Seat covers are something that gets fitted to every vehicle I’ve ever had anything to do with. Whether to protect the pristine factory upholstery from my filthy habits or to protect my nether regions from some seriously utilitarian, blazing hot and cracked vinyl seating (looking at you, Lada). Doesn’t matter...they get it.
Back in the 1990's, canvas seat covers became a thing in working fleet trucks. Our vehicles with the Sydney Water fleet started to be fitted with them (mud, sewage and dropped burgers do awful things to seats). One brand started to become synonymous with them - Black Duck. They were well made, well fitted, tough but incredibly expensive...as much as a super premium set of sheepskin covers. So not for everyone.
Moving forward into 2002 when the VW Transporter dual cab rolled into my life. I got in touch with Black Duck to see if I could get a set of covers for it. Sorry...no go and they had no capacity for custom at the time.
In the end, I found another motor trimmer who made canvas seat covers and had done some for a T4 so they had a pattern for the front seats. I supplied some measurements for the rear bench and we were sorted. The fit was more rustic and the canvas lighter and softer than the Black Duck stuff but no matter. It did the job. And it’s still doing the job today 16 years later despite some significant wear.
Now we come to the Nissan Patrol farm ute. The interior is in extremely good shape. My late stepfather may not have cleaned it much but he otherwise looked after it. The driver’s seat had a class 2 sheepskin cover on it but 16 years of wear on that meant it was more rag than cover. The seat material underneath is still fine. So it’s back to Black Duck we go.
A set of grey canvas covers set us back AU$350 including delivery. Other colour choices at this price point were black or tan. Coloured canvas was an extra $55 while a Camo pattern was an extra $90 and both options have longer lead times. They can also be supplied for similar prices in a denim fabric that is softer and more supple (technically more comfortable) but not as durable.
The first surprise was the size of the parcel - a very small cushion of standard satchel. They are very tightly and economically packed. The second surprise was how tightly they fit to the seats. They are cut just right. Getting them on was straightforward and relatively easy but I can’t deny that there was effort involved. Keeping them on are velcro tabs sown onto the canvas or broad velcro tape. Once on...they won’t be coming off in a hurry! Black Duck advise that these things are not machine washable or dry cleanable anyway - just vacuum and wipe them down in situ.
So...they ain’t cheap. But if they last more than 15 years then why is that an issue? This is a vehicle that we expect to continue past that point anyway. Because good things should last. Well worth checking out even if you aren't in Oz.