Restoring my xk8. My drivers seat is vey worn down to foam in some spots and the passenger isnt too bad.

Ive yet to find any seat covers that fit with no slack. Any help?

Ive seen on.ebay both leather and leatherette replacement upholstery but getting that sewed on could be pricey.

Anyone have a recommendation in this department. Trying not to break the bank on a 98...

 

Last fall when I was still looking for my XK I looked at a 98 that had the seat cover replacements from Ebay. They fit very well and the owner had done them himself. I don't believe there was any sewing involved.

 

Are u refering to something that just goes over the old leather or something that literally replaces it.

If u can link what you are referring to that be helpful.

Ive only seen leather and leatherette covers that have to be upholstered onto the seat. Not simply laid over.

 

From what I understand the covers, that I believe you are referring to on Ebay, replace the existing leather surfaces. The owner of the car that I was looking at said it was very easy to do. Again I can't speak from experience just the finished product. I have seen other threads on the forum that speak of the replacements because it is very common.

 

Yes.ive seen the replacement covers.

Ive read the threads as well..definitely not for a novice to install and labor is expensive. Seats and labor is an 800.00 job minimum. Much higher than what I want to spend.

At this point good seat covers seems to be the route I need to go.

 

I have never seen any pull-over covers (versus replacements) that fit very well for any car. By default, they have to be loose for a fit over the existing fabric or leather.

Try a sheepskin just for the driver's side. It will look less "cheap" and be more comfortable. The plush of the wool will hide the loose fit.

Long-term, you will need to replace the leather or put up with less than best in terms of fit and finish.

 

My boy had sheepskin that fit decent.

But im cringing at the idea of sitting on sheepskin seats.in 100 degree humid DC heat *crying*

 

Actually, I had full sheepskins on an XJ8 here in Texas. Very comfy and no issue in the summer. Of course I ran the A/C versus top-down. Sheep skins don't hold heat like you would expect as they keep "ventilated" via the pile.

Of course in the "swamp heat" that DC can become in the summer, I'm not sure anything would be cool.

 

Last year I bought fabric covers for my '99 XK8 from Coverking. A bit expensive about $500 if I remember. The backs fit very well but the seats needed some tucking and stitching around the seat controls. Had to remove the seats and perform some serious sewing to add better under straps to secure.
End result is pretty good and will preserve the leather.

davem99

 

The secret to a cheap leather seat repair, is to physically remove your own seat from the vehicle.The remove the oem seat cover yourself.


TAKE THE COVER TO A UPHOLSTERY SHOP.They will use yours as a template and make their own.

That will take off 40% of the cost.