Seat redo for a 64 Giulia Spider

[SeekGTV]

For those of you that have been following my 'winter project' post on the Giulietta and Giulia forum (and everyone else as well ) I have a question.

I had the seats for my spider reupholstered and they are back. I'm very happy with the fit and finsh in general. The material seems top notch and the covers are very close to original grain. The workmanship from the upholstery shop that put the skins on seems very good, as well.

My question is, though the seat covers were suppose to be correct. If you look at the last photo which shows the very front, you will see a verticle seam. I don't remember seeing this seam on any Giulia's.

I looked over the covers when they came; but, I must have missed that. My question is what would you do? I'm a bit miffed; as, I paid top dollar for these covers. Now that thery're on the seats, I'm kind of stuck. Any suggestions? Would this be a non issue with you?

[GTD]

George
I read your post last week and reviewed any pic's of Giulia/etta seats. I also fried a little gray matter in trying to recall if I'd ever noticed a seam on the front edge of a seat. The answer is never. It looks like the upholster figured they'd save a bit of material by putting that seam in. It shouldn't effect comfort or wear but it's one of those things that just bugs you!

[SeekGTV]

Thanks GTD. I agree that it probably won't affect fit or function. You're also correct; as, it will always bug me to know it's there. What I find most irritating is being sold (by a recomended vendor) something that is suppose to match the original and then find a flaw like this.

Oh well, maybe I'll have better luck on the next part of my project.

[116_Veloce]

That vertical seam isn't supposed to be there.

The overall quality looks top notch, I can see they also replaced the webbing under the seat and even refinished(?) the frame. Way to go.

If it really bothers you have that part redone.

[ossodiseppia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeekGTV Thanks GTD. I agree that it probably won't affect fit or function. You're also correct; as, it will always bug me to know it's there. What I find most irritating is being sold (by a recomended vendor) something that is suppose to match the original and then find a flaw like this. Oh well, maybe I'll have better luck on the next part of my project.

[SeekGTV]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 116_Veloce That vertical seam isn't supposed to be there. The overall quality looks top notch, I can see they also replaced the webbing under the seat and even refinished(?) the frame. Way to go. If it really bothers you have that part redone.

[SeekGTV]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ossodiseppia If you bought from Re-Originals, please call and let them know. Matt is always very receptive to input. I've talked to Matt at great length and know that he values the input of those of us that have the knowledge. He will want to make his covers correct.

[ossodiseppia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeekGTV I will do as you suggest! Think I was just a bit frustrated and waiting till I calmed down a bit. Can't quite firgure what could be done now except a total recover.

[SeekGTV]

Ossodiseppia I hope you didn't feel I was trying to malign the vendor. I surely didn't make this post to bad mouth the vendor. I haven't named them; as, I haven't talked to them and given them the chance to make things right. Just looking for opinions on weather most would live with it or try to fix it.

I think part of the frustration comes from the fact that though I caught some other minor errors, I did not catch this one before they went on. Secondly, I believe the skin would have to come off to fix properly. Who would to pay for that? How much more time?

All part of the fun and frustration of owning a classic! I sometimes wonder how people like you find the patience to do a total restoration? You must run into some problems that would make this one seem petty!

[ossodiseppia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeekGTV Ossodiseppia I hope you didn't feel I was trying to malign the vendor. I surely didn't make this post to bad mouth the vendor. I haven't named them; as, I haven't talked to them and given them the chance to make things right. Just looking for opinions on weather most would live with it or try to fix it. I think part of the frustration comes from the fact that though I caught some other minor errors, I did not catch this one before they went on. Secondly, I believe the skin would have to come off to fix properly. Who would to pay for that? How much more time? All part of the fun and frustration of owning a classic! I sometimes wonder how people like you find the patience to do a total restoration? You must run into some problems that would make this one seem petty!

[SeekGTV]

OK guys, I need your input.

I finally spoke with the seat cover vendor today and it looks like I have a choice. He has offered to give me new covers with the return of these. Of course, I'd have to have the new covers installed at my expense (about $400). I said I'd think about that, and then counter offered if it would be acceptable to instead get a decent discount on some parts I need to purchase. That also sounds like it will be acceptable to him.

Here's the question: I have been trying to keep this project as original as possible. Would you spend $400 too have the small vertical seams removed or live with them and take a discount on some other parts? Is it's worth it to you guys to cover a seam that most will never see?

The seats and material were very nicely done and I'm also concerned that if I redo them again the job might not be as good. Again, is it worth it too get rid of those two small seams?

[red69]

I think it comes down to how much those seams will detract from your satisfaction of your restoration. If it were my decision, I would leave the seats for now, negotiiate a fair compensation and move on with the rest of the restoration.

If once the car is completed, you find you still can't live with the seams, you can replace the covers. It will cost you more than doing it now, but maybe not too much depending on the discount. You might even find that once the seats are back in the car, those seams are less "offensive".

Redoing the seats, unlike body work or a paint job, is relatively inexpensive in the overall restoration picture, and can be rectified easily. I have had minor flaws in bodywork, that were not fixed in the original restoration, drive me nuts for years afterwards, but I could not justify redoing an essentially flawless paint job.

My 2c...

Marc

[John M]

Hey George:

If those covers come ready to install, I don't think you would have any trouble pulling the old covers off and installing the new ones yourself. I did the ones on my 92. Its not very hard. But it is quite time consuming. I can't understand why someone is wanting to charge you another $400 to put covers on. The price and the job don't seem to equate.

And to answer your question IMHO get the right covers. That kind of stuff once it gets under your skin will drive you bonkers.

Best Regards,
John M

[ossodiseppia]

I'd move on, George. After you've driven the car for a while and gotten lots of praise from your buddies, you'll forget all about the seam. The seam will not distract from the cars appearance in any way.