Front Seat Cover Kit (Pair)

What materials are available?

We can manufacture the Front Seat Cover Kits in a variety of materials. JSM essentially offers 3 different options: all Vinyl covers at one end of the scale; and all Leather covers at the other end of the scale. An in-between option of “LeatherFaced” is also available – which is a combination of Leather (facings) and Vinyl (surrounds etc).

What material is original for this model of car?

Unlike the earlier Healey models – a large number of the BJ8 cars left the factory with Vinyl (Ambla) instead of LeatherFaced Seats. However, be aware that the LeatherFaced option was a fairly commonly used optional upgrade for the BJ8 models. Keep in mind that what JSM refer to as LeatherFaced is often listed as “Leather” by other trim suppliers; and on the Heritage Certificates. This should not be mistaken for the Full Leather option which JS(M)Ltd can also offer.

Do you offer different qualities of materials?

No, here at JSM we always maintain using the best quality raw materials available to us in the colour range we offer. This applies to our Vinyls (Ambla), Leathercloths (Vynide), and Leathers. Please note that we do offer two different styles of “finish” when it comes to the Leather. The quality is the same, but the finish is slightly different. Please refer to our Materials & Colours library for more information.

Are these Seat Covers piped?

Yes – we offer the Front Seat Covers as per original specification with Piping around the outer edges of the covers, as well around the pleated panels. The BJ8 models featured unique piping on the Seats compared to the earlier Healey models. For Vinyl (Ambla) Seat Covers – the “Outer” Piping was originally supplied in a soft plastic Silver/Black “Chrome” Piping. Note that this piping often turned to a Yellow / Gold shade after a period of time/exposure to sunlight. The “Inner” piping was matched to the main trim colour. For the LeatherFaced Seat options – this Chrome Piping was never used originally – and simply left the factory with the same colour piping as the main trim colour i.e. Black with Black piping. Here at JSM, we are happy to advise on originality, but equally, we can assist in helping you find a more custom colour scheme if you prefer. Please note that there is a small surcharge for “Non-Original / Custom” colour choices/combinations.

What is the piping made from?

Here are John Skinners, we are very pedantic about using not just original materials, where possible, but also suitable materials for the application. We are one of the manufacturers in the world, if not the only; that has its own in-house supply of the original Austin Healey BJ8 Silver/Black “Chrome” piping that was used for the factory original Ambla (Vinyl) Seat Covers. For LeatherFaced Seat options or a custom Vinyl Seat choice – we use Leathercloth for piping, where possible, for the Seat and Armrest covers which was original for cars of this era. Please note that a handful of shades/colours are not available in Leathercloth; in which case we revert to Vinyl (Ambla) for the piping. Please refer to our Materials & Colours library for more information.

Do your Seat Covers include the embossed square pattern on the pleated panels?

Yes. John Skinner Ltd is one of the only manufacturers in the world that has in-house tooling for the original HF Weld Embossing for the Austin Healey BJ8 Front Seat Covers. Please note that this embossed pattern is only original for the Ambla (Vinyl) versions of the Seat Covers.

Can we offer the “embossed” HF Weld Pattern for LeatherFaced or all Leather Seat Cover options?

Strictly speaking, the original HF Weld “Square” pattern is only possible on the Vinyl (Ambla) materials. However, we can offer a similar embossed pattern for Leather materials, if you wish for a more custom finish which resembles the original look of the Vinyl BJ8 Seats. Please contact John Skinner Ltd directly to discuss this option further.

Are the Seat “Gloves” for covering the side bolster mechanisms included in the Seat Cover Kit?

Yes. These pre-sewn Seat “gloves” are included as part of the Seat Kit.

Do you Seat Cover Kits include the material to re-trim the Seat Cushion Locating Frames?

Yes, we include pre-cut loose materials to re-trim the metalwork of the Seat Cushion Locating Frame. This is mainly supplied in Vinyl, unless you order an all Leather Seat Kit – in which case we supply this in Leather, and thin this leather down using our in-house Leather Skiving Machine.

How are the pleated panels sewn on your Seat Covers?

We supply all of our Seat Covers with genuine “tuck and roll” pleats/flutes. We pre-slit the 18mm foam to a specific depth using our CNC machine, and the material is then tucked, turned and rolled around into this slit and stitched in place to create a genuine “pleat”. Many other manufacturers simply stitch on the face of the material to create a fake pleat/seam line, which looks inferior and is not correct for originality.

Do you offer a fitting service for the Seat Covers?

Yes, we can offer Fully Trimmed Seat Covers ready to fit into your car. This would include brand new Seat Covers, fully assembled on new Seat Cushion and Backrest Foams, with brand new Metal Seat Backrest Frames and Plywood Seat Cushion Bases. Please contact us for further details/prices.