Seat recovering

[Highland Stag]

Although there is some advice on the forum I would like some guidance in deciding the best place to source replacement seat covers and foams for my rather scruffy interior. There appears to be some problem with some suppliers in terms of accuracy of fit of either covers or foams.

Is there a best combination of covers / foams to optimise fit / appearance/ comfort and minimise modification to achieve an optimum outcome?

Thanks

HS

[V Mad]

I make my own foams for the backrests of the front seats, but for a DIY job I suggest you use the Aldridge pre-moulded foams. These have separate bolsters rather than the one-piece foams. Aldridge also make good covers but I have also fitted good covers from the other general parts suppliers. This job is tricky to get a good result but some say they have managed it OK.

Base foams are usually good enough to re-use even though they may look rough, but new ones are available if you need them.

[Giles]

I used Aldridge foams, needed a bit of trimming etc but pretty good I would use them again if I ever had to do it another time.

[StagnJag]

I used Aldriges foams as well. (My covers were ok). I did buy some interior material from them for a tonneau cover over the rear seats for my Breezebreaker and it was virtually a perfect match. (My interior is Beige).

Rgds

Dave

[jleyton]

Another vote for Aldridges although for my front seat bolsters I used Southern Trimming as theirs are very like the original. Well pleased with what they provided.

As for the covers, all of the suppliers will send you a small free sample if you want to see what you'll be getting.

Cheers

Julian

[V Mad]

although for my front seat bolsters I used Southern Trimming as theirs are very like the original. Well pleased with what they provided.

Cheers

Julian

Hi Julian. The originals were moulded in recon foam. I thought SET would just supply pieces of sheet foam?

[jleyton]

Hi Chris,

Of course you're right that the originals were made of recon foam (and bloody sticky stuff as you well know) but, perhaps somewhat perversely, this is what attracted me to South East Trimming (not Southern trimming as I wrongly said) as theirs are also made of recon foam, just like the original. I wanted mine to be as close to original as possible.

As long as they last the 30 odd years like the originals, I don't expect I'll be driving my car when these new ones start crumbling to sticky dust

I did try cutting my own first of all as you suggested but eventually gave up in frustration !

Cheers

Julian

IMAG0098.jpg

[V Mad]

That looks interesting Julian. They look like they have been intricately 'sculpted' out of blocks rather than cut sheet or moulded. Was there a top piece as well?

Also, the originals had a rounded profile that goes around the back panel to give a nice smooth finish. If you dont mind me asking, did the SET ones do that? How do these compare with the Aldridge ones?

[jleyton]

Hi Chris,

To be honest, I don't quite remember Yes, they were intricately sculpted - I don't remember a top piece but there was a separate piece that wrapped around the back. Maybe these pics will explain all.

I like their foam because it feels that little bit firmer than just ordinary foam and more like I remember them being when the cars were new. Mind you, they were £50/pair

Although I've used all sorts of Aldridge materials, I haven't actually used their foams so I can't compare I'm afraid.

Cheers

Julian

IMAG0103.jpgIMAG0105.jpgIMAG0106.jpg

[V Mad]

Thanks Julian, theres food for thought there. I am intigued how they get the intricate profiles cut out; It must be done on some sort of template whether that be a phiysical one, or a digitised machine driven system. Aldridge use moulded foams made in two pieces that are then stuck together to form each bolster.

Your SET foams look square at the back so I dont know how you could achieve a rounded finish. Using my cut sheet system I roll the back edges over to get a smooth profile, but it all takes time and skill to do.

Cheers

[new to this]

i had foams for mine from south east trimming as well,but then he did recover my seats

dave

[jleyton]

Thanks Julian, theres food for thought there. I am intigued how they get the intricate profiles cut out; It must be done on some sort of template whether that be a phiysical one, or a digitised machine driven system. Aldridge use moulded foams made in two pieces that are then stuck together to form each bolster.

Your SET foams look square at the back so I dont know how you could achieve a rounded finish. Using my cut sheet system I roll the back edges over to get a smooth profile, but it all takes time and skill to do.

Cheers

Hi Chris,

Yes, the foams were square at the back, although the shaping was such that it covered all of the seat frame.

When the cover went on it seemed to squash that square edge such that it looks smooth and nicely curved on the seat.

Why not buy a set and see for yourself ?

Cheers

Julian

[Highland Stag]

Decision made!

Thanks everyone

HS

[V Mad]

Hi Chris,

Yes, the foams were square at the back, although the shaping was such that it covered all of the seat frame.

When the cover went on it seemed to squash that square edge such that it looks smooth and nicely curved on the seat.

Why not buy a set and see for yourself ?

Cheers

Julian

Julian, Was that £50 per seat or £50 per 2 seats?

[jleyton]

Hi Chris,

I only got the bolsters for one seat and, if I remember correctly, that was £50

Pleased with the result though.

Cheers

Julian