Low Back Poly Seat Shells, With Black & Blue Seat Cover

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your interior with the rugged durability and striking aesthetics of the Appletree Automotive Low Back Poly Seat Shells, complete with custom-fitted Black and Blue Seat Covers. These seats are the industry standard for off-road enthusiasts who demand a balance between cost-effectiveness and indestructible performance. Whether you are building a dedicated sand rail, a weekend-warrior Baja Bug, or a classic street-bound Dune Buggy, these shells provide a solid foundation that stands up to the elements. The high-density polyethylene construction ensures that these seats won''t rot, rust, or degrade when exposed to moisture, mud, or intense UV rays, making them the superior choice for open-cockpit vehicles where traditional upholstery would fail in a single season.

Comfort and convenience are baked into the design of these economy low-back shells. Each unit features integrated 10mm x 1.5 threaded inserts molded directly into the base, allowing for a straightforward bolt-in installation without the need for complex fabrication or cumbersome through-bolting. The included seat covers aren''t just an afterthought; they feature a vibrant blue center panel contrasted against a deep black surround, providing a professional, finished look that ties your vehicle''s color scheme together. These covers are padded to offer additional support during long days on the trail, and they are specifically tailored to fit the contours of the shell perfectly, ensuring they won''t slip or bunch up when the terrain gets rough.

FITMENT

These seat shells are designed for universal application within the air-cooled VW and off-road community. While they are a "universal" fit, they are most commonly utilized in the following vehicles:

• VW Dune Buggies: Perfect for Manx-style shells, Meyers Manx, and fiberglass kit cars.
• VW Sand Rails: Ideal for tube chassis rails and long-travel desert cars.
• VW Baja Bugs: A favorite for 1954-1979 Beetles converted for off-road use.
• VW Type 181 Thing: Durable replacement for original seats in rugged environments.
• Custom Projects: Widely used in Trikes, Rock Crawlers, and UTV custom builds.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Suitable for custom interior builds requiring a low-profile seating position.

SPECS

• Material: High-density, impact-resistant molded polyethylene.
• Seat Height: 25 inches (Overall height from base to top of backrest).
• Seat Width: 20-1/2 inches (Measured at the widest point of the shell).
• Mounting Hardware: Integrated 10mm x 1.5 threaded inserts for secure fastening.
• Cover Material: Weather-resistant vinyl with foam padding for enhanced comfort.
• Color Scheme: Black outer panels with Blue center inserts.
• Configuration: Low-back design for maximum visibility and classic styling.
• Part Number: AC851102-BLUE.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Perfecting the Cover Installation

To achieve a professional, wrinkle-free finish on your seat covers, we highly recommend letting the covers sit in the direct sun for about 20 to 30 minutes before installation. The heat makes the vinyl material much more pliable and easier to stretch over the poly shell. Once the material is warm, pull it tight over the edges of the shell and secure it. As the vinyl cools, it will shrink slightly, creating a drum-tight fit that looks like it was done by a professional upholstery shop. Never attempt to install cold covers, as you risk tearing the stitching or leaving unsightly sags in the seating surface.

Tip 2: Optimize Your Mounting Geometry

When installing these seats using the 10mm x 1.5 threaded inserts, always use a medium-strength thread locker to prevent the bolts from vibrating loose during high-impact off-road driving. Additionally, consider using a specialized seat slider or a tilted mounting bracket. Because these shells have a fixed back angle, adding a slight 5-to-10-degree rearward tilt to the mounting base can significantly improve lumbar support and overall driver comfort. Ensure your bolts are the correct length; a bolt that is too long can bottom out in the insert and potentially crack the polyethylene surrounding the mounting point.

Tip 3: Longevity and UV Protection

While the polyethylene shells are incredibly resilient, the vinyl seat covers will benefit greatly from regular maintenance, especially in desert environments. We suggest applying a high-quality UV protectant spray (non-silicone based to avoid a slippery surface) to the black and blue vinyl every few months. This prevents the sun from bleaching the vibrant blue center panels and keeps the vinyl from becoming brittle over time. If you are washing your vehicle after a muddy trail ride, remove the covers to allow the shells to dry completely, which prevents mold or mildew from forming between the cover and the plastic shell.