Low Back Seat Cover, Black, Fits Most Fiberglass Seats

OVERVIEW

Transform your cockpit from a raw, industrial shell into a comfortable and professional-looking interior with the EMPI Low Back Seat Cover in classic black. Designed specifically for the air-cooled enthusiast who demands both value and functionality, this seat cover is the perfect solution for finishing off those bare fiberglass or impact plastic seat shells. Whether you are building a weekend sand rail, a street-legal Meyers Manx clone, or a rugged Baja Bug, you know that raw fiberglass can be unforgiving on long drives. This economy cover provides a much-needed layer of cushioning and a sleek, uniform appearance that ties your entire interior together without breaking the bank. It is engineered to withstand the rigors of off-road environments while maintaining a clean, traditional look that complements any VW-based project.

The beauty of the EMPI AC851100C lies in its universal approach to the classic low-back bucket design. Crafted from durable, weather-resistant materials, it features a quilted pattern that doesn''t just look greatit also helps with airflow and prevents the "sticky" feeling often associated with vinyl seating in high temperatures. Because it fits most standard low-back fiberglass shells found in the industry, you won''t have to worry about proprietary fitment issues. This cover is designed to slip over the shell easily, providing an instant upgrade to your vehicle''s ergonomics and aesthetics. When you are bouncing through the dunes or cruising the local car show, having a finished seat makes a world of difference in your overall driving experience. Don''t settle for a bare shell when you can have the comfort and style that EMPI has been delivering to the Volkswagen community for decades.

FITMENT

This seat cover is designed as a universal fit for most standard low-back fiberglass and impact plastic seat shells commonly used in air-cooled VW applications, including:

• Meyers Manx & Classic Dune Buggies: All years utilizing standard low-back bucket shells.
• Sand Rails & Desert Cars: Fits most Chenowth, Berrien, and custom tube chassis seats.
• Baja Bugs: Ideal for lightweight racing seats used in Beetle conversions.
• Street Rods & Kit Cars: Compatible with various fiberglass bucket seats found in Bradley GTs, Pumas, and more.
• EMPI & T-Bones Style Shells: Specifically tailored for the most common low-back seat profiles in the aftermarket.

SPECS

• Part Number: AC851100C
• Brand: EMPI
• Material: Heavy-duty automotive-grade vinyl with foam backing.
• Color: Deep Black with traditional quilted stitching.
• Seat Style: Low Back (standard bucket height).
• Compatibility: Fits fiberglass, poly, and impact-resistant plastic shells.
• Padding: Integrated foam layer for enhanced lumbar and sit-bone comfort.
• Attachment: Designed for a snug, slip-on fit over the edges of the shell.
• Weather Resistance: UV-treated vinyl to resist cracking and fading in open-top vehicles.

PRO TIPS

1. The Sun Is Your Best Tool for Installation

Before you attempt to pull these covers over your fiberglass shells, let them sit in the direct sunlight for about 20 to 30 minutes. The heat will soften the vinyl and the internal foam, making it significantly more pliable. This allows you to stretch the cover tightly over the edges of the shell for a wrinkle-free, professional finish. If you try to install them cold, you risk tearing the stitching or leaving unsightly gaps in the corners. A warm cover is a happy cover, and it will mold itself to the unique contours of your specific seat shell much more effectively.

2. Custom Padding for Long-Distance Comfort

While these EMPI covers come with built-in padding, many off-roaders find that adding a secondary layer of 1/2-inch high-density upholstery foam directly to the fiberglass shell before installing the cover can work wonders. Use a light spray adhesive to tack the extra foam to the shell, then pull the EMPI cover over both. This "double-padding" technique is a favorite among sand rail owners who spend 8+ hours in the seat. It fills out the cover even better, giving it a high-end "puffy" look while providing extra shock absorption for those hard landings in the whoops.

3. Secure the Perimeter for High-Speed Use

In open-top dune buggies or sand rails, wind turbulence can sometimes catch the edges of a slip-on seat cover. To ensure your covers stay exactly where you put them, even at highway speeds or during trailer transport, consider using a few small dots of industrial-strength hook-and-loop (Velcro) tape or a bead of automotive trim adhesive along the underside of the shell lip. This provides that extra bit of security so the cover doesn''t shift or "balloon" while you are driving. Always make sure the fiberglass surface is cleaned with isopropyl alcohol before applying any adhesive to ensure a permanent bond.