I just began working with my new seat covers and have run into a small issue. The "sleeves" for the rods are open on only one end, and stitched closed on the opposite end. The sleeves also seem to be longer than I found on the originals. At the same time, a few of the rods themselves seem to be slightly longer than the originals. I'm assuming the obvious answer is to carefully slice open the sleeves at the appropriate lengths; but I'm second guessing myself into thinking there is a reason they are like this. Has anyone encountered this before? If it matters, I believe I bought the covers from Al Knoch at Carlisle, while the hardware is from Corvette America.

I'm in the process of doing mine. I found the same thing, I'm just snipping the sleeve, mine were sown at both ends. I don't think the slight difference in rod length should be a problem, just center it up. I've got some re-learning to do, it's been 10 years since I did the last set. The "hairpin" rods are going to be a pain, but I think I have that figured out. I'll keep you posted.
What I have in mind for that is adding a length of wire to them so I have something to feed through the holes in the foam and also something to pull on to get the tension on them.

I also ran into the same "problem" with my covers. I purchased them from Al Knoch at Carlisle also. Yes, just pop a stitch or two on the end of the sleeve. Just enough for the rod to slide through. I'm guessing that this was just a production "hiccup".

Aside from that, the covers look incredible when they're done. Just keep one seat assembled for a reference while you're doing the job. Good luck, it's really not that bad of a job, and the difference is motivation to get it done. Later!

Here are a couple of links I used to help me through the seat cover installation. I am in the process of cutting my new leather seat covers right now and that is what is scary to me.

This first link is very generic but has good pics.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2001/march/seats/seatspg1.asp

This second link had good info but not so good pics. Also these are C2 seats in this link.
http://rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair2.html

Thanks for your input, guys. I just got back to work on the seats and got one bottom done last night. A little time, patience, and a second set of hands from a friend made the installation go fairly easy. (And the piece looks great!)

Thanks Again-