I need some opinions on my upcoming seat cover restoration. I have two choices. My car has original highback seats w/ orignal vinyl covers. I do not like the all vinyl seats, I sweat to much in hot wx for them. So, I will have vinyl on the perimeter and the cloth inserts. Only dilema is which one to use. I plan on going vinyl trim w/ cloth inserts. The choices are in the left pix. (A) is black cloth and (B) is grey/blk combo. Well! I got my new seat covers frm Fred Carello today and vry satisfied w/ the product. Fred does great work for a fair price. I decided to go against the grain as far as the pole was concerened. I went w/ (B). All the time they were being made I was wondering whether I made the right chioce. Now that I have them the apprehension is gone. I know I don't have them in the car yet, but, Im sure I will like them. Thanks for all the responses and opinions.
Mojo, A would be more subtle, and closer in appearance to the original. I think it would look great though.
I voted all black, but that's mostly because I've just never been a fan of the burlap look fabrics. You might want to look at finer weave charcoal fabrics too. It's not quite black in color, yet it's close enough as not to distract from the appearance and will provide a little visual interest to the color of the interior. Hope this helps, -Scott H.
Sweat on a cloth seat? Living in Florida with no A/C in my car I would not want cloth seats, vinyl cleans up much better, yeah kinda stick to it but I can always peel away from it...can't go swimming and get in the car wet..or spill a beverage on the cloth without stains. But if you must do it...by all means "A" would look better and help hide the stains you might encounter.
Ok Guys! Thanks for the input. It looks like the great majority 90% so far favors black. I most likely will go that route unless the vendor has something else I might prefer. If I get another sample I will post it. At this point it is the black inserts/insets - whatever. I'm still looking for thoughts from some of those who have viewed and not voted or commented.
I live right outside of Charleston, South Carolina and get the sizzling summer heat too. I've had good luck using Scotchguard brand fabric protector in my old Cadillac with non working A/C. Yep, the same stuff you put on your furnature in your house. I just follow the directions on the can, nothing more. So far there's no major stains that weren't already there when I bought the car and it doesn't smell like a locker room after working outside all week. Hope this helps, -Scott H.
The issues u sight won't be a problem for me. I don't swim anymore or eat while in the car. I have cloth seats in my 99 Windstar and they don't have a stain anywhere "I am original owner". I am working on getting the fac. AC up and running agn soon; so the heat should'nt be a problem. I just don't like vinyl seats - to slippery and no air circulation. I will agree the vinyl cleans better, but, that's the only advantage I can see other than keeping w/ the original factory apperance. Not enough for me to revert to all vinyl. I do appreciate ur input....
Another vote for sample A. I feel the same way about vinyl and leather for that matter. Down here in Georgia it's no fun. Usually takes till halfway to where I'm going before the AC kicks in good anyways.