Grumpy

The pilot side seatback leather in the bolster area was showing a big worn area. (Same thing happened on my 02, altho earlier in it's lifespan). Got with Corvettepartsbob and had a new cover shipped to me at a great price

read up on the DIY in these threads
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...s-diy-job.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ns-please.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...t-too-bad.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-promised.html

Thinking that I already knew enough swears words, I took the cover to the same guys who did my '02 replace. (Figured they knew what they were doing). Take the top off and the fella gets to work. Doesn't take the seat out. Said it was much easier to do that way. 42 minutes after he started, done. The foam on the out side was cut due to the bolster bag plastic cutting thru. He glued a piece of non tearing fabric on the inside of the foam and 1/4' felt on the outside.. Total cost $93. Now, I have to clean the rest of the seat.. Good idea to order new foam if the bolster area on your seat is showing wear.

talon90

Quote:

Thinking that I already knew enough swears words,

42 minutes, amazing. It does go to show that in the hands of a professional it is a pretty easy swap. You or I probably would have spent a few hours on the job.

Glad you got it fixed Grumpy.

ben dover

A very wise approach.

Vette_DD

Any idea what causes that in the bolster area, Grumpy? I saw where you said it happened on your 02 as well. Guess I could understand it if it were in the seating area, from a wallet or something like that.

Just wondering if some of us need to be watching for that.

corvettezman

I would suspect mine would have done that as well since it is a bit tight getting in and out of the car with the seat in driving position, however I have my easy exit feature turned on.

This only works when the E-brake is engaged. Do you use the easy exit feature all the time?

I hate using mine because on a MN6 you keep having to tap the driver seat position button after every time you get in the car , but I felt it was worth it if it saved my bolsters from getting worn out.

Grumpy

inded I do.. A6 started getting the wear @ around 50K... have 65 K on the clock now...

dgrant3830

I'm at 82k on the clock now and very little wear on the seat bolster area. However, my miles are commuting so its not as much entry/exit as it might sound. The passenger seat still looks new whereas the driver's seat has the creases and etc. Since mine are casmere colored, I have to clean regulary which might be helping to keep it in decent shape. Normally I'm using the Zaino seat cleaner conditioner although I have no clue if this is helping. I'm sure its not hurting.

RRVettes

Added to the C6 FAQ.

nwc6

The C5 bolsters have a "wing" make of metal to support the bolster. The sharp edges cut through the foam, then start working on the leather from the inside. When I replaced my C5 seats, Vette Essentials suggested getting a couple pieces of leather and having them stitched in a pocket shape to cover the metal wing, cushioning the leather. If you look on VE's seat cover install pages you can see the seat frame. I'm not sure the C6 seat is constructed the same, but sounds like it.

Grumpy

in addtition to the metal, the bolster airbag that inflates to make the bolster tighter, is on the wing and it is hard plastic. THe cover area around the drivers side bolster has 1/4" felt under the leather. You could see where the wing had cut thru the felt and was wearing into the leather. the inside(right) part of the cover does not have the felt. I try to be careful getting in and out, especially after the problems with the '02. I believe it's more from using the bolster area as a hand hold that added to the wear.... (I need a nap after all this typing )

peter pan

At 18k I have noticed slight wear and I bet by 65k I will need to change the seat covers and will keep they way you had it done in mind

pewter99

replaced my C5 covers at 100K...loads of fun

Vette_DD

Thanks for the info. guys.

And good thread for the C6 FAQ, to which RRVettes has indicated he's adding.

yellowvette837

and to think mine will be due soon

mrtoner

Ran into this issue on my C4, and then on the C5, so I modified my C6 when I got it.

Going on 4 1/2 years with no wear


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...hlight=bolster

Vette_DD

"Page Not Found"

RRVettes

Yep, I added it to the Information and Tech Tips section Jim.

Rich

Ounce

Okay, I'll take the bait. What is the "easy exit feature"? I've not had mine 4 weeks, yet and I'm curious about extending the life of the bolster. Thanks.


oz

mrtoner

Sorry

Try this: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...n-bolster.html

dgrant3830

Ok, the middle button between the #1 and #2 buttons is the exit position button. Set the seats, steering wheel in whatever way you desire to exit the car, then store those settings using that button the same way you store the positions for #1 and #2