Topic: Advice on neoprene seat covers

[mjmudd]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy my son a set of neoprene seat covers for his 94 YJ and wanted to know if anyone has any advice on brands to avoid or if you have had good luck with some?  There is a set of Smittybuilt ones on Ebay that look nice...

Thanks,

Mike

[Eucalypta]

I got the Smittybuilt Neoprene (black/grey) covers (S/B47222) for front seats and rear bench.
Had them installed about 1,5 year ago.
They fitted easy over the original seats and bench, snug fit by the laces.

I use the car for fun drives around town and A LOT for off-road wheeling.
Don't know if the seats get dirtier from the mud and sand while being off-road or from the dirty tools that are tossed on them while working on the car.

They suppose to come off easy for cleaning but I havent had them removed in all those times, just clean them with a wet cloth and let them dry in the sun.

I think they still look like new.

Can recommend them.
Ow, I got a deal with 4wd.com; free rear seat when buying the front seats.

[Jeffy]

Well neoprene seat covers have been around a pretty long time.  The originals were from Wet Okole.  Here's the problem I have with them;

The spandex will fade quickly if not treated with UV protectant.  They stain as well.  Neoprene will start to dry-rot if left untreated.  Did I mention dont leave them out in the sun?

They are not really waterproof in the sense that they keep you dry.  On the contrary, they will absorb water like a sponge so when you sit on them, they will soak into you.  They do however keep your seat dry as the inside backing isn't porous.  That's their main purpose. Keeping the seat dry not you.

You will also want to make sure they are fitted.  Most of the cheap ones have spandex/lycra backing and only neoprene on the front.  This can be a problem if you happen to shift in your seat.
 
My advice would be to go with some Besttop seat covers which are tough denim and will shed water if you want maintenance-free seat covers.  If you're a surfer or driver you'll know how much of a pain it can be to take care of neoprene.

[jagular7]

I have the seatglovers for my front seats. http://seatglovers.com/  I recommend the premium version.

[neale_rs]

I've never understood the use of neoprene.  Isn't it the same thing used to make wetsuits (they let water through)?

[mjmudd]

I appreciate all the feedback...just to clarify, my son is not yet big into 4 wheeling at 16.  The seat covers are going to be mainly used to keep the seats cool in the summer and not so cold in the winter as well as covering up the tears in the drivers side...sweating on vinyl in 100 degree heat with no A/C is no picnic.

Thanks,

[Jeffy]

I appreciate all the feedback...just to clarify, my son is not yet big into 4 wheeling at 16.  The seat covers are going to be mainly used to keep the seats cool in the summer and not so cold in the winter as well as covering up the tears in the drivers side...sweating on vinyl in 100 degree heat with no A/C is no picnic.

Thanks,

Sweaty butt with neoprene isn't that fun either.

[mjmudd]

I would have thought neoprene would have kept you somewhat cool in the summer...if my goal is as stated above, what would be my best option for comfort and good looks without breaking the bank?

Thanks!

[Jeffy]

I would have thought neoprene would have kept you somewhat cool in the summer...if my goal is as stated above, what would be my best option for comfort and good looks without breaking the bank?

Thanks!

Well, if you want seats that stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, I'd go with something breathable.  Problem is, the only seats I know that breath well are suspension seats which aren't cheap.  You could always throw a towel over the seats.  For real protection though I'd still go with the Besttop.

Just be aware that neoprene seat covers do need some maintenance if you want them to last and look good.  Red turns to pink pretty quick but most other colors will fade if you don't use UV protection.

[neale_rs]

I've seen some things that you can put on the seat that are a sort of mesh seat overlay with wire coils inside.  These will allow allow air flow between your body and the seat and would be hard to beat in terms of keeping you off the hot seat.  They will also raise the driver a bit.  They don't have the "cool factor" of neoprene but they do work.

[Bikerjr1]

if you want a waterproof seat cover that breathes then check these out.
http://www.marathonseatcovers.com/
The superhides are about the best cover for a utility vehicle you can get.  We put these on my wife's Tj and she hasn't been able to destroy them, yet.  They aren't cheap but do offer the best protection that I've seen.  They are kinda stiff when you first get them but soften after some time and a washing or two.  The fit is good on the seats.
JR