Seat covers

[sassy]

I'm after some seatcovers...i want some in a retro style but they will also need to be waterproof!

Does anyone know of anyone that sell them? ..i have seen some for the front but not the back seats.

I have also thought of getting them made up. Has anyone had any experience of this?

[southwestie]

I've asked a vehicle upholsterer to quote for PVC fitted seat covers for front seats. Approx. £400 for the pair.
Like Sassy, I'd be really interested in hearing of others experiences in getting them made.

[sassy]

400 quid...*cough cough splutter* I was looking at the O Shea ones...which look nice but from the photos still don't look very fitted and to get a full set would cost nearly £200 ..which is ok if they look nice but not if they look shabby!

Somebody could make a real killing out of making them...i'm going to pop down to some local dressmaker and see what they think. I'll let you know if i get any joy

[helen&tony]

Hi
I had a complete set of vinyl seat covers made from upholstery grade vinyl....front, rear, rear folding seats, and footrests...and BOY! are they dog-proof...our rather huge German Shepherd...Wolfgang the Destroyer has claws that REALLY work ....cost me around 150.00 quid over here, but postage would be pricey...just try a vehicle upholsterer...if you REALLY want tough, I would recommend curtain siding off a truck...A vehicle upholsterer suggested that to us when we had our Jag, and wanted dog -proof seating ...so it can be done
Cheers
Helen

[David Edwards]

jeebers price..you lot got money to burn, buy some blooming cheapies from aldi or lidl and bung some blankets over em when you got dogs in the car, then take em out like I do, 400 quid just for covers...mental...mind so is 150 quid,lol.

[alimey]

There are a couple of options on ebay at the moment. Does anyone have any experience with either?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251105670828? ... 500wt_1204

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271020462694? ... 529wt_1189

[sassy]

Thanks Alimey...i really wanted a full set as want the back seats matching

I have got a Aldi set on now but there a bit crap..i do lots of outdoor pursuits so really need something waterproof and more rugged plus i spend a lot of time in the van so i really don't mind spending a bit more to do the job and stop the seats being ruined!

[New Forest Terrier]

There are a lot of sufer style waterproof covers on eBay. Two singles would fit the front seats. I have seen the Animal ones designed for a VW on a Bongo and they do look good. Measure before ordering though! For the back seats a MPV waterproof cover in the same colour range should do the job.

I was going to use this option for mine but then found a set of original Bongo Friendee seat covers on eBay. They fit perfectly and although not waterproof, as they are poly cotton, they can be put into the washing machine after a muddy camp or festival. I paid £70 at auction for them.

Land Rover or Toyota waterproof covers often come up secondhand and can be picked up fairly cheaply as they do not have the magic word Bongo.

[southwestie]

My £400 is still stuffed safely in my matress and after reading the thread, it will stay there!

Hi
I had a complete set of vinyl seat covers made from upholstery grade vinyl....front, rear, rear folding seats, and footrests...and BOY! are they dog-proof...our rather huge German Shepherd...Wolfgang the Destroyer has claws that REALLY work ....cost me around 150.00 quid over here, but postage would be pricey...just try a vehicle upholsterer...if you REALLY want tough, I would recommend curtain siding off a truck...A vehicle upholsterer suggested that to us when we had our Jag, and wanted dog -proof seating ...so it can be done
Cheers
Helen

Helen&Tony - I'd love to see some photos of the seat covers you had made. Any chance of some photos??
The upholsterer I spoke to was quoting £960 for the complete set!! You could set up a great little export business if the quality is good!?!

Cheers
Southwestie

[helen&tony]

Hi Southwestie
I haven't forgotten to do some pics. Just been busy today...I can't honestly remember what they cost, as they just fitted a need at the time...I'll endeavour to get some snaps tomorrow.
I have a feeling that they were around the 150 / 160 quid mark...depending on the cost of the vinyl, but when you consider that post is around 10 quid a kilo or thereabouts, and as it's thick vinyl, I guess they're 5 or so kilos, it wouldn't be sensible, as that's all the seats and footrests. He took the seats out to do them, but I guess it's easy to use the others as a pattern...BUT...frankly, I had some tractor seat covers on before...pretty awful, but kept the seats nice!
Cheers
Helen

[southwestie]

Hi Helen,
Thanks for your reply. Look forward to seeing the pics, that's really good of you.
The price for postage is still affordable, on top of the 160 quid mark, compared to some of the quotes I've had here.
I'm after seat covers that add to the look of the van, more than protecting the existing seat fabric, and I'm interested in exploring whatever options present themselves, so I really appreciate your input.

Cheers
Southwestie

[helen&tony]

Hi Southwestie
Here are the pictures , as promised...To be honest, they were fitted a year or two ago, and I haven't adjusted them up to get rid of the creases...they have all sorts of bits of cord and velcro... ...they do the job, as the seats will be immaculate underneath. I was toying with the idea of a re-trim in leather, but we have 2 large dogs, and live in the countryside...
Sorry about the state of the interior....FEEELTHY!!!!


















Cheers
Helen

[mountainmummy]

These look great

[southwestie]

Hi Helen,

Thanks very much for sharing the photos. These look great, and I imagine after you make adjustments for creases they look superb!
I reckon you've got great value for money and I'm feeling sick at the idea of spending tons of money here in comparison
I'd love to be able to contact someone there, with my requirements, but I guess they would need a pattern to work too. I'll start thinking around the problem and let you know how I get on.
Truely, thankyou again for taking the time to showcase your covers. And, hey, your bongo's not feeelthy, it's enjoyed!!

All the best
Southwestie

[helen&tony]

Hi
southwestie
I don't mind asking how much for a set. the guy has a lockup, and speaks no English. Whether he kept a pattern or not, I don't know...but if he can remove the covers without a lot of hassle, I expect he could knock a set up. He may e-mail you a price...I don't know? There's always on-line translators...The covers will sag a bit when used...they're vinyl, after all!...and the red on mine is a stretchy vinyl (matching the bodywork)...but they wear well. No idea about post, I can always do that when I go to town, but I don't want to get involved in doing it regularly....
If you want, i'll ask for a price on Wednesday if he's there...The price i was charged was for front, middle, and flip up rear seats , and front footrests....
If you want to organise something, and get some more made, I might....I stress MIGHT be able to get someone to deliver from here, as there's a guy who has a transit...I'm trying to find out where and when he does runs, as I want some heavy stuff brought here (Custom dog-guard for the Bongo )
I'm sure you could get an order for others, and in one way or another , deal direct with the guy.....there's even a translator in the town
Cheers
Helen