Outer seat hinge cover

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Dec 30, 2018 | 08:29 PM

Ltd

Thread Starter

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2013

Posts: 159

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From: Oklahoma

Outer seat hinge cover

Hi all, both left and right seat outboard front seat hinge plastic covers are cracked and half missing on my 98 convertible. Replacement prices are outrageous in my opinion for a little piece of colored plastic. I wonder if I should just take them off. I think it might look better than a half cracked off one. Anyone else come across this issue and resolved it to their satisfaction? I know it’s cosmetic as well as functional, keep from pinching something in the hinge.

thanks
Ltd

Jan 1, 2019 | 02:50 AM

Johnken

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Joined: Apr 2014

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From: New Jersey USA

It happened to me on my 98 too. I doubt anyone notices it mate.

John

Jan 1, 2019 | 04:53 AM

frankc

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Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 1,286

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From: Malvern, England

You've got me. Hinge covers? Did not even know the seats had hinges. Do you mean the seat runner covers that are on the outside edges of the seat?

Jan 2, 2019 | 06:03 PM

Cabel

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Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 167

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From: Maryland

Same here, also the little covers over the upper seat belt mount are both cracked. I'm looking to laser scan the old parts, 3D print a new one out of ABS with more "meat" where they tend to crack around the screw holes, then paint to match (SEM makes a vinyl paint that is a really close match), but currently too many projects on my plate to get to it right now. Luckily no one notices it but me.

Jan 2, 2019 | 06:38 PM

Ltd

Thread Starter

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2013

Posts: 159

Likes: 54

From: Oklahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cabel

Thanks for the feedback. The 3D printing idea is genius.

Jan 3, 2019 | 06:53 AM

lunatic_fringe

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Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 91

Likes: 68

From: Florida

I am running into a similar problem with the wife's 2001 XK8. I re-upholstered both seats and upon disassembly, everything plastic that I had to remove broke! The seat back latch button and its escutcheon broke and I ordered new buttons(EXPENSIVE!!) but the escutcheons are no longer available. The hinge covers tabs broke but I was able to retain the pieces and glue them back on. As much as I love these cars. I an dismayed at the lack of support from the makers to help keep them in order.