Anyone know who makes replacement seat covers. The local upholstry
shop says it will cost about a grand to recover the front and rear seats and
backs. It's a 68 Dart with bench seats.
Thanks

Year one prolly has them. Recovering seats can be done by the DYI car owner with some care and patience. The only special tool that you would need is hog ring pliers and some hog rings.

$1k isn't such a bad deal to be honest... when I bought my covers from year one years ago it was $250 for EACH cover front and back, so theres $500, plus any foam and backing you need, plus any broken springs that need fixed, etc.

I had the Sebring bucket seats and the rear seat in my convertible custom upholstered and the total bill was $750. A grand for bench seats is high.

If you are just looking to recover worn seats and aren't concerned about looking original, there are lots of suppliers out there. JC Whitney has several styles and prices. Putting them on is easy.

The cost depends in large part on what kind of "re-covering" you're after. If you're after a 100% original appearance, some of the New Old Stock materials can really cost a great deal of money (supply vs. demand). Also, if your seats need extensive repair (springs, foam, etc.) that can drive the cost up as well. On the other hand, a cheapy job will look schlock. Somewhere in the middle is the right balance of cost, appearance and quality of work.

$1000 for bench seats? Way out of line. Thank them politely and keep shopping. It makes things easier if you're in the Pacific Northwest.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I got the distinct impression the guy did not want to recover my seats.
He kept saying that if I got some pre-made covers he could do it alot
cheaper. I think I'll do it myself then it really will be alot cheaper!

The springs on the rear seat are fine (I have them out) but the foam,
while still pliable is crumbly and the burlap backing is dryrotted. For
some odd reason the only place where the vinyl is good is the drivers
side front of the bench.

I found a place called Fryers AutoUpholstery Kits on the web. They
offer a basic vinyl set (front and rear) for $390.00. Anyone know about
this company?

I'll check out Year One.

Thanks for the info

Well, yeah, that's why he quoted it so high. Politely thank him and move onto a shop that wants the work.

[quoet]I found a place called Fryers AutoUpholstery Kits on the web. They
offer a basic vinyl set (front and rear) for $390.00. Anyone know about
this company?[/quote]

"Basic" is going to mean "looks schlock, like a low-rent pizza place's booth seats". Spend some effort and time, and you can do better.
They carry marked-up stuff from Legendary—for bucket seats (in 2-door cars) only!

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Around here we say: "Real Men can sew and weld"

If your seats are still covered but wrecked you can easily make new covers even on a home machine.

Like any similar job (sheet metal or carpet or...)you need to make a pattern from the old seat. Remove the torn stuff and use it for the pattern. Although not as romantic as a wrecking yard ....fabric stores are full of cool treasures. Fannys Fabrics in Western Canada seem to have the biggest selection. The chix at the fabric stores will be happy to help you and in my experience are very patient. Remember to not stare directly at their chest and you will get along fine. They will know what kind of fabric you need and what thread to sew it with....remember needles.
These stores usually have both upholstery fabric and vinyl...in quantity. Dont be detered by a lot of ugly fabric,,,just kee[p looking. If you brought a sample fabric swatch : show the chick!

Your Girl Friends or even your wifes machine can carefully be used to sew almost anything,,,or,,,cut all your pieces and take them to an upholstery, boat top or any kind of commercial sewing place. Yes,,,you can tack it with the home machine ands get the pro to finish it (like I do with critical welding)

Older auto upholstery places often have older inventory and even if its not model correct it can be period correct. (My 51 Desoto has 53 Eldorado fabric inserts with the stock DeSoto leather)

Take leather to a saddle place,,,they have the right leather and machines.

Side bar yer honour! I sewed up a trunk carpet/liner out of houseboat carpet(burgundy). It lines the whole trunk and is waterproof(we snowboard). I made cardboard templates,,,cut it out ans sewed it up in about an hour...cost $30.

Promise not to use the dishwasher for auto trans parts cleaning for a month and mebbe wifey will do it for you,,,,and make sure you get hog rings and the pliers.

Remember: "Women may not find you handsome,,,but they should find you handy" "Im a Man I can change,,,if I have to,,,I guess"

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

say sandy, does that really work? do you use Jet Dry or Electrasol?

-james

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Layson's has those listed in their online catalog. I think they are reprooductions but the price is reasonable. They also sell foam and other items needed to do a proper installation. I don't know anything about them as far as quality and service goes, but they do have them listed.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

you didn't know that the drivers leg sweat was a preservative...............

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes