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Topic: Installing seat covers

in Forum: C4 Interior


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Installing seat covers (1/9)
 12/30/21 2:59pm
joanddarin
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Middlebury, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1994 white


Joined: 10/24/2021
Posts: 1

I am installing new seat covers on my 94 with sport seats. I ordered the covers with foam already attached from Corvette Central. Does any body have any tips or tricks to get this done. I am having a hell of a time. 

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Re: Installing seat covers (2/9)
 12/31/21 1:50am
Norsky
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West Burke, VT - USA

Vette(s):
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am


Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 192

Years ago I did that project on "The Toy" (my '70 convertible).  I got the seat covers from Al Knock (don't know if they're still in business) but don't recall where I got the replacement foam pieces.  If you haven't already I'd suggest investing in a hog ring pliers as that will make things a little easier.  Overall it was a straight forward process, just a little time consuming. 

One tip my brother-in-law gave me when putting things back together was to lay the cushions face down and use a 2x4 to kneel on to compress the foam a bit while reattaching the hog rings.  That technique worked like a champ on those seats!  Didn't have to replace the seat covers in "The Beast" so can't say for sure that the technique will work on the C4 seats.



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Jim Olson

 
"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave! 

 Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Re: Installing seat covers (3/9)
 1/11/22 2:18pm
lkedmiston
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Williamsburg, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1989 coupe


Joined: 6/8/2019
Posts: 14

I bought a set of mounted seatcovers from Corvette America about 3 years ago for my '89.  Never did get the backs mounted properly.  Those hooks, or clips or whatever you call those things that secure them to the seat back are a real bitch!  If you ever fall out of my car, the seat back might just go with you!  (sometimes, a guy with one hand really is handicapped)  If anyone knows how to easily get that done, I'd like to know, too!  Good luck!

Re: Installing seat covers (4/9)
 1/11/22 2:27pm
Dave91TM
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Joined: 6/17/2012
Posts: 26

joanddarin said:

I am installing new seat covers on my 94 with sport seats. I ordered the covers with foam already attached from Corvette Central. Does any body have any tips or tricks to get this done. I am having a hell of a time. 

You state you have seats with foam attached. which indicates they are "mounted seats". If this is the case then removal of old and replacement is easy, they just clip in and out. If you did not get "Mounted Seats" then you will need to attach the covers over the foam pieces, a more difficult task. If you go to the Corvette Central website you should be able to find technical videos that will clearly explain what is required. 




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Re: Installing seat covers (5/9)
 1/11/22 11:11pm
helphos
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Olney, MD - USA

Vette(s):
93 Polo Green Convertible with Bilstein Shocks, Autopower RollBar, Simpson 5 point harness, Grand Sport wheels, bald tires and dirty air filter! 2003 Anniversary Red 50th Anniversary Convertible


Joined: 10/20/2010
Posts: 49

It would be nice if you could be more specific with your problem than, "I am having a hell of a time. "  But if you want some tips, here's mine.

I did this job on my '93 which has slightly different seats, and instead of hog rings (which I tried using, and hated), I used zip ties.  They made a tough task much easier.  A heat gun helped get wrinkles out of the leather once they were installed.  

 

On my C5 I used a dry cleaner's clear filmy plastic bag over the foam before I pulled the seat cover on, and that worked well to get it on straight.  then I was able to pull the bag (most of it ) out before using the zip ties to finish the job.  This didn't apply to my 93 C4, but it might apply to your '94.

 

Good luck.



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Rarely indicted, never convicted

Re: Installing seat covers (6/9)
 1/13/22 2:20pm
lkedmiston
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Williamsburg, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1989 coupe


Joined: 6/8/2019
Posts: 14

joanddarin, I think my problem is your problem too.  I have a plan.  I started thinking about this since you brought it up.  Big cheap screwdriver from HF, do this to it, and use it to push those damn steel rods into the clips.  Unfortunately, my shop is my garage so it'll be March until I can get to my grinder.

Re: Installing seat covers (7/9)
 1/25/22 3:19pm
Dave91TM
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Joined: 6/17/2012
Posts: 26

lkedmiston said:

joanddarin, I think my problem is your problem too.  I have a plan.  I started thinking about this since you brought it up.  Big cheap screwdriver from HF, do this to it, and use it to push those damn steel rods into the clips.  Unfortunately, my shop is my garage so it'll be March until I can get to my grinder.

I previously said it was easy, but the seat back clips can be difficult. I used a long screwdriver (about 10 inch) and ground a V notch in the end. It took a few tries but eventually I was able to get the spring wire into the clips.




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Re: Installing seat covers (8/9)
 6/28/22 6:47am
88 Black Mamba
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Newburgh, NY - USA

Vette(s):
`88 Coupe. Black / Saddle, Auto, Z52, 18k Original Miles


Joined: 1/27/2020
Posts: 13

Hello, I had the same re-installing newly upholstered cushions issues that others mentioned here but I figured out an easier way to get the upright cushions to clip back into place. All you have to do is pry the four attaching clips out a little bit so you can have an easier time getting the cushion rails under them when you're snapping them back in. I used a set of channel locks to bend them out a bit more to make it easier to get the wire frame into the clips. You start by getting under one side's two clips and then you need to squeeze the cushions a bit to get under the opposite side clips. You can feel with your hand exactly where to get the second side lined up after you slide the first side under the clips. You need to squeeze the cushion a bit to clear the front of the clip and it will snap in. Good luck!









|UPDATED|6/28/2022 3:47:39 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Re: Installing seat covers (9/9)
 2/10/24 5:49pm
RitaJean
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Mesa, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1995 Coupe Red, automatic, all original, haven't changed a thing -- except the tires, battery, stuff like that. You know what I mean!


Joined: 4/26/2011
Posts: 64

I'm looking for a reputable place in Mesa to have my seats rebuilt - including new covers.

Any suggestions will be appreceated!



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Love my C4!

 

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