Seat Cover Quality

[UGAK5]

I searched and found several threads, but most of them were older and vendors/manufacturers have changed.

I had hoped to buy some Truck World seat covers from TruckSeats (Tim), but cant get a response or returned call, since those that have gotten some seem to rave about the quality. Seems like those are not a viable option any more.

I have seen PUI has the front buckets, but can't confirm if they have the rear seat yet.

So, I wanted to ask the power of this great forum to help direct me - - what are the best quality OEM style seat covers that are available today? And, where can I get them? Black, if the color helps.

Thanks

Chris

[A1971Blazer]

I wanted truck world covers but time constraints would not allow it...I ordered the front and rear covers along with new foam from LMC.....they are PUI covers and I was skeptical....
As it turns out.....and since I'm not an upholstery guy by any stretch of the imagination....they actually fit really well...
I did a total refurbish of the front seats including new springs......and recovered the rear seat using the old foam....
It turned out pretty well...at least I'm happy with them...the difference with the new springs and foam is remarkable..
although mine is a '70...I got the '71-72 style....I like the scroll pattern better

[SeventyOne]

How have they held up to the sun/wear?

[MikeCofield]

I have called and emailed Tim with no response . I bought a set of front and rear blazer highlander seat covers from Larry nease at truck world . Very dissatisfied with them . Worst $1250 I’ve ever spent , Larry has said he will make it right but I’ve been getting story after story for almost a year . My advice is save yourself some headache and look further

[UGAK5]

Thanks guys -

A1971 - Thanks for the pics and feedback on PUI. I wouldn't have guessed LMC had PUI (or something of better/best quality). They are my 'if no one else has it' supplier. Looks like PUI does make a rear seat cover. And heck, you are only one state away - wanna come do my seats? Your work looks great!

SeventyOne - you asked my next question. I plan to run with no top, so, LOTS of sun exposure. That said, I may use some UV blocker on them like I do on my boat seats.

Mike - YIKES! And, YIKES. Sadly, that seems to be the TruckWorld story these days.

Any other options from anyone else?

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

How have they held up to the sun/wear?

covers have only been on for about 6 months...it always stays in the garage with a cover on it...

[robs71k5]

Sure wish I could just buy the scroll pattern so I could sew it into some real leather . My second set of seat covers and they just crack and tear in as little two years . Quality sucks but it seems the only game in town . Maybe time for me to step up and make some quality even if it's just the bottom .

[UGAK5]

Originally Posted by robs71k5

Sure wish I could just buy the scroll pattern so I could sew it into some real leather . My second set of seat covers and they just crack and tear in as little two years . Quality sucks but it seems the only game in town . Maybe time for me to step up and make some quality even if it's just the bottom .

What brand were yours that lasted just two years?

[goldgmc]

A1971Blazer, where did you get the new springs?

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by MikeCofield

I have called and emailed Tim with no response . I bought a set of front and rear blazer highlander seat covers from Larry nease at truck world . Very dissatisfied with them . Worst $1250 I’ve ever spent , Larry has said he will make it right but I’ve been getting story after story for almost a year . My advice is save yourself some headache and look further

x2 See here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=740358

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by goldgmc

A1971Blazer, where did you get the new springs?

I bought them in a roll off eBay....I used 9 gauge for the bottoms and 11 gauge for the backs....I had to cut to length and put a slight bend in the ends that isn't shown in that one picture....they have to be stretched fairly tight but it wasn't too difficult...it really made the seats nice and firm...I stripped all the old foam off and sandblasted and painted the frames...
this is the springs I got
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Zig-Zag-Spr...item2f082f0ae0

[UGAK5]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

x2 See here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=740358

Thanks for the link Pete - terrible tale.

So, is PUI the best (or only) game out there? Either that or buy bulk fabric from SMS?

[DeadheadNM]

I can't speak for PUI quality but a thread on the pickup board might produce some reviews. If I were in the market right now for OEM-style seat covers I'd be looking into PUI. Chris you don't want Highlander plaid correct?

[UGAK5]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

I can't speak for PUI quality but a thread on the pickup board might produce some reviews. If I were in the market right now for OEM-style seat covers I'd be looking into PUI. Chris you don't want Highlander plaid correct?

Correct.

I’m aiming for original looks, but modern mechanicals.

My truck had the black scroll vinyl when new and I really like that look. The rear bench I have is still original, both buckets have been recovered (decent job but not great) in a nice, but not OEM black vinyl.

I’ve considered just taking them to an upholsterer, but I bet that’s $3000 and up, and not OEM print.

[Green Monster]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

I bought them in a roll off eBay....I used 9 gauge for the bottoms and 11 gauge for the backs....I had to cut to length and put a slight bend in the ends that isn't shown in that one picture....they have to be stretched fairly tight but it wasn't too difficult...it really made the seats nice and firm...I stripped all the old foam off and sandblasted and painted the frames...
this is the springs I got
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Zig-Zag-Spr...item2f082f0ae0

Thanks for sharing your experience. I was not considering replacing the springs until I saw your posts- very informative. This is a good time to install seat warmers too.

The rolls come in 10' lengths. How many rolls of 9 guage and 11 guage springs did you need to purchase to replace the springs in the front seats?

Also, what tool did you use to bend the ends of the springs where they're clipped into the frame?

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by Green Monster

Thanks for sharing your experience. I was not considering replacing the springs until I saw your posts- very informatuve. This is a good time to install seat warmers too.

The rolls come in 10' lengths. How many rolls of 9 guage and 11 guage springs did you need to purchase to replace the springs in the front seats?

Also, what tool did you use to bend the ends of the springs where they're clipped into the frame?

It took 2 rolls of each.....I cut them with an abrasive wheel and I made a little block that I could clamp in the vise to hold the spring....
then I just bent them with a few taps of a hammer....
all it takes is a slight bend to prevent them from slipping out of the frame
these are approx ½ x ½ steel bar

[Green Monster]

Clever idea using the blocks and hammer to bend the spring ends.

Thanks!

[Blazerowner]

I’m still waiting on my highlander covers and rear panels. Hopefully they come soon.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by Blazerowner

I’m still waiting on my highlander covers and rear panels. Hopefully they come soon.

When ordering CST rear panels through Brothers Larry seems to turn them around in about five weeks as a point of comparison.

[SeventyOne]

I ordered rear panels on 2/23 from brothers and have yet to receive them.

[UGAK5]

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

I ordered rear panels on 2/23 from brothers and have yet to receive them.

This is where I kick myself......I should've ordered what I needed 2 years ago instead of waiting a few months before I needed them and Vendors dried up.....

I just didn't want fragile parts laying around for years, that and ran out of storage space. My wife is ready to kill me if i don't turn my parts warehouse back into her dining room!

With no other option, I ordered PUI covers from Summit Racing (best price, free shipping) Monday and got them today. Based on Pete's feedback, I ordered rear panels from Brothers today. Hopefully, they come in soon....ish. I'd be happy with 90 days at this point.

What color did you order SeventyOne?

[leddzepp]

PUI 71/72 houndstooth bench cover. I installed this one in my driveway on a hot day. Fitment was tight initially, but the hot sun really is the key to getting them to conform. I was very pleased with the quality and price, and I plan on doing a set of buckets next.

[leddzepp]

Pic

[leddzepp]

Another

[UGAK5]

Thanks leddzepp - thats very reassuring, and good advice on doing it in the sunlight. Nice work too!