High Back Poly Seat Cover, Black

OVERVIEW

When you''re out on the dunes or hitting the trails in your air-cooled beast, the last thing you want is the fatigue that comes from sitting on a bare plastic shell for hours on end. The EMPI High Back Poly Seat Cover in classic black is designed specifically to solve that problem, providing a layer of cushioned comfort that transforms your economy poly seat into a throne fit for off-road royalty. Crafted with the rugged durability that the EMPI name is known for, this cover features a heavy-duty vinyl construction that is built to withstand the harsh elements of the desert, the beach, or the mountain trail. It isn''t just about comfort, though; it''s about providing that finished, professional look to your interior that separates a basic project car from a high-quality build. The deep black finish offers a timeless aesthetic that complements any paint job or roll cage color, making it a versatile choice for any enthusiast.

This seat cover is engineered for a precision fit on standard economy high-back poly shells, ensuring that the material stays taut and doesn''t slip or bunch up during aggressive driving maneuvers. The vertical pleated design doesn''t just look sharpit also provides a bit of extra grip to keep you planted in the seat while navigating technical terrain. Installation is straightforward and secure thanks to the integrated chrome snaps, which offer a solid hold and a touch of vintage flair that looks right at home in a classic VW-based machine. Whether you are building a dedicated sand rail, a street-legal Manx-style buggy, or a rugged Baja Bug, this black poly seat cover is the most affordable and effective way to upgrade your seating experience without the massive expense of custom upholstery. It is the perfect blend of utility, style, and air-cooled tradition.

FITMENT

This EMPI High Back Poly Seat Cover is designed for universal application on "Economy Style" high-back poly seat shells. It is a staple for the following vehicles and custom builds:

• VW Beetle: Custom off-road and street-strip applications using poly shells.
• VW Baja Bug: Ideal for rugged interiors where weather resistance is required.
• Dune Buggies: Perfect for Manx, Meyers, and various fiberglass body styles.
• Sand Rails: The standard choice for tubular chassis sand cars and woods buggies.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Used in custom interior conversions for better lateral support.
• Karmann Ghia: Custom race-inspired or budget-friendly interior restorations.
• Trikes: Frequently used on VW-powered three-wheelers with high-back seating.
• Manx-style Clones: Fits almost all standard economy high-back shells from various manufacturers.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the EMPI AC851103C High Back Poly Seat Cover:

• Part Number: AC851103C (Alternate: 62-2310-0).
• Color: Classic Satin Black.
• Material: Weather-resistant, heavy-duty padded vinyl.
• Style: High-back bucket seat cover.
• Attachment Type: Chrome-plated snap-on fasteners.
• Stitching: Vertical pleated (ribbed) design for improved comfort and airflow.
• Compatibility: Designed specifically for economy-style poly seat shells.
• Weight: Approximately 1.75 lbs.
• Cleanability: Easy-to-wipe surface resistant to sand, dust, and light moisture.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Perfect Snap Alignment

When installing this cover for the first time, don''t rush the snap placement. If your poly shell isn''t pre-drilled for snaps, start by centering the cover at the very top of the seat. Secure the top snaps first, then pull the material taut toward the bottom. Use a grease pencil or marker to mark the center of each snap hole on the shell while the material is under slight tension. This ensures the cover doesn''t sag or develop wrinkles once you start bouncing around on the trail. A tight fit not only looks better but prevents the snaps from tearing out under the weight of the driver.

Tip 2: Combat UV and Heat

Since most poly seats are used in open-top vehicles like sand rails and buggies, they are constantly exposed to direct sunlight. While the vinyl is durable, treating your new seat covers with a high-quality UV protectant (like 303 Aerospace Protectant) once a month will prevent the black vinyl from fading to gray and keep the material from becoming brittle. Additionally, if you park your buggy in the sun, throw a light-colored towel over the black seat covers. Black vinyl absorbs heat rapidly, and a few minutes of direct summer sun can make the seat uncomfortably hot for the driver!

Tip 3: Cold Weather Installation

If you are installing these covers in a cold garage or during the winter months, the vinyl can be quite stiff and difficult to stretch over the shell. To make the process much easier, place the seat covers in a warm room or even in a clothes dryer on "low heat" for about 5 to 10 minutes before installation. This softens the vinyl and the internal padding, allowing you to pull the cover tightly over the poly shell for a "drum-tight" finish. Just be careful not to overheat them; you want them warm and pliable, not hot enough to melt the synthetic backing.