Replacement seat upholstery

[Danny G]

Ok I have found plenty of different seats covers for restorating bench seats.

If I end up just keeping the stock benches in her I would like to replace them with the same style as I have a driver side rip. It's vinyl with like a ventilated/ plastic tweed insert... I guess that's the best way to describe it.

The factory seat here is different than the materials In have been able to find. I feel like my only option is going to be an upholstery shop.

[1986F150Six]

Danny,

Check with these folks.

https://smsautofabrics.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw4_K0BhBsEiwAfVVZ__JSmOCJnBrfJ3Fyn3Nvi9s1OzKTUvahSx2jFUXYuBrdNEQbnszz9RoCtpAQAvD_BwE

[delco1946]

Be warned SMS is notoriously slow and poor customer service. Sadly, individuals will wait yearrrrrrs to get the products they ordered. Heard sad stories when sourcing material for my 55 fords. some wait up to 4-6 years. Their products are THE best though.

If you go through them, I would suggest using an upholstery shop that has a relationship with this company - magically they seem to get products as quickly as one ought to be able to.

[Danny G]

Thanks for the guidance. That got me looking in the right places.

Looks like it was called the optional "knit and vinyl" interior. The center panels are "knitted vinyl" I
Unfortunately the only upholstery I can find first wise is for 1972 and older.

I'll keep looking.

[delco1946]

If you’re OK pursuing SMS, their website always says to call if you can’t find what you’re looking for. Their warehouse isn’t too far from where I live and it is gigantic in person at least driving by it. They have too much to post online. It can’t hurt to call but just remember, you might not see fabric for quite awhile.

[farmboy60]

 my upholstery shop  came close for me

[Danny G]

I'm thinking this is the way.

[Nickelplate]

Hey, I have sourced original 1986 Ford upholstery fabric here. Their stuff is in great condition.

https://www.deadstockautotrim.com/shop 

[Starliner]

LMC
not perfect, But fot $229 I think it was a great deal.
Dont use their supplied hog ring pliers.
Expect to have to drill your own holes, fabricate, or improvise some.

[viven44]

Agree LMC seat covers will do the job on the cheap and look good... I used that option myself not too long ago.

Sourcing the correct fabric is difficult and if you go that route, the fabric would be expensive and an upholstery shop would charge you $600 or more to stitch one up

An alternative to going the custom seat route would be to buy from freewheelinbroncos... the fabric match is very close. I was offered a 20% discount a while back. Not sure if they still have that.

https://www.freewheelinbroncos.com/products/1980-86-f-series-truck-front-bench-seat-cover

[Starliner]

Just like everything, we get what we pay for.
So for $229 I was realistic about what I would get.
Real nice compared to $140 Carhart universal covers, that's for sure.

[Danny G]

Agree. I have the LMC/rock Auto replacement cover like you have for the 86. The F-350 is a different style. I was out there the other day wondering if I could stitch it closed lol.

[viven44]

How bad is the damage on the old cover? Might be salvageable