vette]

Well I did mine about 2 yrs ago and had never attempted this. So let me give you a few tips.

1. Get a good set of hog pliers
2. Take your time do one seat at a time.
3. Get new foam with the covers.
4. Get the kit that includes all the hog wires and hardware
5. Use a plastic trash bag over the foam when installing the new covers makes it easier to install.
6. Have an extra pair of hands to help on the backs of the seats .
7. You may want to buy the video from Eklers on installing the seats. might make it go easier for you.

Well thats about it if you have any more questions dont hesitate to e-mail me. Mine turned out really nice for a first timerr. Lot of people cant belive I did it myself. Just take your time.

Daniel

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Vic,

I had mine done at a shop for $200 apiece. I had some bends, etc in the frame from 25 years of use and this included some straightening, strengthening and welding of the frame, otherwise I would probably have done it myself.

Bob

 

[vmrod]

If I can save $200 by doing it myself, then I would. I'm willing to tackle anything on my car. (except maybe the A/C stuff, cuz I don't have the equipment or license)

If I have to start buying videos, new foam, and other supplies, then I would look real hard at just buying the foam/cover combo (where it is already installed perfectly and I just 'snap' it in place).

Perhaps I could just remove the old covers and try to steam the foam. If that works, then I could take a chance and install the covers myself.

 

[CS72Roadster]

I am the same as vmrod; I will tackle anything on my car, including the a/c which I changed out this summer. By the way, for 15 bucks you can get the certification you need to buy r12, online. However, I just changed the foam and covers out on my '72 and I will admit it was tough. It took me about 10 hours and was a major pain in the @$$ on the driver side seat, including welding the frame back together. I took the passenger side seat to the upholstery shop the next day and they did it for 150 bucks...money well spent.

CS

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Perhaps I could just remove the old covers and try to steam the foam. If that works, then I could take a chance and install the covers myself.

Steaming the foam won't do anything except make it wet. Buy new stuff and then it's done right the first time!

 

[vmrod]

Have you tried it yet?

I've read in other threads, that steaming it will bring it back to original shape.

At worst case, it does nothing but waste my time, then I could get the foam/cover combo kit.