Where is best place to purchase leather seat cover

[Bruce N.]

I'm still slugging away on my 1972 Corvette and now have turned my attention to a rather stale interior. Now, I'm in need of feedback for interior parts - all leather seat covers, cushions, formed carpet, door panels and dash parts. Which company provides the best parts and service. Thanks for any help! Bruce

[Tom D.]

A place to purchase leather seat cover

Just noted some blue ones (for a 66) on e-bay.

Tom

[Jim T.]

Re: Where is best place to purchase leather seat c

I bought new leather seat covers from www.ALKnochInteriors.com. They still look new after many years of the installation. New foam and new leather seat covers will look great. They also advertise in the NCRS Driveline.

[Bruce N.]

Re: Where is best place to purchase leather seat c

Thanks guys! One more question - where can I purchase rebuild kits for steering columns?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Where is best place to purchase leather seat c

Bruce,

As a 71/72 guy, I'll weigh in with my $0.02.

I'd strip your seats, sandblast and paint (or powdercoat) the frames, and send them to Al Knoch. Have him install new foam and covers, and send them back. It will be by far the best $200 installation fee you spend.

You can likely get a package deal if you ask him for door panels and carpet, too. As an FYI, Al's carpet does not included jute backing attached to it, whereas ACC's does. I've used both. Al will sell you a jute kit, but if you're lucky enough that your original carpet's jute with the strong rubber backing is in good shape, I'd use that. If you have anything other than black for your interior, I also would strongly recommend asking ACC and Al Knoch for samples of your color. Then pick one you like, as you may be surprised, especially if you have a blue or saddle interior. The shades can vary wildly.

If you need the dash panels (pods; you know, the ones that hold the gauges or the map pocket) I would highly, highly, highly recommend using your originals or finding a good used set. The reproductions are only (as far as I know) made by Corvette America, and they are junk.The upper dash pads (the horizontal one) is reproduced by I believe 3 vendors; Al Knoch, Corvette America and EC Products in California.

For other interior pieces, feel free to ask. In a word, though, the quality of repro interior items for midyears is FAR better than what's available for our 72s.

Patrick

[`Michael Southard]

Re: Where is best place to purchase leather seat c

Jim,
I bought the Al Knoch carpets a month ago but didn't get the leather seat covers. I do need seat work, not because they are torn up, but because they stink (MICE)! My seats actually are beautiful.

However, the leather seat covers from the time I bought the car seemed hard, not soft and supple like the console pad. Are your seat covers firm or have they hardened?

I was planning to take my seats to an upholsterer and have good leather installed. I'm sure these covers were purchased through an aftermarket Vette place, but I was wondering if the new ones from Al Knoch or other vendors were better (softer) quality?

Mike S.

[Mike M.]

Re: Where is best place to purchase leather seat c

Bruce, I bought my whole interior and had my seats redone by Al Knoch at the spring Carlisle. I saved a lot by preordering and picking up at the show. He has a really good discount at shows.I booked 6 months before the show for a appointment to have my seats done. If you can attend a show that he is at. This is the best savings. Mike

[Jim T.]

Re: Where is best place to purchase leather seat c

Michael I purchased the 68's leather set covers from Al Knoch about 18 years ago and for the last 13 years the car has spend most its life in a dark garage. As per Al Knoch instructions with the leather seats I have used Pledge from the pump style container. It says on the label it can be used for leather. I checked with Al Knoch about 8-9 years ago if this was still what they recommended and it was. They may recommend something else now. My 68's leather seats are not hard. In saying this I am comparing the leather seats to the original leather seats in my 70. The leather in the 70 is basically in very good condition, but the panels of leather in the seat bottoms and back are harder but not much different from what I remember or think that I remember they were like when I bought the car new. The leather panels are a thicker leather than the other areas. I also use Pledge on the 70's leather seats.
Al Knoch has on their web page the locations they will be in 2005. If you schedule ahead with them and buy the seat covers or convertible top from them you might be able to have them installed at a show close to your home. You might also contact them for a sample of their leather to see how soft their leather is that is used for your style of seat covers