Rear Seat & Rear Shelf Cover Kit (Car Set)

What materials are available?

We can manufacture the Rear 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 (folding shelf casing covers 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 Rear Seat Covers as per original specification with Piping around the outer edges of the backrest cover, as well around the pleated panels on the cushions. The BJ8 models featured unique piping on the Seats compared to the earlier Healey models. For Vinyl (Ambla) Seat Covers – the 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.

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 Rear Seat Covers. The small “D” Cushion Tractor Cushion Covers featured small squares on the pleated panels, as per the Front Seats. The Backrest featured larger squares as per the Quarter Panel Wheelarch Covers. Please note that this embossed pattern is only original for the Ambla (Vinyl) versions of the Seat Covers.

Did the original Rear Seat Covers change much between Vinyl covers versus LeatherFaced / all Leather versions?

Yes, for the BJ8 models, the Rear Seats varied quite a bit depending on what material they were supplied in. In addition to the changes to the Piping and HF Weld Embossed pattern stated above, the actual styling of the Backrest Panel of the Rear Seat changed between Vinyl covers and covers with elements of Leather…

The Vinyl kits included the large square HF Weld embossed pattern for the Rear Seat Backrest main panel. However, when this same area was made with Leather – then the Healey production line reverted back to a Pleated Panel style finish in this area, akin to the earlier Healey Rear Seats.

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.

Does this kit include the material to re-trim the Rear Deck Surround Area and Fold-Down Shelf area?

Yes, we include a variety of pre-cut loose materials for re-trimming the bodywork of the Rear Deck area and the plywood folding hinged shelf area. We also include some pre-cut 3mm scrim-backed nylon foam for padding in applicable areas.

Is the Carpet for the folding Rear Shelf area included?

Yes, this is included as part of the Rear Seat Kit. We will make this piece in the same material as the main carpet set, if you are ordering this Carpet Set from us. Otherwise, it would be supplied in Nylon, Karvel or Deluxe Wool depending on your stated preference.

Does the Seat Cover kit include the tabs for the holding the folding shelf in place?

Yes. These tabs are supplied in Leather as per original specification. They include pre-cut cut pilot holes for the fixings. Note that this is supplied in one piece; simply cut this in half to create two tabs ready to fit to your assembly unit.

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 plywood folding shelf for the Backrest section, and metal cushion pans for the “D” tractor seats. Please contact us for further details/prices.