High Back Seat Cover, Black, Fits Most Fiberglass Seats

OVERVIEW

Transform your raw fiberglass bucket seats into a comfortable and professional-looking interior with the EMPI High Back Seat Cover in classic black. Designed specifically for the rugged demands of the air-cooled VW community, this seat cover is the go-to solution for dune buggy enthusiasts, sand rail pilots, and Baja Bug builders who want to bridge the gap between minimalist racing utility and everyday driving comfort. Whether you are finishing a fresh Meyers Manx clone or refreshing a decades-old woods buggy, these covers provide an immediate aesthetic upgrade while protecting your back from the unforgiving surface of a bare fiberglass shell. The high-back design ensures full coverage from the base to the headrest, giving your cockpit a cohesive and finished appearance that is synonymous with the golden era of off-road Volkswagen culture.

Engineered for durability and ease of maintenance, this economy seat cover is crafted from heavy-duty automotive-grade vinyl that can withstand the harsh UV rays of the desert and the occasional splash from a muddy trail. The sleek black finish provides a timeless look that complements any paint scheme, while the integrated padding offers just enough cushion to dampen the vibrations of a high-revving flat-four engine. Installing these covers doesn''t just improve the ergonomics of your ride; it prevents the "sliding" effect often experienced on bare gel-coat surfaces, keeping you firmly planted in the pilot''s seat during spirited cornering or off-road maneuvers. When it comes to maximizing the value of your interior restoration, EMPI remains the industry standard for combining affordability with the authentic VW look you crave.

FITMENT

This high-back seat cover is designed to be a universal fit for most standard-width fiberglass high-back bucket seats commonly used in air-cooled applications. While it is a "universal" style, it is specifically tailored for the following vehicles and chassis types:

• VW Dune Buggies: Including Meyers Manx, EMPI Imp, Berrien, and various "T" Buggy bodies.
• VW Sand Rails: Fits most tubular frame sand rails utilizing standard 18-inch wide fiberglass buckets.
• VW Baja Bugs: Ideal for modified Type 1 Beetles using aftermarket fiberglass race seats.
• Custom VW Kit Cars: Fits Bradley GT, Sterling, and other kits using high-back fiberglass seating shells.
• Generic Fiberglass Shells: Compatible with most 18" to 19" wide high-back shells found in the off-road industry.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI (Industry leader in air-cooled VW performance).
• Part Number: AC851101C.
• Material: Heavy-duty, weather-resistant automotive vinyl.
• Color: Deep Black with a textured finish for grip.
• Padding: Integrated foam backing for enhanced driver comfort.
• Style: High-back bucket configuration (One-piece design).
• Installation Type: Slip-on design with securing mechanism (drawstring or elasticized edge).
• Weight: Approximately 2.06 lbs.

PRO TIPS

1. The Sunlight Installation Secret

Vinyl is notoriously stubborn when it is cold, which can make getting a tight, wrinkle-free fit over your fiberglass shell a difficult task. For the best results, place your new seat covers in direct sunlight for 20 to 30 minutes before you attempt to install them. The heat will soften the vinyl and the foam backing, making the material significantly more pliable. Once the cover is warm, stretch it over the seat shell immediately. As the vinyl cools down, it will naturally shrink slightly, creating a "drum-tight" finish that looks like a professional custom upholstery job rather than a slip-on cover.

2. Securing for High-Speed Open Cockpits

If you are running an open-top sand rail or a buggy without a windshield, wind buffeting can sometimes cause seat covers to shift or "balloon" at high speeds. To ensure your covers stay perfectly in place, we recommend adding a few stainless steel snap fasteners to the perimeter of the fiberglass shell and the underside of the cover. This provides a mechanical lock that prevents the wind from getting underneath the material. Always remember to use a small dab of silicone sealant if you drill into your fiberglass shell to prevent any moisture from wicking into the fiberglass matting over time.

3. Enhance Comfort with Custom Foam Inserts

While the EMPI seat cover includes its own integrated padding, long-distance cruises can still be taxing on your back if your fiberglass shell has a particularly aggressive shape. Since these covers are designed to slip over the shell, you have a golden opportunity to add "tuner" foam or lumbar support inserts between the shell and the cover before final fitment. High-density upholstery foam can be trimmed to fit the lumbar or kidney areas of the seat. This allows you to customize the ergonomics of your seat to your specific body type, effectively turning an economy bucket into a custom-tailored racing seat without the high price tag.