How to get a “tight”, OEM quality seat cover fit?

[68bowtie]

I know there are a few suppliers out there who make OEM matching seat covers. And I’m sure most decent upholsterers can do a respectable installation, or even DIY can look great. I’ve seen a lot on this forum. But how do I get a true high quality OEM fit and appearance? What are the suppliers or tips/tricks I need to know?

This is an original survivor seat, notice the shape and tight fit…



I believe this green cover is a reproduction, and they got it spot on (this is what I am looking for)…



These are examples of great looking covers, but have minor bumps or wrinkles, or just don’t have that “OEM” feel…

[TKCR]

its the cover being made to the correct size for the frame. Alot of the suppliers make them slightly too big, that's why you see a lot wrinkles & puckers. When I do seats, I add a layer of jute between the springs and the bottom of the foam. That adds depth and it also protects the bottom of the foam.
I'll post some pics here in a few.

[TKCR]

So here is an example of covers made by some of the suppliers. It’s poor sewing techniques also, that is what causes the puckers.

[TKCR]

Here are some of the seats I have done, and yes these are actually 73-87 seats, but it doesn’t matter what the year of seat cover it is. A well made cover, is a well made cover. And it will fit nice and snug.
Last 2 pics are the jute that I add.

[Love 70 Chevys]

Perfect timing! I just finished this little project and was very happy with the results. I won't repeat here, but if you scroll to page 6 of my build thread, I just documented it starting there.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730752

The key is just to take your time and pay attention to detail. I didn't exactly go top of the line. Bought mine from LMC. They buy them from PUI and they are made in the USA. Was extremely happy with the quality and fit. Did some foam mods to get taught and wrinkle free, and made all the seams straight. Also used scrap pieces of foam to tuck up under the sides between the vinyl and the metal seat frame to "soften" the edges where it stretches over it.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by Love 70 Chevys

Perfect timing! I just finished this little project and was very happy with the results. I won't repeat here, but if you scroll to the last page of my build thread, I just documented it there.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730752

The key is just to take your time and pay attention to detail. I didn't exactly go top of the line. Bought mine from LMC. They buy them from PUI and they are made in the USA. Was extremely happy with the quality and fit. Did some foam mods to get taught and wrinkle free, and made all the seams straight. Also used scrap pieces of foam to tuck up under the sides between the vinyl and the metal seat frame to "soften" the edges where it stretches over it.

That looks awesome! Good job

[sick472]

It's rare that you can buy quality foam and covers and just put it on without some flaws. It's really a matter of putting it together (without hog rings), pulling, looking, stretching, looking, taking it back apart, adding some jute/foam/cloth, putting back together....etc.etc.

Most wrinkles, the ones caused by too much outer material, can be pulled out by trying a few different angles of "pull" and attach. Some wrinkles are caused by too little foam or the foam not quite in the right position (or cover design and sewing that does not work well with the foam size). These will require some additional padding or repositioning of the padding. I have used 1/2" thick foam sheeting to completely cover the formed foam to soften the edges where it shows through the vinyl. This takes some creative cuts at the corners and some spray adhesive to keep it in place, but can tighten up a loose fit and keep slight foam edges from showing through. If a 1/2" of added foam is too much, a layer of firm material (strong burlap or a higher quality mesh fabric) can be used as an initial cover prior to applying the upholstery (hog ringed where needed). This can help compact foam that may be too thick too begin with and/or soften any sharp edges of foam that would show through.

Patience is the key and not expecting this to be an afternoon job, more like a week of afternoons in some cases.

[dmjlambert]

I see mine is the saddle one in the pictures. It had bumps under the cover because the upholstery guy did the cover but did inadequate work to the frame and foam. I have since then taken the truck to another shop where a different guy did repairs to the cover, and worked on the padding underneath the cover. It was more attention to detail that it needed.

[HO455]

I'm not a upholstery expert (actually upholstery amateur would be correct) but, taking the time to overhaul the springs so they all sit straight and true is time well spent. When pushing down on the outer edge it should take about the same amount of pressure to compress the springs everywhere.

[72c20customcamper]

Patience is your best tool. I walked away from the seat a few times . These are USA1 skins new foam from Summit way cheaper shipping . I let the skins warm in the sun and then put them on and work them use a heat gun and steam to remove wrinkles . Just keep working it . I didnt add any foam or jute as it was very tight from the get go . I did have to trim some from a few spots .

I've probably have done at least 100 seats in the past 50 years . I'm going to end up doing my buckets in my 64 Hawk as they are starting to crack but I have NOS Studebaker skins front and back. Also have 2 nos sets for my Avanti .

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

Patience is your best tool. I walked away from the seat a few times . These are USA1 skins new foam from Summit way cheaper shipping . I let the skins warm in the sun and then put them on and work them use a heat gun and steam to remove wrinkles . Just keep working it . I didnt add any foam or jute as it was very tight from the get go . I did have to trim some from a few spots .

I've probably have done at least 100 seats in the past 50 years . I'm going to end up doing my buckets in my 64 Hawk as they are starting to crack but I have NOS Studebaker skins front and back. Also have 2 nos sets for my Avanti .

Very NICE.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by TKCR

Very NICE.

Thanks