Hello everyone. I am going to pick up 1995 850 turbo this weekend and was wondering if the front leather seats can be replaced by anything other than the obvious 850 seats? Perhaps seats from a newer model Volvo? The car seems to in very good condition body and engine wise. The interior is a bit beat up though and I need to replace at least the driver's seats and the glove box. Thanks.

 

So far the answer I have found for this same question is there isn't an easy answer. I was hoping someone made covers like oem ones that could be refitted. But no. There is always having them made at an apolstery place. Try looking at salvage yards for seats in good condition. My seat backs are awesome but my seat bottoms are worn. I feel your pain. Let me know if you find out anything about newer seats fitting.

 

Damn. I've looked and it's very difficult to get a hold of one from a 850 in good shape. I was hoping someone knew of other models that would be a direct replacement. Oh well the only left is to call up junkyards I guess.

 

I'm probably stating the obvious, but be very sure that the seat reclines properly!!

It seems to be a bit of an issue on the 850 power seat, and granted the cable can often be 'resat', but who needs the hassle??

Best of luck with that!

 

If you're willing to put in a weekend of elbow grease, leatherique.com makes restoration kits for your seats. They can match the dye to your existing seats if you give them your interior color code. I did mine and I saved a ton of money. I think I spent $100 for everything I needed including custom matched dye and leather crack filler. It was not that hard and they will walk you through the whole process if you have questions. I don't know why more people don't try this first before replacing seats?

Console Before:


Console After:


Driver's seat Before:


Driver's seat after:

 

What an amazing difference. For $100 that is impressive. I am definitely looking into this method. I was actually thinking of having Katzkin redoing the driver's seat. Thanks.

 

I think it was worth it considering what my seats looked like before. What it showed me was that if the leather is in decent physical shape, you can repair it pretty well without having to replace the leather panel. Another alternative might be to have the upholstery shop replace the leather and then you can do the re-dye part.

 

Depending on the prices for me if it was more than $300.00 or so I would just buy to Racing seats and replace both front seats.

 

I guess for me the reason the the leatherique product doesn't seem appealing was from all those commercials I saw as a kid. It wasn't that product but you know if it looks too good to be true......it usually is. What is the life span of this product? It sure looks like a bait and switch. Looks like pics of a bad seat and then pics of a perfect seat. I'm not accusing anyone here as I am sure those are all pics of your car. It just looks awesome. Do you know what the material is that is used?

Thanks for the pictures they are great.

 

All I can say is if you're not comfortable with it, don't do it and take the car (and your checkbook) to a shop where they can charge you $80+/hour.

Will I have to redo the seats at some point? Probably, in a couple of years I suppose. I should add that one might be faced with the same situation even if a pro does the work.

If you're ever in TX, drop me a line and you're welcome to see for yourself...

 

If you want to replace the seats, you can use seats from an S70. There are a couple of small differences, but they are not difficult to get around.

JM

 

Small differences electrically (not a plug and play for power) or mechanically (fitment of bolts of the seat frame)? Good to hear there are some options.

 

I have used replacement leather from leatherseats.com on both my wife's 850 and my C70. Cost on the 850 for all the seats was $1300 on the C70 front seats only with higher grade leather it was $1100.

 

Check out Bobecs work

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