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So I've been disgusted with the interior of my C5Z pretty much since the beginning. I absolutely hated the seats and, like everyone else has said, the interior was simply not what it should've been. So I started looking into new seats and because of all the options, it was always difficult to choose.
My wife has a Mercedes C63-S which came with the two piece Recaros that look and feel amazing:
These are her actual seats
So I decided that the only way to go was with Recaro--a tried and true brand. In researching which model, I came across the new "Speed-V" which was supposedly designed to fit all C5 and C6 corvettes. Not the best looking seats; no customization available save for a tiny "V" in the center back area which is offered in yellow, blue or red and they're EXPENSIVE. With shipped, brackets, etc., they were going to cost about $5K for the pair! And even then, I will have lost my power and memory functions and there was a risk of an airbag warning too.
Notwithstanding, I still willing to do it, but found out they DON'T actually fit the C5. I'd have to change the seat belts and make other modifications that I don't have the patience for, especially after paying $5K.
So I started looking into custom upholstery in order to avoid the hassle and to also be able to keep my power and memory features. I called around and found a few places in Los Angeles. However, New Life Upholstery in Reseda had the most pictures and a lot of good reviews. Plus, the owner, Andrei sounded like he really knew what he was doing.
So I took my car and my wife's car to show him what I wanted. He took measurements and said "no problem." He then told me to decide on colors, stitching, etc. I got lucky because the Covid thing had just started and he was slow. But even still, it was going to take about two weeks, because he was short staffed.
After dropping off my car, I started looking up some pictures and settled on a yellow and black Bugatti. When I texted him the picture, he again said "no problem." Honestly, I was doubtful that he would be able to make my seats look similar to the Bugatti's, but whatever it was going to be, I figured it'd be better than the stock seats.
So I got the car back yesterday and while he told me not to mention the price he charged me to anyone (because rebuilding the seat frames was apparently more work than he anticipated), I can say that all the work you see below, cost less than what the shitty Recaro-V was going to cost me.
So here are some before and afters (the steering wheel I had done before, but the accents worked out now match):
And so this is what he did with these ugly, soft seats:
As you can see, he first mocked them up with the foam (which is white) and had me sit in them, drive the car around and tell him what I wanted adjusted. He then made the changes and had me drive it again until I was happy with the feel.
I picked the firmest foam and the best quality leather he had. He couldn't make it as firm as my wife's car because those apparently use horsehair instead of foam. Either way, they're plenty firm now.
I also had him do the side panels of each door, the glove box and the knee bolster on the driver's side. He added the shift boot (I already had the yellow **** from when i put in an MGW shifter) and we decided against the armrest in yellow, though it wouldn't have looked bad.
The covers he made are a work of art. Double stitched with contrasting colors, very good quality, firm leather and VERY similar to the way the Bugatti's seats looked -- not exact, because the Bugatti's seats are bigger and a different shape altogether.
Anyway, the seats are now WAY firmer than before and offer phenomenal support. They're literally incomparable with the old seats! It's amazing how much more I can feel the car now. Before, I kept complaining about the handling to Andy, even after installing T-1 Sway Bars with C6Z endlinks and LG Motorsport adjustable coilovers. I just never felt comfortable with the way it handled, particularly compared to my Vipers and my wife's C63.
But as soon as I drove out of the shop, it was instantly clear that the seats were the problem. Needless to say, I wish I had done this sooner.
I'm happy with the work and for those of you in the Los Angeles area, I highly recommend this place.
Thank you! I just told someone else this, but there's a very fine line between looking sharp and looking tacky and I just got lucky because you really won't know what it'll look like until it's finished and by then, it might be too late.
While I am not a fan of brightly-colored interiors, I can appreciate his craftsmanship! He did a great job on those seats! I am sure they are 100X better than before. I plan on replacing my OEM seats this year. I freaking hate them. LOL
When I have the means, I'm going to replicate those awesome seats for my Vette! That is obviously a craftsman at his best! Congrats and thank you for sharing your experience!
When I have the means, I'm going to replicate those awesome seats for my Vette! That is obviously a craftsman at his best! Congrats and thank you for sharing your experience!
Ed, Adwest52 and I are already planning an intervention w you on your interior upgrade and mods!
Last edited by Hepcat; 04-09-2020 at 09:37 PM.
Reason: Typo
04-09-2020, 05:21 PM
NEW Custom Interior!
