replacing original seat covers

My 1979 has oyster leather interior and some of the seams are tearing. I've cleaned and conditioned the leather but the seats are just starting to show their age. Have any of you replaced the covers with aftermarket seat covers like those from Corvette Central.
If so, how was the fit and quality and how difficult were they to install?
Also, what other sources are there for finding replacement leather seat covers? I am interested only in keeping the car stock. Corvette Central is around $700 just for the seat covers.

Check our sponsors for price comparisons. Remember you get a discount as a C3VR member when you phone in the order (and mention your membership to the customer service individual).

Another place to look is the 'eBay C3 Auctions'. I found replacement foam and seat covers for "The Toy" there.

thanks for the info.
I assume that you did the work yourself. How did the job go? It seems like it should be pretty straightforward but let me know if there were any major problems.

Overall I think it went pretty well for a 'first-timer'. It would have been a real 'p-i-t-a' had it not been for a tip from my brother-in-law. I was trying to figure a way to get the new covers stretched over the new foam as it looked like there was no way to make that happen.

The seat cushions were ALOT easier to do than the seat backs. The trick is to get the foam compressed enough to allow you to hook the new coves on the seat frame. Using some scrap 2x4, 2x6, and 2x8 to get the right combination of height, lay the seat cover side down and carefully kneel on the frame. The description doesn't sound very complete, but it worked like a charm.

I rushed one seat back a bit and didn't get it centered very well. May take some time over the winter and try to redo it.

Good luck!
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Jim O.
Save the Wave...!!!

I bought my leather covers from Riks. I had a local guy install them for me. I was unsure at first, thinking that I should have replaced the foam too, beacuse they had alot of wrinkles. However, they seem to look better and better each day. I guess the leather is shrinking. If I did it all over again, I'd replace the foam too .......

Dan

I got a couple of quotes from local upholsterers to do mine.The one I didn't go for was going to charge me about $1000 just for the leather.The one I went for did them the same as original(leather/vinyl),stuck in new and improved foam,and fitted them for about $300

I got my covers from Wicox. They are perfect. Very nice quality and the price was right. You won't be happy if you don't replace the foam. Take your time and be sure the covers are centered annd straight. It is not a dificult job. john

76vette-
Do you have any pics that you can share your experience with. I wanna do mine in a few months, but I want to see alittle bit of someone's job so I know what to expect!
Thanks

I ordered replacement seats from Willcox. I opted for the already mounted covers (leather/vinyl). I'm anxious to get them and will give an update when I get them. Willcox seems to offer very competitive prices.
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I asked the rep about steering wheels and he said to check back in a month or so because they are going to start offering the original leather wrapped steering wheels for around $160 to $180.

I had my new seat covers from Willcox 2 weeks ago they look great,I will do the installation this weekend with a friend that is a trim-man for G.M. Canada.
will keep you posted for the results.
Normand