I bought a set of Legendary seat covers for a 71 442 and the sent out covers with buttons. The buttons were not countersunk into the foam deep enough to not catch on the back of you pants and belts. The heads popped off like popcorn. I complained and they sent out another set of buttons.
To make a long story short I could see that the buttons needed to be countersunk like the original buttons so I made up washers out of 3/16 fender washers and made a tool to make them concaved. I got them installed and you can run your hand across the seat and not feel the buttons. If your Olds has buttons and you'll be recovering the seats, take the time to do this upgrade. I can't believe they send them out with surface mounted buttons. I'll post a pic of the back of the seat, the front before the repair, then after.

 

This seat cover was already removed. notice the heads popped off.

 

Buttons are recessed.

 

This was a great mounting trick.
I would be very tempred to call legendary's tech support and tell them where they goofed and how you fixed it. If they can do the same, they would have even more happy customers...

 

I Talked to 2 reps a few months back and one denyed that their was a problem. The other rep knew their was a problem and told me to reuse the original buttons that were countersunk. I threw away the cover so I told him what I was going to do and we both knew it would solve the problem. I can't believe they send them out like this. I might send them a copy of this thread.

 

Sorry to hear that. The quality of their seats, as far as I was concerned, were excellent. But my seats do not have buttons on them, so I did not run into that issue. Glad you were able to solve the problem yourself.

 

Thanks for the tip. I have a set of Legnedary Seat Covers sitting in a box ready to start the interior once I finish up the exterior. I'll definitley look at recessing the buttons. What did you use to concave your washers?
Richey

 

Looks like a great upgrade.
I've popped the button head off of one of my front bottom bucket seat covers and it totally bummed me.
I'm going to keep this upgrade in mind for future reference.
In the meantime,can you offer any tips or suggestions for reinstalling the button head I've popped off without having to remove the cover?

thanks

 

Richyb,
I took an 11/16, 3/8 drive 12 point socket and centered the washer on the socket. The outside diameter of the washer and socket were very close. Then I placed a small bolt in the hole with a nut screwed up tight to the head. Place it in a vice and squeezed it.
w-30 dreamin, you'll probably need to pull your seat cover to do the repair but you may be able to just pull a few of the hog rings and stck your hand up under the material and install a new button. The buttons have cotter pin type spreaders that keep the button in place. I have extra buttons I can send you a few.
Old Skl 69 is right, the quality of the seat covers are very good and they fit great.

 

Sounds like Legendary needs to invest in a washer-bending-machine...

I know you trashed the old cover, but can you remember what made those buttons recessed?

 

If I remember right the button had a small, short stud out the back that popped into a washer that was recessed. These were designed not to come off once there popped in place. The new style button is about 30% smaller diameter and 30% taller with spreading cotter pin type attachment.

 

Thanks much for the info. And the very kind and generous offer of sending a few buttons for which I will take you up on. I would be happy to send some $ to cover a fair price for the parts and shipping.
I'll send a pm.
thanks,
Walter

 

Funny Dave,
Ten years ago when I did my seats, I used the exact covers (although I have a '72)....quality and fit was excellent, but half of the buttons immediately started popping off the same way...hopefully I can reinstall them and use your trick! Thanks for posting!

 

It won't take too long because you won't have to completely remove the cover. You need just enough room to get your hand under the cover. I would contact Legendary and tell them of your issues and ask for new buttons "free of charge" They'll send them out. Good luck,
Dave