Correct inserts for '71 sport seats?

[endo911rs]

What was the correct material for 1971 sport seats? The bolsters are the wide spaced perforated leather but the inserts have been redone at some point and I know they are not correct. I am just wondering what my options are when I have them reupholstered.

[Chuck Miller]

Chris,

These from an early '71E 'barn find'......

Perforated bolsters and 'Basketweave' inserts........

Probably many more options, but these are what I've 'normally' seen in leather or vinyl ......

Hope this helps

[gulf908]

Chris,

I believe the 'standard" inlay would have been the basketweave.
However the common options were -
part or full seat leather - black/brown/beige
corduroy(very popular in Europe) - black/brown/beige
houndstooth - black/white,brown/white or beige/white.
Plus the special order - 999 code !
My UK delivered '71 came with the black/black cord standard seats(thx Karim !) and it now has the alluring black/black+white houndstooth.

HTH (or confuses !)
Dennis.

[gulf908]

DOH ! .... wrong '71 T...
... try again !

[fryardds]

Here's shots of the original material seats in the '71S.

[kenikh]

Chris, ping Eric. Considering he has at least 20 pairs, has had multiples more pass through his hands, has original factory fabric swatch books for all years and is in the textile biz AND not to mention is reproing 100% weave correct Houndstooth...well, he'll know.

I expect him to post here shortly anyway, as you can keep him away from a sport seat fabric thread about as easily as you can keep a pitbull of of a steak.

[endo911rs]

Thanks for the replies!

After reading the responses, I think my preferences would be, first black courderoy, second...some sort of tartan that would compliment the tangerine, and then lastly would be the basket weave. I like hounds tooth in everyone elses cars but for some reason, I can't bring myself to do it in one of my own.

[kenikh]

One note...the correct corduroy is NLA, so you will have to be happy with 'close enough'.

[911T1971]

DOH ! .... wrong '71 T...
... try again !

Above, thats my 911T equipped according to his kardex.
Standard vinyl seats with Corduroy still original after 35+ years except some fading due to sunlight.
I upgraded since to 71 Recaro sport seats with Basketweave inserts, putting the original seats in storage.


I second the info from Kenik, that repro Corduroy fabric is often not as good as NOS which is quite hard to find.
NOS Corduroy has finer lines than repro fabric.
The same goes for perforated leather. The old process done on leather stamping machines gave a deeper and different pinch hole than today's repro.
From an 1971 upholstery sampler

[endo911rs]

That looks really classy!

Where did you get the cocoa mats from?

I have my upholstery guy working on some options. I like some of the tartan materials but it would have to be just the right color combo and then I am not sure where to get automotive grade fabrics from. The upholstery work does not cost me anything so I may experiment with a couple options.