[pngoat]

Car is a 65 GTO. I've been thinking about buying a bucket seat upholstery kit and the tools from Ames to do it myself. My question is, has anyone done this themselves? If so, Is it very difficult or is it a job best left to the pros? Any help appreciated. Thank you.

[OG68]

It's not a hard job but can be challenging.
Attention to detail, proper tools and supplies helps immensely.

Contact Ben Rambow for the padding, springs, seat kits.
(425) 765-3023
ben@classicseat.com

https://www.facebook.com/ClassicSeatRestorations/

If your budget allows it, buy Legendary seat covers.
The design of the 65 GTO bucket seat covers is specific to left and right. Make sure you have it right before installation.

[Trevor78]

I think even if I could get it to 90% and done a great job, it's that extra little bit with fit or padding in the right amount or whatever that makes the upholstery place where I'd take them. I've seen plenty of these cars with reproduction seat covers that simply don't look like they fit right. It could be the covers themselves, but often I think, without knowing, that the owner had a go.

[punkin]

I did the seats in my 68 firebird many years ago. Very rewarding but will give your hands a work out. A good set of hog ring pliers is a must. Make sure your seat frame and springs are in good shape and let the covers sit in the sun to soften them up a little.

[tjs72lemans]

Legendary also has videos specific to many makes and models of classic car seats. Take a look. I did my 72 Lemans buckets and rear seat which turned out almost perfect. Before that I was on my own, just going by what I took apart. I did do a set of Fiat Spider buckets and rear seat a few years before that, and they also look very good. My first set were my 75 Camaro buckets and for the first timer, those were near perfect. With the wait times and expense of someone else, I find it worth it and fulfilling knowing you did it yourself. Try it!

[dataway]

I did mine a year or so ago, first time for me. Legendary covers, forget the brand name but the good foam pads, got the installation kit from a PY forum member if I recall correctly.

Use the plastic bag trick when the time comes, you'll know what that is by the time you start the job.

Local shop wanted $700 to do the seats with me supplying striped frames and all materials.

[rambow]

Here ya go... Step by step what you are in for with 64/65 buckets:

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=847304

Redoing seats is NOT rocket science by any means- Some guy (or gal) did it literally on an assembly line by hand, so you can too.
You do need to take your time and be methodical about it. Photographing your seats as they come apart is the #1 helper when putting them back together. Also, the tips and tricks in that thread i linked are very helpful... especially when it comes to installing the upper cushion covers!
64/65 upper cushions are quite different from 66-72 and they have unique challenges and tricks to getting them on right.

anyway, keep this thread going as you start. I'll be happy to reply here or in PM's if you have any questions.

-Ben

[kingbuzzo]

No, it's expensive rocket surgery....I'm in awe

[ZeGermanHam]

If you're good with your hands, it's absolutely within the ability of a skilled DIY'er. I redid the buckets for my '66 GTO having never done any kind of upholstery work before. Tore them down to bare frames, sandblasted, painted, and built them back up. It takes some attention to detail and a little bit of determination, but not that hard ultimately. And you will save a boatload of cash that can be put toward something else.

[Entropy11]

Great points listed in all the responses above.

Take plenty of disassembly pics
Watch all the YouTube vids available for your year
Take your time/attention to detail

I’d add, use ACI seat foam if replacing the foam. I think it helps ease the assembly considerably and looks perfect when done. Take the time to replace all the small pieces of card stock/felt that the factory had in places to prevent metal to metal binding when the springs compress against each other or the frame. I prefer cordura fabric to burlap and use acrylic felt instead of wool but everybody has their preferences. I also like to replace all those fine stay wires that the factory used in their burlap layer directly over the springs. As for tools, it helps to have angled and straight hog ring pliers.

[fairwayhit]

Here’s my 02 having just done this.

Get extra hog rings from legendary. I think I used 2.5bags or maybe it was 3.5 bags. It is difficult to find quality hog rings elsewhere.

You are probably going to have broken springs. I think the next time I do it I’ll just replace the whole seat spring assembly instead of repairing them. I think Rambow sells replacement springs and I probably should have done that. I cut up a couple of used seats to repair mine and it was a lot of work.

I wouldn’t get legendary’s rear seat install kit. It uses cotton batting in the back and foam in the seat. You can get the foam cheaper at a hobby store, and just use it for both seat and back. I think the cotton is more prone to mice and is also harder to get even.

I would definitely get the aci foam buns and legendary covers.


The hardest part is making sure the covers are centered on the seat.

Overall I thought it was a fun project and really satisfying to see the results. If I were doing some sort of concours collectible car I would probably just pay 500-750 and have an upholstery shop install the legendary covers. I just like to do everything myself since it’s a hobby for me.


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