1965 New Leather Seat Covers Question

RRod · 06-07-2005, 04:08 AM

I had the interior redone on my 1965 Conv by a shop that does a lot of NCRS restoration here locally. Although the new leather seat covers (with new foam, burlap, etc) look great, they continue to emit a very unpleasant odor over three months later that overpowers any new leather smell (I can't smell any new leather at all). Is adhesive used on seat restorations? I also had new carpeting installed, but the odor seems to be strongest from the seats themselves ... it smells like adhesive but maybe it's the new burlap?

I also lost about 1-1/2" of needed head room. Are the center inserts supposed to be flush with the side bolsters like mine appear to be? As I recall, I thought the center inserts were supposed to be depressed somewhat on new restorations (either by fillament ties to pull down the insert or by the proper shape of the foam).

The car is due back to the shop next week for some other other work and I was planning to talk to them about the odor and head room if this is not normal.

Thanks!

Easy Mike · 06-07-2005, 02:22 PM

Did you install new seat foam? Adhesive may have been used on new seat foam. The actual upholstery should not have needed adhesive. It certainly won't hurt to ask what was done when you take the car back to the shop.

JohnZ · 06-07-2005, 02:41 PM

The seat contours look excellent - the headroom issue is likely a result of the new (stiffer) foam buns, which will soften over time. The adhesive "aroma" is probably related to the carpet installation, as little or none is normally used in the seat build-up.

Easy Mike · 06-07-2005, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnZ

The seat contours look excellent - the headroom issue is likely a result of the new (stiffer) foam buns...

65convt · 06-08-2005, 01:45 PM

I agree with the odor problem coming from adhesive used on the carpet. I had a slight odor when I did the interior in my 65 convt. last year. But that only lasted a few days.
As for the headroom problem, I have the same problem with the seats in my 65 coupe. Just did them and with the new foam I also have a clearance problem. I'm 6' and my head just hits the headliner. I'm sure the seats will settle in time.

RRod · 06-08-2005, 03:45 PM

Thanks to everyone above for the help and info.

I'll ask the shop about why the heavy odors still after 3 months. Maybe they used the wrong adhesive or something. I wish I could smell the new leather.