Upholstry Kits

[Guest]

I have a 73 Delta 88 convertible. The seats are getting old and I would like to find a cost effective way to fix them up. Unfortunately, the only kits I have been able to find are the Autocraft kits in a JC Whitney catalog. Does anybody have any experience with these kits(they look kind of cheap)? Or, do you know where I might be able to find a better alternative?

[rocketraider]

A couple years back that vinyl (which I think was called Oxen grain) was still easy to find at trim shops. Even the Cranberry Red which I had was available. If you can't find the Oxen, GM's Madrid or Doeskin grain vinyl looks nice in these cars too and both those are common as dirt.<P>I think you'd be better satisfied getting a good trim shop to stitch your seats if you're trying to duplicate the factory pattern at all. You'll be able to get heavier weight vinyl too which will last longer- important in a ragtop.

[86 2dr.ltd]

Yea, those after market kits are going to be cheap. They are also plain straight evenly spaced pleats that just simply dont belong in such a fine car. They will doubtfully fit like a glove. My 75 Royal convertable has fairly decent white interior but its got a few stains and doesnt clean up to be clean looking. Good enough for now. Very unusual soft leathery looking vinyl.

[rocketraider]

Limited, your vinyl is the Doeskin grain I referred to earlier. Very smooth grain in a satin finish and one of the best vinyls Olds ever used IMHO. It's tough, soft and looks good for years.<P>This is a drastic step, but have you tried lacquer thinner to clean off the stains? My CC wagon has light gray vinyl seats which also stain very easily and every so often I have to swipe them with the stuff.<P>Delta 88, be aware that there was a running change in the 1973 convertible seat pattern early in the model year. They changed from using 14 trim buttons in the backrests to 10 with corresponding change in pleats.

[86 2dr.ltd]

The previous owner thought they were leather, I said no but he insisted and the price was right so I really didnt care but I could tell by one of the small cuts on the back seat as well as looking at it. That material would make you look really close though.<P>I'm afraid to use lacquer thinner and have been thinking about that paint they talk about in the Fisher body manual. I'll go see a local upholstry shop first for advise and maybe some under seat stiching. Theres a few seams looking weak.