My 2003 SCREW XLT preformed extremely well on a recent trip of 2000 miles of hard driving. The vehicle now has about 169,000 miles on it and everything in the interior looks pretty good, except for the seats. The drivers side is especially showing a good bit of wear and tear and has a small split along one seam. The foam is showing through at that point.
My wife is encouraging me to get seat covers but I am torn, seat covers merely cover up the situation and does not fix the not so insignificant issue of the foam starting to break down and sag, or at least it feels that way to my butt.

So the input I am asking for is "should I consider swapping out the seats, getting them reupholstered with new foam (pricey around here) or cover them up with a high quality seat cover? Some of the covers are very pricey and I could probably buy a seat for what they cost."

If I decide to hunt up the salvage yards is there a hardware matching problem between years and models on the F-150?

Now before some smart *** says "The search function is your friend", understand I have searched the forum and many others. But what I desire is a perspective from the 1997 - 2003 group because of the like minded approach to things and the "been there, done that, and got the band aid" crowd.
Thoughts? Input? Derision? Apathy?

 

Just get new seats. It would probably run you about 500 total. Not bad considering some seat covers are 300+. You can use all the existing bolts for your new seats.
Just make sure the seats are the same type. If your belts are on the seat, then get seats with belts on them. Only problem you might run into is if you don't have power seats, and the new ones do. Easy fix, but will add some time to the install.

 

I just put some Saddleman seat covers in my 03 and I absolutly LOVE them. There about $240.00 new from SM. They even have padding in them, very comfy. Highly suggested.

 

Im getting just my 2 front bottom seats recovered in a synthetic leather for $120. He said it will look just like leather but last longer. My top half of the seats are still pretty nice so not gonna fool with them.

 

So do you pictures?

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/in...et-okoles.html

 

Thanks for the input. Still undecided. I think I am going to do some calling around to the local shops (Upholstery) and see what they offer if anything. I am really inclined to do more than just cover the seats. I plan to keep my truck a long time, as is my nature, so I would rather put money into a quality up grade or recover than just buy high end covers, or at least that's my thought at the moment.
I do appreciate those of you who took the time to respond doing so.