Cheap and Quality Seat Covers

[Watpub]

Hi all,

In my more senior years I feel the need to cushion my bottom a little more than when I was younger.:) I've had lambswool seatcovers on my past 5 vehicles. I thought I'd see how the D4 would go without them, but last week I decided, nah, the bottom is much happier when pampered.

After shopping (ringing) around I discovered a young couple in Oakleigh Victoria who would tailor make full Australian lambswool seat covers for the front of the D4 for $280 - I was blown away because everyone else quoted between $450 - $950!!! Now I'm talking proper lambswool from Ozzie sheep.

I must say I was a bit suspicious of the low price. But I had the seat covers fitted (for free) on Saturday and they are bloomin fantastic. And I'm not talking through my bottom! :D

So if anyone wants seat covers I can wholeheartedly recommend:

Eric or Vicky at VIP Car Seat Covers
(03) 9579 3484
http://www.vipseatcovers.com.au (http://www.vipseatcovers.com.au/)

And they do mail order!

I have found it annoying with the D4 that after 2 weeks of ownership there is already a darkish mark on the seat from where I hop in and out with jeans on. I've got the almond interior - maybe I should have gone for the ebony! I'm now thinking about covers for the back seats as well - but they're $480 so 've got to save up some pennies first.

Regards, Ron

[chuck]

Ron

Any chance of some photos?
Were they genuine sheepskin front & back?

Regards

Chuck

[Watpub]

Ron

Any chance of some photos?
Were they genuine sheepskin front & back?

Regards

Chuck

No worries Chuck, give me a day or two to get some photos organised. Yes, they are sheepskin both front and back. They also have map pockets at the back and a funny little pocket at the front of the seat for putting things like keys, wallets, door openers, etc.

Jeez, I'm sounding like a friggin salesman! I've got no financial interest in this mob, I just reckon they're product is good value for money.

Regards, Ron

[gps-au]

No worries Chuck, give me a day or two to get some photos organised. Yes, they are sheepskin both front and back. They also have map pockets at the back and a funny little pocket at the front of the seat for putting things like keys, wallets, door openers, etc.

Jeez, I'm sounding like a friggin salesman! I've got no financial interest in this mob, I just reckon they're product is good value for money.

Regards, Ron


Airbag compatible ?

[Watpub]

Airbag compatible ?
Yep, they've got the cut outs in the side.

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

The cheapies are usually Sheep skin on the front, but sides and backs are usually 'Sheepskin Acrylic".
We had a set of tailor made ones from some guys in Oakliegh, the front is still good, but the seems where the acrylics meet the real sheep skin are thread bear, and the acrylic stuff faded a hell of a lot. you get what you pay for

[Watpub]

The cheapies are usually Sheep skin on the front, but sides and backs are usually 'Sheepskin Acrylic".
We had a set of tailor made ones from some guys in Oakliegh, the front is still good, but the seems where the acrylics meet the real sheep skin are thread bear, and the acrylic stuff faded a hell of a lot. you get what you pay for

Hmm It'sNotWorthComplaining and Chuck!, I may need to stand corrected on what I've written below. I just checked the back and sides and I suspect they may be acrylic and I suspect I've bought them from the same outfit as you.

Nevertheless, they do feel real comfy and the only true test will be one of time.

On their website they claim to offer a 3 year warranty of their products. If they do fall apart or fade (can white fade?) I'll definitely be back there.

But hey at $280 if they keep my little botty warm and comfy I'm happy :D.

Regards, Ron

[AnD3rew]

There is a school of thought that no seat covers even if marked as compatible should be fitted to seats with side impact airbags in them

[Watpub]

There is a school of thought that no seat covers even if marked as compatible should be fitted to seats with side impact airbags in them

Hi AnD3rew,

In my more advanced senior years I've decided to live a little on the wild side and take more risks than I would if I were a mere 20, 30, or even 40 again! Perhaps it's just that I'm willing to risk life and limb over advanced haemorrhoids! :p
Seriously though, I do think this is a valid consideration - certainly one that should be made where kiddies are involved (which is not the situation I'm in). The covers have an elasticised opening at the sides for the air bags. I could believe that there'd be some impeding of the bags but these things go off with such force I reckon they'd easily blast their way out of the huge opening in the covers.
I'm coming from a Cruiser that had an ANCAP rating in the negative numbers! If I sacrifice a decimal consideration in the D4's rating I'm willing to take that minor risk for the sake of a warm and healthy botty. And the kids have already upped the life insurance!
Speaking of insurance, I reckon that if there was a volume of scientific evidence weighing against seat covers then insurance companies would stack their premiums accordingly. I haven't yet been asked when applying for comprehensive insurance whether I've got seat covers fitted.

Regards, Ron

[furrydog]

Hi Watpub,
Thanks for the heads up, been looking for some seat covers

[Watpub]

Hi Watpub,
Thanks for the heads up, been looking for some seat covers

No worries furrydog,

With a username like that do you really need wooly seatcovers? :p

Regards, Ron

[Disco3QLD]

Hi Guys,
Been watching the conversation & ordered some black ones yesterday. We'll see how they go with delivering to Brisbane.

[Watpub]

Hi Guys,
Been watching the conversation & ordered some black ones yesterday. We'll see how they go with delivering to Brisbane.

Hi Disco3QLD,

I'm (I should say "we" because SWMBO is rapt as well) still as pleased as punch with mine - although it has only been about 5 days since they were fitted.

Darn, just reminded myself - get some pictures!

Regards, Ron

[Next_Door]

I ordered a set of black front seats for my D4. Expecting them to arrive here in Brisbane today or tomorrow. Thanks for the info.

[Disco3QLD]

Watpub, I'd be hitting them up for a spotters fee. They're doing alright out of this.

Mind you we haven't seen them yet? I'm sure they are perfect for a "comfy botty".

[Disco3QLD]

I received mine yesterday. But I must have the ones Next_Door ordered cause they don't fit over the head rests! They've sent D4 covers. But they were very apologetic & sent new ones straight away, should get them on Monday.

[Tryanything]

Sorry to dig up such an old post but I need a set of sheepskin covers and was wondering whether those who purchased VIP covers are still happy with them after 2 years of use.

Also, can anyone recommend an alternative melbourne based supplier of sheepskin covers they have which they are happy with

Thanks
Scott

[Disco3QLD]

Mate I'm really happy with them after 150k. Slightly worn on the drivers seat but the stitching and materials are very good.

[Watpub]

Hi Tryanything,

Yep, I'm still very happy with my covers. They haven't worn and stitching has held up well. We actually bought a set for the missus the other day for her Honda Jazz.

Regards,

Ron

[Disco4SE]

Just wondering how the leather seat hold up to the rubbing of the back of the sheepskin?

Cheers, Craig

[Plane Fixer]

I have bought a set for the front from Sheepskin Tailors in Mount Gambier and will see how they wear,
They feel and look top quality and are stitched very well and fit perfectly. They are very responsive to emails and are professional to deal with.
As I have a MY12 I got the armrest covers as well as the headrest covers.