Ordering TMI seat covers. This seems tricky. We have an early S Beetle which has no headrests, and is the original trim.

The TMI kits that seem to match are the American 66-67 Basketweave, which appear to be same seat. The earlier ones have a different shape, and any later ones have headrests.

So is it the 66-67 Basketweave seat trims that suit the 68-70 Australian models?

Has anyone ordered a front set and fitted them to ensure that is the correct trim?

Fitting them is not a problem, we do trimming at our work and have the skilled people and the equipment to fit them properly.

Hi Pete.
You are correct. I purchased the 66 to 67 basket weave in red for my 69.
Good quality and pretty close to original. The US introduced the high back seats in 68.

TMI interior

Apart from the material pattern the beading around the edge changes. (later over the shoulder and down the back of the seat and early over the top of the seat)

The rear seats of 67 and earlier were different design both here and overseas but it shouldn't affect the fitting of upholstry as the overall shape is the same.

Just means you will have to add some extra holes for the latching system.

Yes the piping is different to the original factory cover
the welding seam on the originals stopped short of the top of the back, also you do have to cut a slit to accommodate for the release lever.

I have noticed that some replacement covers that are factory correct,(check out busnbug site) but do not match the rear pattern.(weld seams go all the way over the top section).

I got the TMI 66-67 basketweave. They look good, and the only small difference is that the weld seam lines go up and over the top, instead of stopping short of the top. Not a big enough difference for me to worry about.

I got one new coconut fibre base for the drivers side.

Looking on Youtube, it appears there is 'burlap' over the spring base, held on with hog clips. Can an alternative product be used in that place, and can it be held on with wire wrapped instead?

Just remember I am a panel beater/ maker. Trimming is a little new to me.

TMI products best quality available

I need to do the same for my 68. So it looks like I need to also order the US 66-67 TMI kit.

What's the opinion on the seat pockets? I assume that there was only a pocket on the driver's side of the bug when delivered, so that means the only TMI option is to get the ones with pockets on both sides.

Similarly about the carpets as I don't believe there are any repro rubber mats left anywhere.

I'd like to keep it as original as possible, but I guess the seat cards and mats will never be able to be "original" as delivered.

I am fitting the covers at the moment and they are fitting and looking good. The drivers side seat back springs were worse than originally thought, but I will see how my hunt for them goes.