[79 Phoenix]

QUESTION: Should 71 Chevelle hardtop foam cushions and seat covers fit my seats? I have a 71 GT-37 hardtop with front split bench seat with NO center armrest.

[SD455DJ]

Yes...that's what the previous owner did in my '70 Tempest post coupe. Instead of having it reupholstered with the original style vinyl & fabric materials (expensive!), he elected to go the cheaper/easier route and buy repop Chevelle all-vinyl covers and foam from one of the big Chevelle vendors. Most people (even Pontiac experts) never noticed the wrong application.

Dennis

[79 Phoenix]

Thanks! That's very helpful. I just got a quote on new vinyl/fabric ones like the originals for about $1500 for both or $1000 for just the front (not including new foam padding on front). Not really surprised by that but... The GT-37 I had 45 years ago had the optional vinyl seat covers similar to your green ones. I wanted to keep my car as original as possible, but I can do the Chevelle vinyl ones along with new front foam for less than half.

Perhaps it won't hurt the car's value that much with vinyl seats that are different than what trim tag says they should be. Any thoughts on that?

[SD455DJ]

I guess it depends on the level of the restoration...is it a no expense spared concours level, or just a nice driver-refurbishment level? My Tempest is a really nice solid "better than a driver quality" car, but it's not concours level and I personally don't think the Chevelle pattern vinyl ruins the value. It would for a concours car though.

Dennis

[Scarebird]

SD455DJ: that interior looks really comforting; like something you remember from your childhood - climbing into your uncle's car for a trip to the hardware store...

[SD455DJ]

Originally Posted by Scarebird

SD455DJ: that interior looks really comforting; like something you remember from your childhood - climbing into your uncle's car for a trip to the hardware store...

Thanks, it's actually pretty comfortable. The PO was a tall, big guy and he had the front seat bench padded with a denser foam, so I (being 75 lbs lighter) don't sink down much and it supports the back-end fairly well.

Dennis

['ol Pinion head]

Originally Posted by 79 Phoenix

?...

Perhaps it won't hurt the car's value that much with vinyl seats that are different than what trim tag says they should be. Any thoughts on that?

Even though med BLUE all Vinyl was not avail in the '71 T-37 line, most casual observers don't know that. FWIW, in the late '80's my 71 T-37 Coupe had its base Black Parody Cloth & Vinyl seats replaced with a Chevelle pattern vinyl strato bucket seat interior. If the recovered front seats had still been the original split bench style, I'd prob have kept that fresh recovered interior at least for another project.

PUI '71-72 "Chevelle" bench seat covers in blue vinyl would be the most affordable route for your GT-37. close to a $1000 US for the front & rear covers as well as quality molded ACC front seat foam. Rear seat cushions will need the burlap & cotton, your upholstery pro should be able to furnish those. Add in labor to install & you're going to be WAY less (less than 1/2) than the total cost to have a top restoration of your bench seats with NOS materials.

[79 Phoenix]

Thanks guys...I appreciate your input! I will probably go with the Chevelle in black vinyl.

One more question... Is the shifter hump for the 3 speeds in the same location as the 4 speeds? The reason I ask is that carpet I'm ordering is specified as "manual transmission w/o console" for 68-72 Lemans. I assume they are thinking 4 speed when they say "manual".

['ol Pinion head]

Same stamped steel shifter porch, same spot with either manual trans.
'68-72 Malibu/Elco/Chevelles uses a different style shifter porch

[79 Phoenix]

Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head

Same stamped steel shifter porch, same spot with either manual trans.
'68-72 Malibu/Elco/Chevelles uses a different style shifter porch

Hmm... They list the same carpet for both Chevelle and Lemans/GTO with Manual transmission w/o console. Maybe I should call them and ask if the carpet allows for either style porch?

[79 Phoenix]

Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head

Same stamped steel shifter porch, same spot with either manual trans.
'68-72 Malibu/Elco/Chevelles uses a different style shifter porch

OPGI says the carpet will fit correctly on my car, so I will move ahead with it as currently they have free shipping. Thanks for your help OPH.

[SD455DJ]

My '71 GT-37 is also a M-13 3-speed originally with the original shifter porch. I installed a BW-ST10 4-speed with a hybrid Hurst shifter (combination of aftermarket Competition Plus shifter and a mix of factory arms & levers to work properly). The carpet is ACC for all 68-72 GM A-bodies with floor shifter (w/o console) and fit just fine. You shouldn't have any problems.

Dennis

[79 Phoenix]

Thanks for that info! I feel better about that. Speaking of shifters, mine will need some attention... maybe rebuilt or at least new bushings. Do you know if the shifter parts are available aftermarket from Hurst? Or if they would be the same as for a 4 speed?

[79 Phoenix]

Thanks for the pictures of the floor area too!

[SD455DJ]

Originally Posted by 79 Phoenix

Thanks for that info! I feel better about that. Speaking of shifters, mine will need some attention... maybe rebuilt or at least new bushings. Do you know if the shifter parts are available aftermarket from Hurst? Or if they would be the same as for a 4 speed?

I don't know why they would be any different. I didn't have to order a rebuild kit since I had a new (albeit 30 yrs old) Hurst Competition Plus shifter that we swapped in a factory handle/stick.

Dennis

[SD455DJ]

Originally Posted by 79 Phoenix

Thanks for the pictures of the floor area too!

My pleasure. I'm always glad to help if I can.

Dennis