I am making up a set of custom seats for my coupe with custom covers from Autos International. I know that there have been different opinions expressed as to whether the lower portions of the seat backs need to be cut to fit over the seat backs and padding. I will be using horsehair pads and was wondering if the cutting is necessary, since once you cut you can't go back. Of course I also don't want to risk stretching the covers and tearing the stitching.
Wisdom from the experienced is appreciated!
Mark
Front Seat Upholstery
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Front Seat Upholstery
Mark Reich
'61 T5B Super Coupe - Heron Grey
'18 911 Carrera - Miami Blue
'61 T5B Super Coupe - Heron Grey
'18 911 Carrera - Miami Blue
- Emil Wojcik
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Re: Front Seat Upholstery
The factory originally cut a slit up both sides of the cover but you don't need to.
You can place the seatback in a large black garbage bag and suck the air out with a vacuum, compressing the foam and making it possible to slide the cover over it. Then you tear the bag apart and pull it out after the cover is in place. That's how I did it when I recovered mine. You'll need a helper to hold the bag on the vacuum while you pull the cover on. It will still be a tight fit and you may pop a stitch or two but it's pretty easy to do.
You can place the seatback in a large black garbage bag and suck the air out with a vacuum, compressing the foam and making it possible to slide the cover over it. Then you tear the bag apart and pull it out after the cover is in place. That's how I did it when I recovered mine. You'll need a helper to hold the bag on the vacuum while you pull the cover on. It will still be a tight fit and you may pop a stitch or two but it's pretty easy to do.
Emil Wojcik
'64 356C Euro coupe
'78 MGB
'86 Jaguar XJ6 Series 3
'94 MB E420
'64 356C Euro coupe
'78 MGB
'86 Jaguar XJ6 Series 3
'94 MB E420
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Re: Front Seat Upholstery
Thank you, I do remember this suggestion.
Is there a real downside to making slits that are covered by the seat hinges?
Mark
Is there a real downside to making slits that are covered by the seat hinges?
Mark
Mark Reich
'61 T5B Super Coupe - Heron Grey
'18 911 Carrera - Miami Blue
'61 T5B Super Coupe - Heron Grey
'18 911 Carrera - Miami Blue
- Doug McDonnell
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Re: Front Seat Upholstery
Mark Go to a dry cleaners and get a couple of their clothes covers. Easier to tear off than garbage bags.
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.
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Re: Front Seat Upholstery
Good suggestion, Doug. I assume you have had success? My covers are custom (tartan insert) so I don't want to risk damaging them.
Thanks.
Mark
Thanks.
Mark
Mark Reich
'61 T5B Super Coupe - Heron Grey
'18 911 Carrera - Miami Blue
'61 T5B Super Coupe - Heron Grey
'18 911 Carrera - Miami Blue
- Doug McDonnell
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Re: Front Seat Upholstery
4 pages to read before you start: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=376
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.
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Re: Front Seat Upholstery
Great stuff, Doug. Thanks for the link. I read these a while back, but will need a refresh.
Do you think the vacuum trick will work with horsehair pads? I don't know if those compress like the foam.
Mark
Do you think the vacuum trick will work with horsehair pads? I don't know if those compress like the foam.
Mark
Mark Reich
'61 T5B Super Coupe - Heron Grey
'18 911 Carrera - Miami Blue
'61 T5B Super Coupe - Heron Grey
'18 911 Carrera - Miami Blue
- Doug McDonnell
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Re: Front Seat Upholstery
It won't hurt to use that system.
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.
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- 356 Fan
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Re: Front Seat Upholstery
I will try it. I would very much rather not cut the covers.
Thanks, Doug.
Mark
Thanks, Doug.
Mark
Mark Reich
'61 T5B Super Coupe - Heron Grey
'18 911 Carrera - Miami Blue
'61 T5B Super Coupe - Heron Grey
'18 911 Carrera - Miami Blue