CalTrend Dura-Plus Seat Cover -- Not for Vert

[GeneDoc]

So, I know the purists will say it's ugly or put up the symbol, but that's fine. But they'll also whine about the splash guards, so I'm not too worried about it. The bottom line is I've got kids and need to have a way to get them around in the car without putting them in the trunk . I'll usually have them in the Tahoe or my wife's SUV, but there will be times we want to all go out in the Camaro.

That being said, the CalTrend product is ok, but isn't great. The durability is fine and the install was ok. Could I make it fit better with more fighting? Probably, but I have my limits. I had to cut holes in the back for the seat clamps, as this is clearly not built for the vert. But, as I'm not going to have it in very long, it's not worth it.

I would give the CalTrend product 2/5 stars. Compare this to the excellent Covercraft SeatSaver seat covers I put in my Tahoe, which fit like a glove and are easily a 5/5 product. Overall, I got what I needed with CalTrend, but I'm not happy. The problem is the subwoofer is right behind the backseat and when the subwoofer really fires, the resonance is such that it shakes the cover against the seat so much that it's distracting and makes me turn down the music -- not good. Thankfully, the seat cover comes in two pieces and I may just pull out the top half. My main concern is feet and car seats on the bench seat anyway.





By the way, the color of the black in the picture is skewed by the picture itself. It looks much closer to the black of the interior in real life.

[Bodih]

Gotta do what ya gotta do to protect the baby, and the babies!

[nukemustang]

Originally Posted by GeneDoc

So, I know the purists will say it's ugly or put up the symbol, but that's fine. But they'll also whine about the splash guards, so I'm not too worried about it. The bottom line is I've got kids and need to have a way to get them around in the car without putting them in the trunk . I'll usually have them in the Tahoe or my wife's SUV, but there will be times we want to all go out in the Camaro.

That being said, the CalTrend product is ok, but isn't great. The durability is fine and the install was ok. Could I make it fit better with more fighting? Probably, but I have my limits. I had to cut holes in the back for the seat clamps, as this is clearly not built for the vert. But, as I'm not going to have it in very long, it's not worth it.

I would give the CalTrend product 2/5 stars. Compare this to the excellent Covercraft SeatSaver seat covers I put in my Tahoe, which fit like a glove and are easily a 5/5 product. Overall, I got what I needed with CalTrend, but I'm not happy. The problem is the subwoofer is right behind the backseat and when the subwoofer really fires, the resonance is such that it shakes the cover against the seat so much that it's distracting and makes me turn down the music -- not good. Thankfully, the seat cover comes in two pieces and I may just pull out the top half. My main concern is feet and car seats on the bench seat anyway.

Attachment 233377

Attachment 233379

By the way, the color of the black in the picture is skewed by the picture itself. It looks much closer to the black of the interior in real life.

Heck do you get the back seat to fold down like that????? might be handy for some dynamat installation later.

[GeneDoc]

Originally Posted by nukemustang

Heck do you get the back seat to fold down like that????? might be handy for some dynamat installation later.

Two tabs at the top of the back of the seat release by pushing a screwdriver into the release holes. Worked pretty easily.

[OrangeVert]

Thanks, GeneDoc. Good tip about the rear seat. Wish there was a better seat cover solution.

[SUX2BU]

Thanks for the review, I never even knew they made these. Also thanks for the rear seat tip on folding the seat down, didn't know that either.

How much was the cover? I'm sure if you just unbolted the seats and took them to an upholstery shop they could probably make you some fairly inexpensive and well fitting seat covers, probably even color match them.

[justa25thTA]

could you remove the seat and maybe tie the edges together from the back? use some bungie cords or something to put constant tension on it?

[nukemustang]

Thanks for the info on the seat!! I am sure it will come in handy!!

[GeneDoc]

Originally Posted by SUX2BU

Thanks for the review, I never even knew they made these. Also thanks for the rear seat tip on folding the seat down, didn't know that either.

How much was the cover? I'm sure if you just unbolted the seats and took them to an upholstery shop they could probably make you some fairly inexpensive and well fitting seat covers, probably even color match them.

Unfortunately, they cost $200. But, since I had to "mod" the upper portion to even get it to fit with the seat clamps, I knew my chance on a return was gone and looked at it as a loss.

Taking it to an upholstery shop is an interesting idea I'd not considered. Thanks. I think the issue isn't lateral support or tension, but the fact that the center is complete unsupported and allowed to flap back 'n forth. I'd actually considered pulling the seat out and simply getting a heavy duty needle and some button thread. I could then pass some loops of black thread through from the back, through the mesh center portion, to tied down the portion that vibrates. I could then pretty easily cut those few loops when we're done with the cars seats. We'll see, as it's a work in progress. Kids won't be in car seats forever. After that, I'll just carry a roll of saran wrap in the trunk to apply liberally to each kid when they need to get in the car.