IDAS 69

My 69 442 has original seats. One seam splitting about 2" long @ drivers upper left seat closest to drivers window. 2 small tears about 1" long. one each in drivers and passengers seat.
Is it better to repair or replace seats. 76,500 mile ALL original...p/p bill of sale etc.... Please advise...Thanks in advance

jaunty75

You mean repair or replace the seat COVERS (upholstery), right? In my experience, find matching fabric and get them recovered. Several people on here can recommend good sources. Me, I just went through the fabric books with the owner of the local auto upholstery shop, and we picked out a dead ringer match in color and pattern to the original fabric. He recovered the entire front seat bottom and backs, headrests, too, and it looks absolutely superb. Plus, it's new, the fabric is soft and pliable, and it should last a good long time.

If you try to patch in new material with the old material surrounding it, you'll still have 41 year old fabric that's still just as dried out as the portion of the seat that did tear, and you'll probably find new tears and rips before you know it. You want to take the seats out only once!

IDAS 69

Thanks, I hear what you're saying. Good advice!

Lady72nRob71

If it is all original and the rest of the fabric looks nice and is not all dried out, then you may get the opinion on an upholstery pro to see if it is economical to repair the splits and what is the probability of more splits occuring. They are only original once...
What color is it? The problem you may run in to is that new covers will have a different color or will look too new, which could result in a complete interior replacement. (Don't ask me how i found this out...)

IDAS 69

Actually, the interior looks good if not these small tears. Backseat looks new!