72455

I'm planning on replacing the chrome seat piping on my '72 Supreme. My buddy says it's a PIA. Is he right?

Vintage Chief

Dave - I've never done it or had anyone do it, but see Post #6 of this thread...
Seat Piping Repair?

dc2x4drvr

The seat back piping from Ames fits like OEM..

72455

I ordered a set from Parts Place...hopefully I won't have any problems. Do you have any more info on the ones from Ames just in case?

mrolds69

Buy the prebent ones from AMES, they are the ones that first manufactured it. I was on tour there, and Steve showed us his new product. That was maybe 15 or 20 years ago! I wouldn't be surprised if they sell them to other companies like TPP. Shipping sucks but they are GREAT!

dc2x4drvr

Yup, the fit and function is identical to OEM.

72455

These ones, correct?

Ap6954

Installation of the piping is not hard at all. Slides right in the groove. I would not install it with the plastics on the seat stil as it would grab on the upholstery. Remove the plastics and then install it. The piping from Ames is the best. Exact same size and finish as OEM. The stuff from others is a bit bigger in size and is not the same sheen as OEM.

72455

You mean remove the seat backs and side skirts before installing? Also, where is this "Ames?"...

mrolds69

AMES is about 10 miles from my house, at the base of Mt Monadnock in Southern NH. They sell mostly Pontiac parts, I had a lot of GTOS before. You definitely need one of their catalogs, they will send you one with your order if you ask. Steve, the man who started it had always been developing new parts. Many of those parts will fit your car. And...the catalogs used to describe the quality of the parts. So if it was a seatback release, he would say smaller than original, plastic not metal like original, etc. Then if it bugged him he'd manufacture a better part. He, Fusick, TPP, these guys were all knew each other well and would buy each others unique products in the old days. Unfortunately, Steve passed away a while ago.

72455

I found their website. If the ones I ordered from TPP don't work, I'll order them from Ames. Is installation pretty easy?

mrolds69

Extremely easy, before he started making them, it sucked to put a set on. Then they would fall off over time.

Ap6954

Yes. Remove the screws from the skirts, i think 3 per skirt. The seat back has 3 screws on the bottom and you have to pry the seat back push button off. If you want to try and snap the piping on without removing the plastics you can. I have always removed them and cleaned them up and worked on them on a bench instead of struggling to do it inside the car. Heck pull the 4 bolts out holding the seat to the floorboard and take the whole seat out. Probably the easiest way to get to everything.