Interior: Champ uphlostery

[rbisacca]

Did the '63 Champs come with either vinyl and/or fabric seat inserts? Reason I'm asking is my '63 8E-T4 has fabric on seat bottom and seat back. Vinyl on other areas. Don't know if it's original or if PO had it reupholstered. Colors look stock. But since in 1963 trucks were actually used as trucks I can't imagine fabric being very durable.

[Bo Markham]

I'll have to look, as I've had an NOS set of this stuff put away for many years, and can't actually remember. I want to say it is more like nylon then simple cloth. But, don't quote me on it, until I've had a chance to look at the set.

Bo

[62champ]

All the Champ seat covers for '63 and '64 (8E) - had the greyish ribbed vinyl seating/back rest area and tan vinyl trim, regardless of trim or exterior color. A cloth cover was not offered because for what you stated - utility vehicle don't use cloth. Someone redid your covers and did a good job and matched the old vinyl pretty well.

Below is a photo of an original 8E seat cover - thanks for sharing.

[Bo Markham]

Looked at the NOS set I have. Looks exactly like that pictured by Patrick.

Bo

[StudeRich]

OK with some research it appears "Patrick" is "62champ" not rbisacca, so we know Vinyl Reinforced Fabric IS correct, not Cloth.

"Handles" vs Names, always confusing.
When I know someone personally, I have used their actual Name on the Forum, but it can get very confusing to others.

Notice that the Upper Portion of rbisacca's Seat material does not match the Bolster/Side Trim material and the stitching is more exposed unlike the Original. But, this is a very nice re-upholstery job.

[ddub]

A number of years ago I was able to source NOS Champ upholstery from Rene Harger, South East Studebaker. No idea if he still has any.

[NCDave51]

All the Champ seat covers for '63 and '64 (8E) - had the greyish ribbed vinyl seating/back rest area and tan vinyl trim, regardless of trim or exterior color. A cloth cover was not offered because for what you stated - utility vehicle don't use cloth. Someone redid your covers and did a good job and matched the old vinyl pretty well.

Below is a photo of an original 8E seat cover - thanks for sharing.

These are exactly like the upholstery in my ‘62 7E7, so maybe mine was a replacement. The ribbed vinyl portions in my Champ have a slight silvery/pearl tone to them, but from this picture they’re a perfect match.

[Bo Markham]

SASCO sold these as replacements for a number of years. That's how I came to have them.

Bo

[rbisacca]

Notice that the Upper Portion of rbisacca's Seat material does not match the Bolster/Side Trim material and the stitching is more exposed unlike the Original. But, this is a very nice re-upholstery job.

Rich, Look closer. Except for area right behind driver, upper portion is exactly the same as side trim. Area behind driver and to a lesser extent upper part of backrest is discolored, probably from sun. I also did notice difference in stitching.

[62champ]

These are exactly like the upholstery in my ‘62 7E7, so maybe mine was a replacement. The ribbed vinyl portions in my Champ have a slight silvery/pearl tone to them, but from this picture they’re a perfect match.

This is what the original seat cover in you 7E would have looked like - one year only item and only in a single color...

[NCDave51]

This is what the original seat cover in you 7E would have looked like - one year only item and only in a single color...

Very nice, thanks for sharing here.

I almost never see my actual upholstery, since I use a white bedsheet to cover it when driving and hauling stuff around.