I was wondering because the vinyl would seem to be stronger when its stretched over a larger surface area. I want my bench recovered with cloth because I think it looks nicer and will be better in the hot valley summers.

Another question, is there any foam under the stock bench seat (where your butt sits)?
The reason I ask is because I wonder if the upholstery guy can shape the foam to make the bench feel kinda like a bucket? Has anyone tried this?

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Cable Bright
-'70 El Camino 454 (in progress)
-'91 Caprice 9C1
-'87 Camaro Z28

"....alright, its a harp...and that's a dress"

-Kronk's evil shoulder angel

I think that you have a couple choices. Check the resto catalogs for the cloth seat stuff.up to 1970, they show cloth sets for front & back at over $500. The similar vinyl is under $200 for front & rear. I think that my front & rear in cloth from a local upholstery shop was about $300.If it is the El Camino, then the prices are lower and it seems that I paid about $200 for a custom cloth job. There is no doubt that the cloth is more comfortable than the vinyl under all conditions. I would go with a local shop. I have also installed the stock replacement vinyl covers (pretty easy) but really like the cloth much better.

My seats have cloth in the seat area, and vinal in the wear areas. I think it looks great. cost 480 front and rears

Cloth is much more comfortable, and depending on the material used, it can be just as strong as vinyl, but not as easy to keep clean.

Yes, there is foam on the stock seat covers.
The cover itself has about 1/2 inch of foam that the pattern is sewn in to.
Under the seat cover there is a padding usually cotton, then the foam cushion, which sits on top of the reiforcing/burlap layer, overtop the springs.

An upholstery person should be able to shape the foam, but you will have to have new covers made at the same time, cause original covers would not fit the contoured foam.

Hope this helps.
Dot

You can also go with a comfort weave if so desired. PUI can make a comfort weave, or make you upholstery with cloth inserts, in any material you like. They can even embroider a blue bowtie in the cloth part anywhere you like. Cool stuff.

The nice thing is, you can get cloth in the seat part, and vinyl for the rest, and it's still all made to stock specifications as far as fit is concerned.

A local shop is a good way to go as well.

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-Andrew
through.theloophole@gte.net

I had a local shop do mine, cost me $220
It has cloth where you sit and vinal in the center and edges. I like it!

You can see the seat in the link below..
http://home1.gte.net/res096qi/71elky.htm