Use of old seat cover over new foam
I have a 73 with the vinyl/weave seat covers which are in good condition; however, the foam is oxidized and filters through the weave. Is it difficult to use the old seat covers over new foam? Does the foam have to be trimed etc.? Thanks. tom
-
-
Re: Use of old seat cover over new foam
Tom-----
It's a misconception that the cause of the "dust" which emanates "eternally" from the seat inserts is due to degradation of the seat foam. Actually, it is due to the foam, but not the foam most people think is responsible. The foam involved is the rather thin cloth/foam backing which is sewn to the inside surface of the seat cover inserts. It is this foam which degrades due to perspiration and causes the "dust" condition. So, if you replace your primary seat cushion foam and use your original seat covers, you will still have exactly the same problem.
I don't know of anyone that's been able to replace the cloth/foam backing on the seat cover inserts. It might be possible but, usually, there's enough wear-and-tear on the outer portion of the seat covers that complete replacement is the most practical thing to do.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Use of old seat cover over new foam
Joe: Your explanation sounds reasonable, thanks. Guess I will have to spend a few mo
re bucks and replace all, I was kind of proud of the condition of the old vinyl weave covers.
Comment
-
Re: Use of old seat cover over new foam
Tom-----
The original covers on my 69 were in excellent condition when, years ago, I had to replace them for the exact same reason you described. This is one advantage to having leather interior---this never becomes a problem. However, the 68-75 vinyl interior is so unique, it's really "the one to have".
One thing, though: I'm not so sure that the vinyl, "Comfortweave" insert material used in CURRENT reproduction seat covers is actually a woven vinyl material like the original. It might very well be "monolithic" with an impressed pattern. If so, the "dust" condition will never re-cur. Of course, if monolithic, it would not breathe like the original and sweating might be more of a problem for driver and passenger.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: Use of old seat cover over new foam
Tom and Joe,
I had the same 'foam dust' problem, that Tom describes, on my 71 Coupe. I asked around for a 'fix' for my original seat covers, but no one could offer any solution. Thus, new Al Knock seat covers installed with the help of his video.
Joe, I believe you're correct about the manner in which the new 'comfortweave' is configured. While it was easy for me to probe for the perforation in the original cover ( I could insert a straight pin with no pressure), I couldn't find any trace of a perforation in the new covers. I hope I drive the car enough for the weave to not be comfortable.
Regards,
Alan71 Coupe, 350/270, 4 speed
Mason Dixon Chapter
Chapter Top Flight October 2011Comment
-
Re: Use of old seat cover over new foam
Joe is 100% correct on this as I have reused the original foam many times.
Lots of seat foam has been sold to people who don't know the real problem. To add to the problem deductions are taken for new foam if the seats look too puffy.Lyle
Comment
-
Re: Use of old seat cover over new foam
I have also noticed that the new "comfortweave" really isn't a weave but merely an impressed pattern. This new pattern looks"cheap" in my estimation. Any method to salvage the old covers?? Thanks tom
Comment
-
Re: Use of old seat cover over new foam
Lyle: I have also noted this too full puffy appearance which is noticeably different than original appearance. Thanks for conformation of my concerns.
Comment
-
Re: Use of old seat cover over new foam
Tom-----
It may very well be that the original-style, woven vinyl material is no longer manufactured. Or, it may be that no one wants it because of the dust problem. This would be a great question for anyone calling Al Knoch to ask.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: Use of old seat cover over new foam
Tom O.,
I spoke to quite a few interior shops about replacing the foam in the covers. Most said, to do it well the 'linen' on the back of the cover would need to be released from the cover. The only way to do that is to take the cover apart. The cover would then need to be re-sown. And that's the rub. The seams had been trimmed (cut) back after being sown the first time. Now there would not be enough material to hold on to as the upholsterer guides the cover through the machine. They felt you could be successful on a repair to a couple of panels but not for the whole cover.
Regards,
Alan
PS: You're right, the new covers seem to look a little more 'puffy', this makes up for the fact that my 64 year old butt looks a little more bony.71 Coupe, 350/270, 4 speed
Mason Dixon Chapter
Chapter Top Flight October 2011Comment
-
Re: Use of old seat cover over new foam
I had new Leather covers over old foam when I bought my car. The cutouts from the seat realease were cut when the old foam was thin and flattened out. When I stretched the same leathern over the new foam I had to re cut the leather to fit the seat release button and then had to stich in and additional piece of leather. It has always bothered me and somday I will probabably get new leather seat covers. Thought you may benefit from my experience in trying to fit new foam with existing covers.
Charlie Carr
1972 LT-1Comment
-
Re: Use of old seat cover over new foam
One thought about re-installing old covers over new foam...the new foam can be really tight. It can take a lot of muscle power to get a seat cover over the new foam. Get the DVD from Al Knoch that shows a seat cover installation. (I got one for my 68). You can see his man really struggling to get the seat back and seat bottoms on. I think there's a concern that your old covers might tear or rip. Your old covers may be on the verge of a tear or rip just through normal non-stressing use.Comment
Comment