1964 Starfire

[Pat]

I'm getting material from SMS for my car and his question was if the inserts were heat pressed or stitched. The backs of the buckets are definately stitched but I can't tell with the actual seats. I don't see blatant stitches but on the back seat inserts deep between the pleats were they are pulling apart, it looks like small stitches. Apparently they can heat stamp the correct pleat pattern if needed. So my question is, are these buggers stiched for the pleats or not? Thanks Pat

[rocketraider]

Starfires used stitched seams on seat facings, seatback map pockets, and door and quarter trim.

Sounds like SMS is pushing their new heat-stamping capabilities!

As an aside, the vinyl parts of the seats are standard-issue GM Madrid grain vinyl. Most trim shops can still get that in most all the colours. The metallic finished leather can be a challenge.

[Pat]

Should I be able to see the stitching like the map pockets? I'll try to add pics of the seats for you to see.

[rocketraider]

That's them! Identical to the ones in my blue 64. The green car has white interior but pattern is the same.

Pontiac and Chevrolet used heat-stamped seat material often, but the only Oldsmobiles I can think off are some 64-72 A-body cars. Even then it was combined with some fairly involved stitching. Gotta give it to Pontiac though- their heat stamped seats wore like iron.

[Pat]

Last question then is can you see the stitching or do you have to push the pleats apart to see them? I'll add a pic of the map pockets for comparison. Those are a no brainer but I still don't see them on the seats.

[Pat]

One more of the seats

[Oldsfan]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Last question then is can you see the stitching or do you have to push the pleats apart to see them?</div></div>

I would say you probably do. Those pleats are deeper than the ones in my '62 Starfire. Seems to be a lot more stuffing or padding on the '64s.

Paul