Need help with seat detail on Early four legged style Recaro bucket

[bob tilton]

Please see pics of material used for the detail one shots. Both seats are have perf bolsters with cord centers. I would like to know what is the correct material for the "side of the centers". Perf or German vinyl? As you can see one is perf and one is smooth hence the request from the experts.

Also, in re: to the headrest, what is the correct material for the sides? Perf or German vinyl? Gonna assume cord centered headrest if cord centered seat.

Thanks so much in advance!

[Soterik]

My opinion is smooth vinyl on sides of seat bottom, and sides of headrest, I can't ever recall seeing Perf in either area you indicated. Now whether the headrest had to have cord if the seat did...hmmm, not sure. I've got a 68 sport seat with cord inserts and cord headrest, also a 68 seat with houndstooth inserts and houndstooth headrest. I have an original vinyl bucket that has basketweave centers and smooth vinyl headrest. That's my opinion, I'm sure you'll get others!!

[andyjboy]

The only early ("4-feet") Recaro fixed buckets that I've had were upholstered in plain (non-perforated) vinyl with cord centres so can't comment from personal experience.

I would say there's probably no definitive answer but here's a shot of the Recaro seat in 911R #20:

[Flunder]

Bob,

The pic of the four leg pepita you posted shows a completely original never re-upholstered seat sitting on our kitchen table.

That four leg has no accomodation for a headrest and came with a matching 67 Recaro sport seat.

TC

[Flunder]

Raj, Bob:

Oops. Yes, smooth on the sides at "Detail one."

T

[67Porsche911S]

Here is a picture of my seat before it was redone, smooth on the sides:

[bob tilton]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen! I've been working closely with Michael of Vintage Seats to get all the details correct (material placement, enlarged perf holes with special treatment, correct 100% cotton 8 wale cord, etc).

Based on the info above and Michael, I'll be going with German vinyl on the sides of of the cord center bottoms and all German vinyl headrests.

Still interested in seeing more pic samples of cord centers especially if they're faded to brown.

Thanks again!

[bob tilton]

It is my understanding based on a previous exchange with Eric that the original cord was cotton which is why they faded. So any original cord material would be great. Kind of want to see how much they faded and how they faded from seat back to seat bottom (more fade at seat back or same amount of fading at both???).

[Bantam]

Bob

This adjustable bucket seat I have is slightly younger (circa '72/'73) than you are looking at but it is a good example of the fading centre cushions.

[andyjboy]

Couple of early swb recaro buckets I had showing fading of the cord:






- & no, the stain wasn't caused/created by me !!