Front Seat Upholstery

[Mark Reich]

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

[Emil Wojcik]

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.

[Mark Reich]

Thank you, I do remember this suggestion.

Is there a real downside to making slits that are covered by the seat hinges?

Mark

[Doug McDonnell]

Mark Go to a dry cleaners and get a couple of their clothes covers. Easier to tear off than garbage bags.

[Mark Reich]

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

[Doug McDonnell]

4 pages to read before you start: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=376

[Mark Reich]

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

[Doug McDonnell]

It won't hurt to use that system.

[Mark Reich]

I will try it. I would very much rather not cut the covers.

Thanks, Doug.

Mark