I'm looking to install new seat covers on my truck, mostly because I don't want to recover the nice (gray) seat I bought at the 'yard. I've used saddle blanket covers for years, but have had terrible luck with the ones available locally, and I'm unsure who to trust on the 'net.
Anyone have actual experience in covers, saddle blanket or otherwise?

 

I've used the saddle blankets on the factory Ford bench seat in several F150s for years and had good luck with them-I did modify the strapping some what from the original so it would stay in place better. I can't remember the brand name, but I think it was the original suppliers of the saddle covers and had a cowboy on a bucking bronc as a logo.

 

Hi Frank. I bought the saddle blanket sold by LMC truck, it is pretty good and if you install it carefully it goes on tight and smooth (picture below).

I also found this place on the internet and their seat covers look even better. Plus they appear to be american made: Saddle Blanket Heavy Duty Seat Covers

My seat cover from LMC (chee-chee land manufacture, unfortunately):

 

I was talking seats at a shop, and another fella gave me this link - he bought two of their covers, says they're top-notch, made in the USA, and possibly what larger distributors are selling at a higher retail. They're on my first alternate list after I determine what it's going to cost to get my seat repaired.

1940's - 1991 Ford Full Size Truck Bench Seat Covers items in The Seat Cover Store store on eBay!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1940s-1991-F...item1c20d8b889

 

Do any of them cover front AND back of the seat back anymore?

 

I sent a message to that eBay seller. Their reply: It is a cap-over style; it comes down about 6" on the back of the seat.

 

What I hate is all the newer covers seem to be one piece. They used to sell two piece covers which worked well. The one piece covers always foul up around the seat belts when you put the seat forward to store something.

 

That's Willey Joe. They used to make full covers but guess no one does any more. Those might be better than the ones I have now that just barely cover the top of the seat.

Franklin, The ones I have from Wal-Mart are 2 piece, but not very good quality.

 

Yeah, one piece is not as good but two-piece and/or ones that cover the entire back of the bench (e.g. slip-over) I could not find.

Those ebay covers are only $35, which makes me wonder about their quality.

Another problem is most of this type of cover has to be tied on at multiple locations using little strings. It was a pain. The covers in the link I provided above claim to attach via buckled straps. That sounds easier to install.

 

Most of the time I am installing these covers not to protect the seat underneath, but to cover up a bad looking tore up original seat. When you are doing this, I have found what works well and keeps the cover in place is to glue it as well as tie it with the strings. I have a hot melt glue gun, and once I get it positioned and fitted, I pull one corner up at a time, put a bead of hot melt around the corner of the seat, and then pull the cover back in place. This keeps it from sliding around like they always do. Of course don't do this if you have a good factory seat upholstery.

 

Hadn't thought about that, not a bad idea. I usually use seat covers for the same reason, to cover a bad seat. Might give that a try, been looking for something to use that glue gun on..

 

Those ChiCom covers look pretty good to me. Thanks for the link. I'll call them next week.