Topic: Seat cover advice
in Forum: C3 Interior
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Has anyone recently purchased new seat covers for their C3? I have been thinking about refurnishing my seat covers and was wondering how close the color match is. Also, does anyone have any used seat covers for sale ('76 leather Firethorn)?
Thanks in advance
John
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Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Don't know if all colors are equally affected, but when I reworked a '78 recently I noticed quite a difference in the shade of mine ( doe skin ) fading issues , I'm sure.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
When I had my '78 seats recovered it was an exact match (Oyster). You can always request a sample swatch from the suppliers to compare. They generally are willing to do that.
Not sure, but with a few exceptions, most upholstery kits come from Corvette America, no matter where you buy them from. It comes down to the best selling price.
I know people rave about Al Knoch interiors, but I've seen no difference from one to another. In fact, I've not seen any I would complain about. Maybe Al Knoch does better custom creations, but for oe replacement, I think all are pretty much the same.
Not sure, but with a few exceptions, most upholstery kits come from Corvette America, no matter where you buy them from. It comes down to the best selling price.
I know people rave about Al Knoch interiors, but I've seen no difference from one to another. In fact, I've not seen any I would complain about. Maybe Al Knoch does better custom creations, but for oe replacement, I think all are pretty much the same.
John, I don't know where you're from but Corvette America is having a car show on 4/21/07 they are in central PA. You could check the match up of colors and maybe get a good deal and a car show all in one day.
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
I got mine from Corvette America (1977 Smoke Grey) the match was perfect!! Very happy with them!! I ordered from Ecklers but as mentioned above they came from Corvette America.
Mel
Lifetime Member #90 
I recently got new carpet and the color was a completely different shade. I was afraid the new firethorn seats would be a lot lighter than the existing color.
I'm thinking about having an apholster redo my ripped area on the seat, if I can get it the same color.
By the way I live 25 miles from Corvette America and I'll check them out.
Thanks
John
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You have to expect 30 year old interior parts to be faded somewhat...even black!
The red colors seem to fade more than others, so you really could expect to see a difference in the new carpet/seat colors than what is in your car now. Kinda like hair color...it ain't the same as it were way back when...
The red colors seem to fade more than others, so you really could expect to see a difference in the new carpet/seat colors than what is in your car now. Kinda like hair color...it ain't the same as it were way back when...
Joel Adams
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Lifetime MemberTemperance, MI - USA
Joined: 10/18/2004
Posts: 275
Vette(s): 1977 Corvette Orange T-Top
2003 50th Anniv. roadster
I just had Mid America rebuild my seats with new foam,covers and some hardware. They look like new!
I ordered the seat covers, install kit, and foam from Corvette Central. I went to the hardware store and picked up the correct gauge wire to replace the broken pieces, new coil springs for the front and rear of the seat bottoms and did the install myself. They turned out great. I have done job this on 3 Camaros the Vette and an El Camino. I am actually getting pretty good at it and I save a good chunk of money that I can use for other parts.
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Effingham, IL - USA
Joined: 6/21/2004
Posts: 26
Vette(s): 3-1963 Coupes, 1-1963 FI Conv., 1-1964 Conv., 1-1965 Coupe, 1-1965 Conv., 1-1972 LT1, 1-1974 Coupe, 1-1979 Coupe, 1998, 2000 & 2001 C5 Convertibles.
Hi !
I am the director at Mid America Motorworks' manufacturing facility -
Performance Choice. We manufacture seat covers, seat foam, 1978-82 door panels, sound/heat shields, carpet sets and hundreds of other items right here in Effingham, IL. I have been with Mid America for 29 years & am restoring my 16th Corvette.
We use the very best leather hides (over 70 colors in stock) we can find - Conneaut Leather, top quality vinyls, etc. There definitely is a difference in the Corvette interiors available on the market.
If you need an interior for your Corvette, give us a try. I am installing our leather seat covers, seat foam, sound deadener and carpet in my own 1972 Steel Cities 4 speed Coupe. I know they fit and look great. I also installed our new seat belt sets with shoulder belts - very close to OEM & only $249.99 complete !
Thanks for your business!
www.mamotorworks.com 800-500-1500
Steve Wiedman
in Forum: C3 Interior
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