Deluxe seat covers code 712 on a 69

[sixt9x33rs]

Guys,

I am thinking of replacing the original seat covers on the X66 car. They are ripped and getting worse. Which vendor do you like best? I have had good luck with Legendary but that was Mopar covers.

Thanks

Lawrence

[x66 714]

I like Al Knoch. They use the heavier Madrid vinyl. I don't know if they have the correct material for the inserts but I believe it's also used on Corvettes so theirs might be a little closer. I've read here that nobody has the correct insert material...Joe

[Bryan302]

Lawrence, I too thought I wanted Al Knoch.  I ordered samples of the insert material for comparison to original.  I found that the grain was much too fine and is very shallow in depth, by feel and visual.  In other words, it appears that their die stamp was stuck very lightly.  In my observations of my original material and many others that I have seen, is that the grain was very rough and deep to the touch and visual.  If you were to run your finger nail across the grain on original material, it's like going across a bumpy surface and you can hear the rough texture.  You can not do this with Al Knoch and Legendary.  The closest examples I have gotten were SMS Auto Fabrics and PUI.  These two are much closer to original, but are still stamped, IMHO.  I suggest ordering samples of each, to your satisfaction.

Bryan

[sixt9x33rs]

Thanks guys. This is exactly why I did not want to change out the covers, but I now have a large split in the side panel. I will try PUI.

Lawrence

[Bryan302]

Lawrence, if your side panels are all that's bad and your comfortweave inserts are good, you might think of a repair job.  As X66 714 mentioned, Al Knoch Madrid vinyl is heavier and nice quality, but might be hard to blend.  Have you thought of cannibalizing a donor seat for the material.  Some Buick's and Corvette's used the weave insert.  A back seat for a donor is a good way to get material large enough to cut down for your application.  It would be worth it to part out several seats to get what you needed. Just a thought.

Bryan

[sixt9x33rs]

I have not done anything yet so Bryan that is a good idea.

[dale_z28]

FWIW: I unintentionally purchased rear bench seat material from YearOne, and front seats from Heartbeat. I can't tell the difference and I'm pleased with both. I believe they're PUI's. I had to return the rear seat back due to the seams not lining up, but YearOne was great; they sent the whole set and asked me to use whichever made the seat work, then when I was satisfied, send back whatever was left. Mine is a standard (white) interior.