Airhead seat cover replacement...

[130253]

I know getting an opinion out of you guy is like pulling teeth but here goes any way!:)
I need to replace my seat cover on my 74' R75/6. Which way do I go, buy a aftermarket replacement cover or take it to a upholstery shop and have one made.
What is the quality and durability of the aftermarket covers, prices, advantages and who carries the better covers? What type of foam to use and cost? If you have an aftermarket, what kind and are you happy with it?
If anyone has had an upholstery shop fabricate a seat cover, are you pleased or not. Cost? Quality and durability?
Thanks in advance!

[kbasa]

I know getting an opinion out of you guy is like pulling teeth but here goes any way!:)
I need to replace my seat cover on my 74' R75/6. Which way do I go, buy a aftermarket replacement cover or take it to a upholstery shop and have one made.
What is the quality and durability of the aftermarket covers, prices, advantages and who carries the better covers? What type of foam to use and cost? If you have an aftermarket, what kind and are you happy with it?
If anyone has had an upholstery shop fabricate a seat cover, are you pleased or not. Cost? Quality and durability?
Thanks in advance!

Check out Sargent. They make some pretty nice replacement covers, as do several other places. I'd have an upholstery shop resteam the foam on your seat and make it all cushy again and put the seat cover on all pretty like and everything. :)

[130253]

Resteam? What is that and why not replace with new, after all it is 34 yrs old

[kbasa]

Resteam? What is that and why not replace with new, after all it is 34 yrs old

I wasn't sure how budget driven you were. :)

Some upholsterers steam the foam, which brings it back to life.

[bobr75100]

i have had several seats recovered for about 100.00 local. yes they look real good and a lot cheaper. to send your seat out to get redone the ups is about 30.00 each way.

[130253]

I wasn't sure how budget driven you were. :)

It not BUDGET driven, its sore BUTT driven!:whistle

i have had several seats recovered for about 100.00 local. yes they look real good and a lot cheaper. to send your seat out to get redone the ups is about 30.00 each way.

How is the quality?

[tuber1]

you could look locally for a shop that does auto work, they may also do MC seats
that way you could have it made the way you want, with personal input. If you want just factory stock, any of the advertisrs in MOA could do it

[splinelube]

Replaced with new foam the seat cover on my /6. A little frustrating as the foam was from a 78RT and a little thicker but a serrated knife took care of it. Looks GREAT. But if you can get a good job for a $100 bucks I wouls have gone for that myself, had twice that in it. Oh, mine had the S cowling which made it a little more difficult to fit I think.

[rogermansfield]

I just replaced seatcover and foam for the first time. I found it important to actually spend the money for the little "bolts" that hold the trim and go through the seat pan. They are expensive,but if yours are rusted, it would be better than trying to use "regular" little bolts from harware store. I used a series of small spring clamps that I got at flea market to hold things in place while I recovered. i stretched the cover too much and put holes in wrong places due to the "overstretch". I found the project more difficult and time consuming than I expected. It was difficult to place holes in proper locations in the cover,then place the tiny "trim bolts" through the trim,cover, and pan while then placing the small washers and nuts on the bolts. I thought it was quite tedious and it made my hands tired quickly. I still have to locate the holes for the grab rail and nameplate through the cover and attach them.

In the end, it looks OK though- I did it myself!

Good luck with it!

[sumran]

This thread had some good information in it that may be helpful to you.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=19978