Re: [AMC-list] 66 Classic (seat covers)

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Autocraft is still in business -- 
http://www.customseatcovers.com/covers/covers.htm. You'll have to call 
or go through the J.C. Whitney site to see the different fabrics and 
cover styles. They only have a few specific model replacement kits, 
Javelin is one of them.

For the others you need their "Custom Seat Covers". They have patterns 
for all US makes and many foreign back to the 30s. The covers are really 
replacement grade material made slightly oversize so they will fit over 
the existing upholstery. There will be a few uncovered spots around seat 
hinge areas, but only a bit. The instructions tell you to use a thin 
foam pad on the seat if the original upholstery has been removed (1/2" 
foam) to account for the oversize.

While they aren't exactly correct, the Autocraft does make some nice 
heavy duty covers that look good, and many are "period correct". Pleated 
vinyl, tweed, and several others. I've had velour (late 70s/early 80s 
type) and a tweed/vinyl (maybe what Mark has). The velour was in my 
daily driver for 4-5 years before is started fading a bit (it was a dark 
green), but it was always parked outside, no carport or garage, and 
spent two of those years in Idaho. The tweed held up very well, but I 
only used it for three years before changing the seats out from stock. 
The velour was over original 74 or so Matador seats, the tweed/vinyl on 
stock 63 Classic seats (bench in front) with the original covering on 
the lower front cushion removed. I bought some extra tweed for the door 
panels and still have that in the car from 2000. I also got a yard of 
the vinyl and laid that under the cover around the exposed hinge area 
and stitched it in place with fishing line before putting the cover on. 
Never had a problem.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/Seat-Covers-Protection-Upholstery-Cushions/600015607.jcw?in_dim_search=1

Look under "Fabric Seat Cover" and "Vinyl & Plastic Seat Covers for 
Autocraft. If they aren't over $200 they aren't custom made to fit the 
seats in your car, or permanently installed. All the Autocraft custom 
covers are installed with hog rings just like the originals. They supply 
a cheap set of pliers and the rings, the pliers will easily last through 
putting a set or two on, that's about it.
----------------------------

Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:24:27 +0000 (UTC)
From: Wrambler <wrambler242@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [AMC-list] 66 Classic

No one makes a ready to install cover that is correct.
Autocraft makes or made covers that work and do hold help pretty well, but are not original in appearance at all.

I'd not skimp on the interior, I have Autocraft covers in tweed, circa 1999ish.
They fit well and are holding up fine for my limited use, but I would like to get them redone soon.
They just don't have the look of a truly "good" cover. I don't know if Autokraft still exists, they sell through J.C. Whitney. I suggest you contact them direct if going that way and they are still in business. They are very good to work with and offer a lot more in options direct than you can get from J.C. Whitney.



--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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