66since71

Photo follows. First though, thanks to 66BBDriver, JohnZ, 66BlkBB, DansYellow66 and piper for advise.

The seats actually look better in person than in the pic. Leather, foam and hardware from Wilcox (Corvette America manufacture). Quality was good, although there was some variation between pieces that were supposed to be identical (specifically, seat back covers and seat cushion covers). Some things I learned along the way:
- I wound up borrowing a copy of the Al Knoch video. I could not have assembled the seat cushions without it. (I tried, and thats why I borrowed the video)
- The original cushion foam had burlap molded in, in addition to the burlap lay-on with wires embedded. I glued on a layer of burlap to sub for the molded in (its in the video to do that too), and understand now why its needed.
- I cannot imagine how I could have done this alone if I did not weigh over 200 lbs. Many times during the process, I had the assembly on the floor, with my full weight to bear somehwere on the seat frame.
- Leave one back or cushion assembled while you do the other, so you have a reference (tip from Wilcox).
- I did have to skive some foam off of the backs to make aseembly possible. An electric knife from our kitchen worked great for this.
- The first one of each assembly took 5 times as long as the second. If you decide to do this yourself, try to find someone locally who has done it before to help.

crw41

Looks good.

I did it once - a real PIA.

The second time I paid $150 for the labor - well worth it.

53 Blue Flame Brett

Hard work pays off. You learned something in the process. I've done several pairs of seats over the years. The first pair were the hardest, of course.

Great job!

ADW1965

I bought premium leather seat covers for my 65 vert from Corvette America with the intention of installing them myself. I acquired some confidence after replacing the vinyl seat covers in my 69 Camaro. After some deliberation, I decided to have somebody experienced do it for me. From your ordeal, it seems like I made the right decision. I hope they turn out as nice as yours did - they should be done later this week.

Sky65

Very nicely done.

JohnZ

Excellent!

Chicago Pete

Super nice job.

I recently did the seats myself on my 73. Wilcox as well. First one took two days.
Wrestled it like Steve Irwin. Second one took about 4 hours.

65convt

Congrats on a Beautiful job! Those seats look great.
I don't have the patience so I paid to have mine done.

Olustee bus

Looks great. did you repair the springs in the seats? if so, how difficult and how much time?

Did you get the burlap from Wilcox?

66since71

Springs were in great shape, so no, I did not replace them. Some will feel kind of weak, because of their length and shape, but they are really only bad if they have sagged (yielded) or are broken. (steel's spring rate never changes, but it shape moves permanently if you take it to its yield point)

Burlap came from a local upholstery shop (about $10). Adhesive is 3M FoamFast 74, found at a local Ace Hardware (about $15).

You don't need the corrugated wires unless your seat structures are badly corroded.

Thanks to everyone for the kind complements..

Harry

65tripleblack

Very nice job! Congratulations, and enjoy.

bigearl56

I wanted to do my '62 myself, but after looking at the underside and all the hog rings I decided I'd better let the pro's do it. You have given me new courage for the next set. They are very nice indeed.


Earl

sweet66

again the adage is proven. The first time we do anything new the learning curve is usually steep .. but satisfying when completed.
This forum is great to help us all learn from others experiences..
As once said .. Learn from other peoples mistakes you can't afford to make them all yourself !

DansYellow66

They look great. I'm impressed that with leather you were able to get all of the wrinkles completely worked out.

avideo

I'm planning on doing the seats in our 1966 convertible over the winter. I already have a copy of the video on loan from a fellow club member. And fortunate that a couple of people in my club have both re-covered their seats in the past two years -so there is some advice availabel if I need it.

66BBDriver

Harry;
That is one nice looking set of seats! I know they are a PIA but like you I did feel good when they were back in the car.
Tommy

ADW1965

Yours look better than my professionally installed seats. I think being personally invested in the result helps a lot.