I'm getting close in getting some new seat covers on my 71 bucket seats. the covers are fairly worn and I can seen the foam peaking through the seats in a few places. should I get new foam when I recover these seats? will it be a noticeable difference in comfort with new covers compared the old foam with new covers? should I buy anything else when I get the new seat covers?

I saw dante was having a group buy so I'm trying to get in on that before this Friday.

I always suggest new foam for the bucket seats to my clients. The old foam shrinks over time, plus it eliminates any damage & funky smells.

For the best fit of your new covers, go with new foam.

Other things to consider if you want to get it all at once;

Seat latches & shims.

Bump stops.

Plastic seat backs.

Rear seat divider panel.

With the seats out, it is also a great time for new carpet if needed.

yeah I'm doing carpet. seat backs are in pretty good shape. i'll take a look at the knobs etc.

If I had to do it again, I would replace all the foam. How many times have you heard someone say "I wish I had just stuck with my old foam" ?

A few months ago, I recovered the buckets in my 70 Barracuda and I replaced only the driver's foam. The passenger foam seemed to be in good shape so I did not replace them.

Now, several months later I am not sure why I didn't replace all the foam. The seats all look great but the passenger's foam is less dense so the passengers sit a couple of inches lower now. Also, the 40-year-old foam felt to be in good shape but the plastic was ripped and so they did have some slight odor to them and I had to baby the fabric when I recovered them.

New foam can be a pain from my experiences. I only replace it when I have no choice. If you use good quality covers, then you can make them fit tight on the used foam.

The foam in my 69 Bee was deteriorating and falling out in little pieces. The seats were saging. I bought new foam and had it replaced. The guy that did the work repaired the springs while he had the seats apart. My seats now set and feel like new. Spend the extra cash and get the new foam. You won't be sorry you did.

Best source for new foams?

they are on sale at dante's right now with the moparts group buy.

Be sure that you have the correct seats before ordering anything. Later seats look the same until you get the covering off. I think 72 has similar backs but lack springs. Also make sure you get the correct foam for the upholstery. I found the headrest area is probably the toughest area to get right, it gets pretty tight but it will go. Follow Lengendary's videos especially about marking centers and what to attach first and you should be good. That foam you are seeing may be what is in the upholstery itself. If mine were in good shape, didn't smell and matched the upholstery I would consider using the old ones but the new foam does fit great and is relatively cheap.