Recovering Speedster buckets

Has anyone had a shop recover their seats? How did it go? What should I look for?

Jack

If its the original CMS seats it should be quite simple --- there is a minimal amount of stitching involved. I'd think I'd try to have some added panels stitched in for a better fit. You could probably remove old ones and take them in as a pattern. Even doing it in leather would not be that much material - maybe 2 cow hides.

A reputable upholstery shop should not have any problems recovering the seats. The only issue I ran into was finding carpet for the seat backs that was a close match to the VS carpet. The upholsterer was able to locate some suitable carpet after about a week. I do not like the look of the seat backs covered in vinyl, IMHO

Chuck

Your seats turned out nice, Chuck

Were the seat covers in one piece when you began installation, or did you install one side, then the other side, then the seat back, and finally the seat bottom, in 4 pieces?

What did they charge?

Just had mine done it takes a hide .wich should run 200-300 depending on type of leather plus carpet for the backs ,labor should be around 300-350 per seat they are a pain to do .

Has anybody come up with a plan that would give more thigh support than a standard speedster repo seat? For longer trips, I've stuffed pillows, foam rubber and who knows what else under my legs trying for more thigh support.

(I just know I'm baiting someone with a comment about sexual aid pillows here)

I got really spoiled by a 20 year relation with an 86 Mustang. Both seats had extendable, pullout thigh support AND lumbar control. Now there is a good next project!

David,
You can remove the plywood base and build a wedge shaped base that would lift your legs up more. I don't think it would be all that difficult to do, then just get longer bolts to bolt the seat cushion down and you're good to go.
When I drove that Beck the other day that is the only thing that I didn't care for (the seats). They were too hard. Very little cushioning on the tush. Since I got my seats redone I love them. I know over time they'll give but for now, very comfy.

I have to agree with you, Mickey. I have the older style Beck seats, and I like 'em better even though they're not as original looking.

Lifting the leading edge of the front seat is a great modification in any vehicle. That has been a standard practice in nearly every vehicle I've owned, including a 65 Corvair, 74 F-250, and a 96 F-250 (I tend to keep my vehicles a rather long time). But that is NOT the issue with the speedster seat. For me, it is the length of the seat bottom itself. Probably just this old body. I still think it'll make a good future project.