Seat Cover Materials, which to get?

[JoshT]

Picked up a set of BII buckets for my project truck. Upholstery is well worn and planning to get custom fitted seat covers to protect what is there and as a temporary fix until I get the truck running and start on the interior. There are too damn many choices when it comes to materials, so not sure which to get.

Main options I've found are synthetic leather, neoprene, and the very broad category of cloth. This isn't a work truck so extreme durability isn't major concern, but since I do hunt and camp a little durability would be nice. It also isn't an open top so water resistance isn't too much of an issue, though having it can't hurt. It will be little bit of a street rod so looks are kinda important and comfort even more so, but they doctor those pictures up so they all look good.

From those of you that have bought premium custom fitted seat covers, I'm interested in hearing what materials you got and how you like it. If any of you are in the upholstery biz I'd also like to hear your opinions of the materials.

 

[straycat]

Neoprene is the best...not really cheap. Since you are going to fix the seats later go to Walmart and buy a set there. Don't pay a bunch for something you might not use later on. If you want the best and want to keep them then buy the better covers. They last a long time. I used neoprene covers on my Suzuki Sammie and my older trucks and Jeeps and they lasted for ever...waterproof as well!!

 

[orangealpine]

It sounds as though any type of quality material would work quite nicely. It boils to which do you prefer? Personally, I like cloth. I find it be very durable. The other stuff tends to be cold or hot (depending on the season), slick, usually hard and not as comfortable to set on.

Your mileage may vary.

Bill

 

[AgPete139]

JoshT, for seat covers, I'd just get a set of black cloth ones (most widely available). First of all, they are never going to fit perfectly. I mean that get close, and they still look good, but they are generic covers, after all. Stretching & clasping the bungees underneath the seat, pulling the seat foam through the back of the seat, and pulling it down can only make it stretch and fit so well.

Being in Georgia, get the cloth. I've had the neoprene, and I've had Explorer leather seats. Both are too hot or too cold depending on the season. Cloth is the best option, IMO.

I'm currently using a set for $30 from Walmart. I've had it for 4 years now. Machine washable, too.

 

[JoshT]

Thanks for the input on the materials. So far between the three of you cloth seems to be preferred. AgPete really appreciate the input since your climate is pretty similar to mine, though a little less humidity I think. Hopefully I'll get a few more people to chime in.

No offense fellas, but I'm just looking for opinions on materials. I'm not too concerned about the "cheap" issue. I'd prefer to pay more for a product that is going to fit better and last longer. I guess calling it a "temporary fix" in my OP was the wrong choice of words. I am wanting them as a quick fix to make the seats usable, but also plan to keep them around to use even after having the seats reupholstered.