Front Seat Cover Kit (Pair)

Unlike other car manufacturers of this era – Triumph never seemed to settle on a particular Seat assembly design for very long before changing it. This was either led by evolution of design – or in the case of the TR6 – a mix of evolution and legal legislations changes mostly in the North American market. As a result, the Karmann redesigned TR6 models offered five different seat frame and cover designs over its 8 year production era from late 1968 to 1976. Generally classified by North American spec to European spec – before what would turn out to be the final TR6 seat incorporated a design suitable for both of these main markets. All the seats were made using a tubular steel frame design akin to the earlier models – with the first couple of years of production offering seats which only tilted forward (CC & CP before 50k); before a reclining version was introduced circa 1970 onwards (CC & CP Post 50k+ / all CR/Cr models). Throughout all the versions – the same rubber diaphragm and webbing elements were used, acting as a “spring” as per the earlier models. The padding foam kits differed for every version of seat cover redesign. All North American seats featured a provision for a headrest support to coincide with road safety legislation changes in the late 1960s – but this cover design for the head support evolved over the years offering a tilting version (Pre CC50k), a fixed version (Post CC50k+) and a removable version on a stalk tube (CF). The European seats did not feature any headrests until the circa 1973 version, which was shared with the US market version – featuring the removable headrest stalk (CR/CF). Following on from some of the earlier seat designs – the first four designs off the production line featured a removable trimmed hardboard panel on the rear of the backrest squab. This was discontinued for the final seat design, first introduced in late 1973 in favour of the sewn-in soft upholstery finish akin to the TR5/TR250 design.

When it comes to the design and evolution of the the TR6 seats – the cushion base assembly covers ascetically remained very consistent with only very subtle changes, most of which would not be obvious unless you had the different versions side by side. It was the backrest squabs that evolved the most from era to era (1968 – 1970 / 1970 – 1972 / 1973 – 1976), and between the North American exports and European market. All variations included a provision to allow the metal hood framework to pass by without colliding with the seat during the erection and stowage process. This gave the impression of a slightly slanted frame when positioned in the car, which was more obvious on certain designs than others. One common feature between all models was the pleat direction in the centre of the seats switching from vertical/front-to-back, as used on most of the earlier TR models, to a horizontal/side-to-side design. As per the TR5/TR250 seats, these pleats featured an embossed “diamond” pattern on all Vinyl (Ambla) versions of the seats cover all pleated areas. Any leather seats would have left the factory production line with plain non-embossed pleats.

As per the two preceding models – the TR6s were also mostly manufactured using Vinyl (Ambla) for its seat materials; with some cars leaving with Leather covers. It is worth noting that these “Leather” seats would have most likely only have been supplied in Leather on the facings of the seat, with Vinyl backs and surrounding areas. This is commonly referred to as “LeatherFaced” and should not be confused with Full Leather, which JSM can also offer. In a flashback to the TR2 era – all the Piping/Beading was made to match the main trim colour – unlike most of the previous TR models which left with White piping. It is worth keeping in mind that for the TR6 models with chassis numbers starting with “CR” or “CF” (approx 1973 onward) – Triumph updated some of their standard colour offerings for the Trim Panels and Seats to be supplied in an Ambla material with a heavy grain finish – commonly known to as “Rough Grain” (RG) – with others referring to it as “Bubble Grain / 1290 Grain”. As a result of this change, barely any cars of this particular sub-era of production left with leather trimmings.

Templated from the original factory line covers, John has owned various TRs over the years – including a number of TR6s – so these interior trim and seat upholstery kits are tried and tested to great success on his own cars. John Skinner Ltd is one of the only firms to offer the correct RF/HF tooling to replicate the embossed “diamond” pattern – as well as the correct “RG” vinyls for Black, New Tan and Chestnut – first introduced around 1973. This unrivalled knowledge and attention to details is a testament to our dedication to restoring these cars to the highest levels and has led us to become the industry benchmark in quality and finish when restoring your Triumph TR6. Offering made-to-order kits from the widest range of colours and material options on the market – JSM can cater for all requirements whether it be to original factory-line specifications or a more bespoke look – and they arrive ready to be installed to your original seat metal framework by either a professional trimmer, or yourself.

You may wish to consider our seat padding kits, spring base cushion units, diaphragms and webbing kits to achieve the best results.

DETAILS

• Available in Leather or Vinyl (Ambla), or a mixture of these materials.
• Two options of automotive-grade leather available to choose from – “grained” or “smooth” surface finish.
• Genuine “tuck & roll” fluted pleats, into 18mm scrim-backed foam, creating definition in each pleat.
• The piping/beading is made using Leathercloth (Vynide) where available, resulting in a superior looking finish.
• Includes embossed “diamond” pattern on pleated panels as per original specifications – for Vinyl (Ambla) kits only.
• Includes the fully trimmed hardboard backrest “squab” back panels (CP/CC models only).
• Includes loose hardboard recliner and spacers panels (1970> models only).

Why JSM?

• Made in England, only 50 miles away from the original production line.
• We source only the highest quality raw materials to manufacture our products – including leather from Italy and Scotland.
• John Skinners offer the widest range of colour options on the market – including all the correct original colour combinations, as well as many more custom shades.
• Worldwide material and colour samples service is available upon request, to ensure you get the look and finish your car deserves.
• Our kits are manufactured using the same methods and templates that we have used to great success for 40+ years. Rest assured, we know they fit!
• JSM has contributed to various notable Triumph restorations including TS01, and the much-publicised Triumph TR2 “Jabbeke“ MVC575 restoration project. We also worked closely with Mark Macy of Macy’s Garage (USA) on his wife’s TR4 – becoming the only Triumph TR to ever score the perfect 100-point score in the TRA Concours D’Elegance – back in 2018. Mark Macys own TR4 came in second place, at the same show – also with JSM trimmed fitted.
• Access to help and advice when it comes time to fit these re-trim kits – we have been making and fitting these same parts for a long time – we know all the tricks, and we are more than happy to assist you or your trimmer should you get stuck. As noted above, John himself has used this part on a number of his own TRs, so we are well versed in the fitment process.