86worx and SARD seat cover install observations

[MuseChaser]

After shopping around for a while, trying to decide between the Clazzio, Iggee, and SARD covers, I decided to go w/ with the SARD covers. Based on pictures, they seemed to have the best fit, and the red-stitching-on-black standard version seemed to go best with the OEM interior. Clazzios are available like that, but you pay an additional $110 or so for it. I just didn't like the huge red panels or all black look of the Iggees, so they were out.

Unfortunately, finding a vendor for the SARD covers was tough. Two were very unresponsive, failing to answer basic questions, and prices were fairly high. Finally, I found 86WORX.com. Their stuff ships from Japan, but they answered emails VERY promptly with no language barrier at all.. GREAT folks to do business with. The price was great, shipping was VERY reasonable, and surprisingly fast; about two weeks from the time I placed the order, I think. If I need something else I can't find at a good price locally, I'll definitely use them again. They're great.

The install was challenging especially at first. I started with the rear seats, then the rear back, then the front seats, then the passenger seatback, then finished with the driver seatback, figuring I'd have more experience by the time I got to the sections I increasingly cared more about. This was my first stab at anything upholstery-related. The Japanese pictorial install manual was pretty much useless. Wookie here on the forum was a lifesaver. I won't go into the process further simply because it's been done on another thread extensively already. One forum member mentioned that he felt the install was fairly easy, and he did it with the use of only one arm. He must have one seriously bionic arm, and I am humbled to walk the same planet he does. I found the install frustrating and difficult to figure out, but rewarding. As others have said, now that I know HOW to do it, I could do the next one in 1/4 the time. Took me about 5 hours, all told.

The front seats look GREAT, as does the rear seatback. The rear seats are wrinkly as can be seen in most of the pics shown elsewhere, but to be honest, given the hugely cupped shape of the forms, I'm not sure how they COULD be nice and taut like everything else is. All of the pics I had seen showed the SARD logo also in red thread, but mine came with the SARD logo in white. I would have preferred no logo at all, but that's not an option. I was bummed at first about the white, but once they were in the car it really didn't bother me at all. In some ways, that slight splash of white is kind of a nice touch (my car is Argento, and completely stock at this point).

Feel-wise.. compared to the uncovered OEM seats, I find the feel to be a combination of small negatives. They don't breathe as well, even though the centerpieces are perforated, as the uncovered seats, and I find myself feeling a little clammy during longer drives. They do add a surprising amount of padding; the OEM seats are firm but comfortable, while the covers make them feel more like a memory-foam type of mattress; you sink in more. They add a bit of bulk to the seats, so the faux leather squeaks and rubs when you recline the seats and slightly limits some travel.

As far as stability in the seats while driving spiritedly, that is excellent. No slip or slide; you stay put wherever you sit.

My small gripes might well apply to any of the three seat covers I mentioned. Overall, I'm VERY happy with them. They look even better than I thought they would, they feel fine although I do prefer the feel of the uncovered seats, and they'll seriously protect the seats from dog and winter slush damage, which is the main reason I bought them.

So... big thumbs up to both 86WORX.com and SARD. Thanks, all!

Barry

[wireman957]

Good review! Thanks!

[olsonpg]

Nice write up! Personally I love that extra padding. It makes the seat feel more like the seats found in a Porsche or Ferrari. Firm but very soft with a slight amount of padding.

The true test of your install now, is whenever you have someone hop in your car for the first time you tell them how happy you are with the new seats that you just put in.. If they believe you, you did a good job