Seat Cover

This procedure covers the removal and installation of seat covers on the 1992 Dodge Viper, including disassembly of seat trim components and proper reinstallation to restore original appearance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Seat cover (driver or passenger) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upholstery hog rings × 1 — Replace as needed during reassembly
• Seat trim clips × 1 — Replace any damaged clips

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait at least 2 minutes if equipped with side-impact airbags.
3. Move the seat to the full forward position for access to rear mounting bolts.
4. Take detailed photographs of the seat from multiple angles, focusing on trim panel interfaces and cover attachment points.
5. Prepare a clean workspace for the removed seat to prevent damage to leather or frame components.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Seat from Vehicle
   Move the seat to the full forward position. Locate and remove the two rear seat mounting bolts using a socket wrench. Move the seat to the full rearward position and remove the two front seat mounting bolts. Note: the 1992 Viper uses manual seats with no seat electrical connectors. Carefully lift the seat assembly from the vehicle and place it on a clean, padded work surface.
   Torque spec

   Seat Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove Seat Back Trim Panel
   Locate the trim panel on the rear of the seat back. Using plastic pry tools, carefully release the retaining clips securing the trim panel. The 1992 Viper seat back panel typically uses plastic push clips around the perimeter. Work around the edges systematically to avoid breaking clips. Once all clips are released, lift the panel away from the seat frame and set aside.
3. 3

   Access Seat Cover Attachment Points
   With the trim panel removed, you now have access to the seat cover attachment hardware on the seat back. Locate the hog rings securing the cover to the seat frame wire channels along the perimeter and bottom edge of the seat back. Identify any plastic trim strips or listing wires that secure the cover edges.
4. 4

   Remove Seat Back Cover Hog Rings
   Using hog ring pliers, carefully open and remove each hog ring securing the seat back cover to the frame. Work methodically around the perimeter, counting and documenting the location of each hog ring for reinstallation reference. On the 1992 Viper, expect approximately 12-16 hog rings on the seat back. Store removed hog rings separately if they are in good condition for potential reuse.
5. 5

   Release Seat Back Cover
   Once all hog rings are removed, carefully pull the seat back cover away from the foam padding. The cover may have additional attachment points using listing wires or J-channels that slip into frame grooves. Work the cover free from these attachment points, taking care not to tear the foam backing or damage the seat frame. If the cover is tight, work slowly from top to bottom to release it.
6. 6

   Remove Seat Bottom Cover Attachments
   Flip the seat upside down to access the underside of the seat bottom. Locate the hog rings securing the seat bottom cover to the frame along the perimeter. Using hog ring pliers, remove each hog ring. The seat bottom typically has 10-14 hog rings. Check for any additional fasteners or clips securing the cover at the front and rear edges.
7. 7

   Remove Seat Bottom Cover
   With all hog rings removed, carefully work the seat bottom cover off the foam cushion. The cover edges may be tucked into frame channels or secured with listing wires. Pull the cover free from these attachment points, working around the perimeter until the cover is completely separated from the seat frame. Inspect the foam padding for damage and replace if necessary before installing the new cover.
8. 8

   Prepare New Seat Cover
   Unpack the new seat cover and inspect it for defects or shipping damage. Lay the cover out flat and identify the orientation markers (front, rear, top, bottom). Compare the new cover to the old cover to confirm correct fitment and verify all attachment points align. If the cover is leather, allow it to reach room temperature for easier installation.
9. 9

   Install Seat Bottom Cover
   Position the new seat bottom cover over the foam cushion, aligning it properly with front and rear orientation. Work the cover edges into the frame channels or around the listing wires, ensuring even tension and no wrinkles in the seating surface. Starting at the center rear, secure the cover to the frame using new hog rings with hog ring pliers. Work outward toward the corners, maintaining even tension. Install hog rings at all original attachment points, spacing them evenly to prevent bunching or sagging.
10. 10

    Install Seat Back Cover
    Position the new seat back cover over the foam padding, aligning top and bottom edges with the seat frame. Work the cover edges into the frame channels or around the perimeter wires. Starting at the center bottom, begin securing the cover with hog rings using hog ring pliers. Work upward and outward, maintaining even tension across the cover surface to eliminate wrinkles. Ensure all seams and piping align correctly with the seat contours. Install hog rings at all original attachment points identified during removal.
11. 11

    Inspect Cover Installation
    With all hog rings installed, carefully inspect the seat cover from all angles. Check for wrinkles, uneven tension, or misaligned seams. Verify that all hog rings are properly closed and secure. Gently tug on the cover edges to confirm secure attachment. If any areas show poor tension or alignment, remove the nearby hog rings and adjust the cover position before reinstalling.
12. 12

    Reinstall Seat Back Trim Panel
    Position the seat back trim panel and align it with the mounting locations on the seat frame. Press firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Ensure each clip is fully seated and the panel sits flush against the seat back with no gaps.
13. 13

    Reinstall Seat in Vehicle
    Carefully lift the seat assembly and position it over the mounting holes in the vehicle floor. Reconnect any electrical connectors at the seat base. Install the front mounting bolts finger-tight first, then move the seat rearward and install the rear mounting bolts finger-tight. Torque all four seat mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even clamping force. Note: All seat mounting bolts must be torqued to the factory-specified value (verify against 1992 Viper OEM service manual) as they are safety-critical fasteners.
    ⚠️Seat mounting bolts are safety-critical fasteners. Always torque to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Improper torque can result in seat detachment during a collision.
    Torque spec

    Seat Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Test Seat Operation
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Test the seat by manually moving it through its full range of forward and rearward travel, ensuring smooth operation without binding or interference. Check that the manual slide adjustment functions properly and the seat locks securely in all positions. Inspect the cover for any shifting or bunching during seat movement.

Reassembly

1. Reinstallation follows the reverse of removal with attention to proper hog ring placement and cover tension.
2. All seat mounting bolts must be torqued to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) as they are safety-critical fasteners.
3. Verify that electrical connections are secure before reconnecting the battery.
4. Inspect the completed installation for even cover tension, proper seam alignment, and secure trim panel attachment.

Verification

• Move the seat through its full range of travel and verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noises.
• Inspect the seat cover from all angles to confirm no wrinkles, sagging, or uneven tension.
• Verify all trim panels are securely attached with no loose clips or gaps.
• Confirm all seat mounting bolts are torqued to specification (45 Nm / 33 lb-ft).
• Test seat locking mechanisms in multiple positions to ensure proper engagement.

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