Topic: Recovering Seats
in Forum: C3 Interior
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Former Member
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WILLIAMSTOWN, KY - USA
Joined: 12/5/2002
Posts: 131
Vette(s): Silver Anniversary 1978, L82?, 4-speed
I ordered a set of stock seat covers and a foam set from Mid America. I am going to attempt to recover the seats myself. Does anyone have any tips that I should know or any pitfalls to avoid? I would appreciate any advice.
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Pappy's Toy
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Buy a good set of "hog ring" pliers, and a box of hog rings. You can get them at Tractor Supply.
The biggest tip I can offer is that when you put the covers on the backs, use heat to loosen the covers so that they stretch. A hot air gun (but don't hold it too close!) will loosen them up so that they'll stretch over the backs. If you don't get them on really tight, the material bunches up around the headrest and looks pretty bad.
I did mine, and they came out OK, but they are not perfect. But if I had to do it again, I'd pay a professional. If you can afford to have someone else do it, it would be money well spent.
The biggest tip I can offer is that when you put the covers on the backs, use heat to loosen the covers so that they stretch. A hot air gun (but don't hold it too close!) will loosen them up so that they'll stretch over the backs. If you don't get them on really tight, the material bunches up around the headrest and looks pretty bad.
I did mine, and they came out OK, but they are not perfect. But if I had to do it again, I'd pay a professional. If you can afford to have someone else do it, it would be money well spent.

"Let them that don't want none have memories of not gettin' any."
- Brother Dave Gardner
If you can get your hands on a copy of the July 2009 issue of Corvette Fever they have a good article on the different options and step by step instructions for recovering seats. Also last year there was a demo by Corvette America (I think) at Corvettes at Carslisle and they handed out DVDs with a video demo. You can probably find it on their website or even uTube. Finally, I never tried it, but someone suggested putting the seat cover in the dryer a few minutes to soften them up and use baby powder on the foam when slipping them on. I replaced my foam and put the old covers back on it wasnt too bad, then I decided to buy new covers anyway and will be switching them out this spring! Good luck!
Mario
Former Member
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WILLIAMSTOWN, KY - USA
Joined: 12/5/2002
Posts: 131
Vette(s): Silver Anniversary 1978, L82?, 4-speed
Thanks for the tips, guys. I will let you know how I make out.
2016119192810r.jpg)
Pappy's Toy

COPPERAS COVE, TX - USA
Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 417
Vette(s): 1972 corvette stingray convertible
2007 coupe
Recovering seats takes a 12 step program
bottoms are pretty easy but the backs can be a pain in the %$$ chased mine all over the living room floor, plastic bag or a silicone spray will help getting material over foam. GOOD LUCK



HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Need to see what your seat buns look like when you take the old covers off. I bought a sheet of 1" foam sheeting from a sewing store, cut some pieces to shape and used interior spray adhesive and glued them to the top of the existing buns.
Filled the seat covers nicely - I guess the old buns compress from the years of use...
Good Luck!! 

Paul
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Former Member
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WILLIAMSTOWN, KY - USA
Joined: 12/5/2002
Posts: 131
Vette(s): Silver Anniversary 1978, L82?, 4-speed
Thanks for the tips, I will let you know how I make out. I am expecting to receive my covers on Wed or Thur. I already have the new foam set on hand so I am hoping to be able to do it this weekend
Thanks,
Pappy's Toy
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Pappy's Toy

La Quinta, CA - USA
Joined: 3/19/2008
Posts: 53
Vette(s): 1968 convertible, small block, auto, pw, pb, ps, air, 3rd owner CA black plate
See the Corvette America video, should be helpful.
http://www.corvetteamerica.com/video/76_78scInstall/
fp_vetter72 said: Recovering seats takes a 12 step program
bottoms are pretty easy but the backs can be a pain in the %$$ chased mine all over the living room floor, plastic bag or a silicone spray will help getting material over foam. GOOD LUCK


The plastic bag works well. Make Sure it is NOT to big and it is ONLY over the HEADREST and SHOULDER area or iy can SLIDE and bunch up. Check ALL your fittings, and anything that MIGHT go bad like the sliders, hinges ETC and INVEST in some Nitral Gloves and CHANGE them IF you get ANY DIRT on them CHEAP INSURANCE
Take Care
George Pavlisko
1978 Vette 25th Anniv
2003 Vette 50th Anniv
1998 Land Rover 50th Anniv
1978 Rolls Royce
Other cars
George Pavlisko
1978 Vette 25th Anniv
2003 Vette 50th Anniv
1998 Land Rover 50th Anniv
1978 Rolls Royce
Other cars
in Forum: C3 Interior
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