86 GLHS Seat Covers Needed

[cqlink]

Looking for a seat of seat covers for my 86S. The original covers are nice but I want to keep them that way. Thought I'd try a decent cover.

Anyone have a source of something that looks decent or other ideas?

I don't want anything that looks like a curtain hanging over my seats. Just looking for something nice to protect the originals.

[Marcus86GLHS]

any of the off the shelf covers will give you that curtain-hanging-over-my-seats look. have you considered taking it to a good upholstery shop? there is a material available that is very close to the original material in your car, a good shop could produce a factory-looking custom fit cover for your seats. pricey but to save your original seats it might be a good investment. if i was driving my 86S often i know thats what i would do.

[cqlink]

Thanks. I don't plan on putting many miles on it but I'm at the point with it where I want to avoid all wear expect for special occasions.

Not a bad idea about the custom work but I may use good sheepskins until I find something better (or get the dough for the custom). I saw a car with custom covers (black / white checkerboard pattern) over his originals that looked pretty good.

Any idea of what it cost?

BTW, this was Doug Dircks' car. I just got it June 11, 2008. He took pretty good care of it. I plan on picking up where he left off.

[BobD]

Congrats on the purchase. Doug had a great car. I saw it a few times. I wanted it, but have too many already.

[4 L-bodies]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cqlink Looking for a seat of seat covers for my 86S. The original covers are nice but I want to keep them that way. Thought I'd try a decent cover. Anyone have a source of something that looks decent or other ideas? I don't want anything that looks like a curtain hanging over my seats. Just looking for something nice to protect the originals.

Pretty sure that your seat covers have been replaced already. I believe Doug had at least the seat bottoms done. If I were you I would just buy some more seat material while it's still available. Obviously the gray, (silver) is going to be the first material that becomes unavailable, since people seem to be restoring the GLHS cars. Marcus is right, the seat material is an exact match. Most of us with nice seats just drape a towel over the seat to keep it soil and sweat free. It's a small price to pay vs. reupholstery costs.
Just pay attention to what your doing. Don't jump in the car after wrenching under it, without a towel or changing clothes. Don't ever lean into the car's seats with your knee, foot, etc., Don't ever use strong cleaners on them. Do this and your seats will last you a long, long, time.
BTW I have a friend that has some very, very expensive Hemi and 440 E-bodies that in some cases sell for a half million dollars or more. His #1 passenger is his dog Bridger a golden lab. My point is a simple towel over the seats can do wonders. Now if he can find a way to keep Bridger's drool off the side of his car!
Todd

[168glhs1986]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cqlink I may use good sheepskins until I find something better

Sheepskins in an omni? That's like putting racing seats in an SUV, it just wouldn't look right (IMO).

If your that worried about it, take the original seats out and put some driver seats in.

Or what you could do, take out all the original hidious 1980's Cheap Dodge Interior and replace it with new custom stuff.

I'm starting with the door panels. Take a look.

Dodge Omni Shelby GLHS 1986 # 168 - Rockville, Maryland

[cqlink]

I agree, I'd hate the sheepskins but I want to protect the original seats.

Going to get a few quotes on custom work first.

I've heard there's a vendor that makes covers that's pretty close to the stock covers. Haven't been able to find that seller yet.

[cqlink]

Also, Thanks Todd! I didn't see your post.

Do you have a source for the material?

Until I come up with something, I'll find a suitable towel. Good idea!

[Marcus86GLHS]

so you bought that great car once owned by Mr. Dircks? i always admired his work on that 86S...hey congrats.

i have a queen-sized 100% cotton flannel sheet that i always entomb the driver's seat in whenever there's a tiny chance my clothes might get a bit dirty like at the dragstrip, or whenever i take it to be emissions inspected, etc.

[cqlink]

Marcus, does the sheet come with matching comforter? I'm a bit anal about keeping my cars clean, so I want only the best!!!!!!!!

Do you know of any sources for the same (GLHS) material?

Thanks!!!!

[Marcus86GLHS]

not off hand but like i said any good auto upholstery shop should know where to purchase the material. are you going to be driving your new car a lot?

[cqlink]

No plans to drive it a lot. SDAC-18 may be as far as she'll go this year (I live nearby) before she's garaged. Hoping to pick up some tips on how she's wired there. Looking for a GLH or Spirit R/T for a back-up.

While I'm decent with a mill, grinder, polisher, shop tools, etc. (worked at Trenton Engine for nine years -- they even had old 2.2 turbo line stuff there when I started -- too bad I didn't know I'd end up owning a few!) I'm not as far down the road with electrical.

Trying to get her mechanically back to specs first so I'm trying to keep the seats in good shape until I can get to them.