If your vinyl or leather seat cover gets ripped or damaged, you have several options. For a small tear in vinyl, you can simply repair it with some vinyl sealant. For a slightly larger tear, or if you have leather seats, you may want to use a leather- or vinyl-repair kit. These come with a filler paste in a variety of colors. If necessary, the colors may be mixed to get a shade that matches your interior. A color chart, texturizing pad and heating tool (figure A) allow you to apply and harden the filler so that it has a textured finish, thus making for a repair that is almost imperceptible. Similarly, there are fabric-repair kits that allow you to patch damaged fabric seats. With a small hole, the important thing is to repair it quickly, before it grows larger.
If your seat is badly stained or damaged, or if you simply want to protect your factory seat covers to keep them looking like new, you may want to consider after-market seat covers. If you trade cars frequently, seat covers offer a good way to protect your interior so that your vehicle retains a higher trade-in value. After-market covers are available in a variety of styles and to fit different types of seats.
A standard seat cover (figure B) offers no-frills protection and simply slips over the existing seat and attaches with elastic straps. Vinyl and leather replacement seat covers (figure C) are available to match most interior colors. A padded seat cover (figure D) upgrades your factory seat by giving extra lumbar and side support. Some come with a cargo pocket on the back and a system of weights and elastic straps to ensure a snug fit. Bench-seat covers (figure E) are available for older vehicles, trucks and SUVs that have bench-style seats. These are easily attached with elastic cords and straps that fasten in the back (figure F). Finally, you may opt to make a fashion statement with a printed design that suits your personality (figure G), or indulge in a little luxury by installing a sheepskin cover (figure H).
RESOURCES :
Ultimate Auto Detailing
Model: 0879389419
Author: David H. Jacobs
(1995)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
Vinyl and leather repair kit
Vinyl and leather repair kit from
Permatex
Phone: 877-376-2839
Toll-free: 888-562-8483
Fax: 800-432-2067
Web site: www.permatex.com
Auto seat-covers by Saddleman
Seat covers from
Saddleman Inc.
Auto and Truck Accessories
P.O. Box 3656
Logan, UT 84323-3656
Toll-free: 800-950-9502 (cust. service)
Toll-free: 800-999-7873 (help line)
Web site: www.saddleman.com
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