Griff2002

This car was well cared for so I kind of want to keep the originals. They aren't perfect, but not bad. They do need seat foam, and the interior does smell a little musty. Is it possible to install new seat foam and reinstall the original seat covers? Let me know what you think. Here's what they look like.

Paul L

I would not hesitate to replace those. They are worn out.

billcarson

Goin70

If you keep them or replace them with the same vinyl "comfort weave" style, they make a matching aftermarket armrest cushion in vinyl "comfort weave". With the fabric sections running the same direction as the seats, it looks a lot better.

C6DuffMan

Yes

7T1vette

My seatcovers were in much better condition than yours and I was able to salvage them by re-stuffing the channels with foam. The main body foam sections were fine, but the channel foam had turned into yellow dust.

I do have a write-up on how to do that refurb, if you decide to go that way. But, from what I see in your photos, your covers are looking like its time they should be replaced. You could always pull them off, clean them up well and see how much heavy wear they show when clean. It doesn't cost much to restuff the channels with foam; but it does take a significant amount of work to remove them and reinstall them on the seats.

But, this isn't a job you want to do twice. If you don't think they will survive another 5 years with a refurb, you'd better just change them out.

hwcoop

Just finished mine, it feels like driving a different car with new Foam and covers.
Its not that hard to do but does take some patience. Be sure to watch the Corvette America seat cover installation videos on their web site, it helped a lot with details.

augiedoggy

I agree they they take patience... not a job I look forward to doing again... I would replace the covers... you can always save the originals ( not that I see anyone ever reinstalling them) the new foam makes a huge difference.

Griff2002

Thanks for the feedback. Looks like it is pretty unanimous that I should add this project to my list. I'm sure I'll enjoy it when I do.

One more question. In your opinion do these look like they have 100,000 or 200,000 miles? I have a lot of history on the mileage since 1988, but not sure about the first 16 years.

Ret.Horsecop13

Can't tell 100k or 200k , just know they are toast! I did my seats and foam a couple of years ago and it made such a big difference!

Before


After

Roco71

Nice work.

68/70Vette

Had the 70 seat covers and foam replaced by Al Knoch on one of his visits to the Pomona "Swap Meet." First of all, the new repro foam cushions are slightly too large..his man slightly trimmed the foam cushions with a bread knife. The employee working on my seats was the same man shown in the seat cover video sold by Knoch. Installing the bottom seat covers is a TIGHT fit, even with the foam trimmed. You could see that the installer had very well developed lower arm muscles...he'd probably installed a lot of seat cushions.

About the original seat covers. OK, they're about 40+ years old. They ain't going to last more than a few years before they disintegrate. Why not just install new so they'll last another 40 years?

7T1vette

Your best "clue" on the car's actual mileage would probably be the wear on the brake pedal. At 100K miles, there is significant wear...usually on the right side of the pedal. At 200K, the pedal might be nearly worn out on that side. The life of the seat covers is very dependent on how they were maintained; but no one maintains their brake pedal.

Dboy23

Redid mine this past winter, HUGE difference. New foam and covers.

minitech

Go ahead and just install new foam, clean up the covers while you have them off. See what you think. It will make a big difference. Can always buy new covers later if you want.

Can definitely just do new foam.

Easy Mike

Your upholstery is tired but otherwise in good shape. You could leave it for a while.

AirborneSilva

Man I wish my seat covers looked that good

Roco71

Me too

Griff2002

Hmmm. I'm getting off topic, but these must be about 150,000. I guess I'll never know for sure. Odometer is just about to cross 100,000; but who knows what happened over the years.