1 Here is a cut away view of a '67 deluxe Sport Seat-equipped bucket. TMI did this to illustrate that the foam and covers fit on a stock frame assembly.1 Here is a cut away view of a '67 deluxe Sport Seat-equipped bucket. TMI did this to ill With so many companies offering high-tech suspension systems, old muscle cars are getting used in ways they just weren't designed for. While the old-school Camaro's seats do a good job holding you in place during a straight-line launch, they pretty much don't do bubkes once you start aggressively turning the wheel. Usually the only simple option to cure that problem is to buy a racing-type seat and stuff it in the interior where it could look totally out of place depending on the build style. TMI Products has been making restoration interior components for over 20 years and has come up with something pretty cool for the guy who wants modern-type seating while retaining the classic look. TMI knew there was a need for an upgrade in the Camaro market and customers were asking for it so TMI got busy creating these resto mod-style covers and foam. The Sport Seat foam and covers are designed to be installed on a factory frame and yield a high bolstered "keep you in place" seat. The covers are made with all the correct materials and grain and the foam has that perfect balance of density and comfort. While the Sport Seat covers and foam are premium products, most of the time they are only 50 to 75 bucks more than using TMI's stock replacement foam and covers for two front seats. Upon first glance, the seats look only a little different compared to stock, but once you sit your butt down the different becomes quite apparent. We got a sneak peak of these seats at the '10 SEMA show and wanted a more in-depth examination. We went over to the TMI headquarters to not only see how the Sport Seat foam and covers go together, but also see how some of the parts are made. 2 Here is a comparison shot so you can really soak in the difference between the stock '68 deluxe seat (left) and the upgraded Sport Seat (right). All Camaro models are covered, including standard and deluxe.2 Here is a comparison shot so you can really soak in the difference between the stock '6 TMI also offers custom configurations, so if you want black leather with grey inserts they will do it, plus they will make the matching door panels for a complete look.TMI also offers custom configurations, so if you want black leather with grey inserts they 3 Here is also a comparison of the foam buns. The Sport Seat foam (top) features a much more pronounced bolster compared to stock.3 Here is also a comparison of the foam buns. The Sport Seat foam (top) features a much m TMI spent a great amount of time getting the density (or firmness) of the foam just right to provide ample hold, yet still allowing the seat to be comfortable.TMI spent a great amount of time getting the density (or firmness) of the foam just right 4 Now we are going to highlight how these new parts get installed onto a stock bucket seat frame. Starting with the cushion, the first step is to lay down a layer of carpet padding to prevent the seat springs from cutting into the seat foam over a time.4 Now we are going to highlight how these new parts get installed onto a stock bucket sea 5 The Sport Seat foam has a stiff wire structure molded inside that has two functions. One is to help the higher side bolsters stay in place and the second is to simplify the installation. All you need to do is line up the foam on the frame and use hog rings to lock the wire structure to the seat frame. This is much easier than having to glue the foam down.5 The Sport Seat foam has a stiff wire structure molded inside that has two functions. On 6 With the foam securely in place, the new Sport Seat cover can follow. The covers are lined up along the front edge and more hog rings are used to hold it down along the insert. Since the foam has a wire structure in it, these hog rings are much easier to install. With the stock foam you would have to push the hog ring through the foam and try to grab the wire below. In that situation you are working blind so the new wire configuration is a welcome addition.6 With the foam securely in place, the new Sport Seat cover can follow. The covers are li 7 With all the center hog rings secured, the cover can be turned right side out. These two pictures should give you a good idea how to do it. You will need to use one hand to push the material outward while the other pulls it over the edge.7 With all the center hog rings secured, the cover can be turned right side out. These tw The bottom edge of the Camaro seat has a plastic strip sewn to it that folds over the frame and locks in place. That is pretty much it for the cushion; let's move onto the backrest.The bottom edge of the Camaro seat has a plastic strip sewn to it that folds over the fram 8 After the padding and foam have been secured, just like the cushion the back edges of the foam should be glued to the seat frame. This is not totally necessary, but it will provide a more consistent looking install once the cover is on. The rest of the procedure is the same as the cushion, except for installing the hard plastic back cover.8 After the padding and foam have been secured, just like the cushion the back edges of t 9 TMI also has vinyl headrest covers so you can bring those parts up to par with the rest of the seat. First you must use a razor knife to trim off the molded-in welt so the headrest is nice and smooth as shown here.9 TMI also has vinyl headrest covers so you can bring those parts up to par with the rest 10 The cover slips on just like putting a pillowcase. The bottom edge is held in place by some spray glue.10 The cover slips on just like putting a pillowcase. The bottom edge is held in place by 11 This plastic cover screws on, which will hide the raw edges of the glued material and also hold the cover in place.11 This plastic cover screws on, which will hide the raw edges of the glued material and 12 After all that work, you will be rewarded with sore forearms and this killer '69 deluxe houndstooth seat. Again, we just highlighted some of the work necessary to install the covers, but it should give you a good idea of what to expect if you want to install them at home.12 After all that work, you will be rewarded with sore forearms and this killer '69 delux 13 Die electric or heat-sealed pleating was in just about every muscle car ever produced and TMI has spent years perfecting the process of matching the factory's look. What you are seeing here are the dies used to create the insert in the foreground. The dies along with a blank section of vinyl with a soft backing are shoved in the machine for a specific amount of time to melt in the lines and details.13 Die electric or heat-sealed pleating was in just about every muscle car ever produced 14 These types of details are also on the door panels, but the vinyl for the door panels is heat sealed directly to the cardboard backing. To get the Camaro door panel just right TMI found a stock set and deconstructed them. Instead of just a soft back TMI found the factory used an intricately cut piece of cardboard so they did the same. Not the cheapest way to make the door panel but it is the right way.14 These types of details are also on the door panels, but the vinyl for the door panels 15 Here is what that door panel looks like once it has spent some time in the machine.15 Here is what that door panel looks like once it has spent some time in the machine. 16 To complement the Sport Seats, TMI offers a full assortment of preassembled door panels. These also feature the correct Madrid-grain vinyl in all the factory colors.16 To complement the Sport Seats, TMI offers a full assortment of preassembled door panel SOURCES TMI Products Corona CA 877-827-1722 www.tmiproducts.com/ By Calin Head Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
