1971 Reproduction leather seats.

[Lyndon S.]

[Edward J.]

Re: 1971 Reproduction leather seats.

Lyndon, I brought corvette America covers for my 72 and was pleased with the quality, They looked as original. Ed

[Kenneth T.]

Re: 1971 Reproduction leather seats.

Lyndon,

I too used Corvette America and I am very happy with the quality. Here comes the but.
The originals were a thick leather, somewhat hard and the piping on the door side was
very prone to "butt rash" from sliding in and out. Soon the white plastic spagetti came
out. The CA leathers are more supple, softer with some wrinkles with use.

They are a better quality then the OEM. No rash problems. My originals were changed
via warranty after the first year because of the piping problem.

I will attach a pic of the CA seats. I have no experience with
Al Noch.

KenInt.jpg

[Lyndon S.]

Re: 1971 Reproduction leather seats.

Nice photo, is that also CA door panels? And did you put in new seat foam? Also did you do the seats yourself or did you send them to CA to be done?

[Ralph S.]

Re: 1971 Reproduction leather seats.

I would always describe the leather seats up until 1973 as boot leather, after that is was like jacket leather.

[Reba W.]

Re: 1971 Reproduction leather seats.

That is a good description, Ralph. I have Knoch's on my car that have been there since the late 1980s, no problem with the piping.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1971 Reproduction leather seats.

Hi Lyndon,
You asked about the door trim panels too.
I think you'll find the reproduction door panels leave a bit to be desired compared to the original panels.
The backing is typically black abs instead of the pressed fiberboard of the originals. Also, to my eye the grain pattern in the vinyl is different. Getting the abs backed panel to fit the contour of the door is often difficult.
I believe Al Knock still can make the panels with the fiberboard backing ($) but I haven't seen one, so don't know what they're like.
Re-using original interior pieces; especially soft trim parts, always seems to be a good choice when possible.
Regards,
Alan

[Lyndon S.]

Re: 1971 Reproduction leather seats.

The interior judges do they check for the Velcro on the back part of the seats. Are do they let that slide since it is not like OEM with the plastic strip that held the back? Are they even going into that detail on the seats when they judge the seats?

[Terry M.]

Re: 1971 Reproduction leather seats.

The interior judges do they check for the Velcro on the back part of the seats. Are do they let that slide since it is not like OEM with the plastic strip that held the back? Are they even going into that detail on the seats when they judge the seats?

Once you raise the issue I am sure they will judge to the stricter standard.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1971 Reproduction leather seats.

Lyndon, Take it for what its worth but Truly there is no one that makes a perfect repro seat cover or even a door panels with the correct grain on door panels or even carpets with correct colors. This is just my opinion and is just that, corvette America or Al Knock make the closet repro.s If price is a factor Corvette America with save you a few bucks. If your looking for the points deduction on repro interior parts Reba W. could give you some kind of Idea.

[Lyndon S.]

[James B.]

Re: 1971 Reproduction leather seats.

I've had Al Knock leather seat covers in mine since 1982. More supple than the original upholstery. However, I'm happy with them.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: 1971 Reproduction leather seats.

Lyndon,

I did not do them myself, but new seat foam yes. The door panels are CA and just ok.

As Allen states, they are not the fiber type and may not mold to the door
as you would wish, see struggle with the fit.

They do not have the original Real Wood on the panel inserts
and I have not found anyone who makes it. I am looking to buy
walnut veneer and router it to the right fit, but I have not
have the time yet.

But all said and done, It is Fun

PS Boot leather is a great description.