CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: upscope757 on October 03, 2013, 10:51:47 PM
-
Any thoughts/recommendations on whether I should tackle the re-upholstering of my deluxe seats considering the fact that I have never done it before? Is there a knack that only the pro's have or can a guy watch a youtube video and figure it out?
I have the new cushions and seat covers already. I also have the hooks and pliers needed.
A local guy, who is very reputable, told me that for him to do it, with me providing all materials, would run me $225 for the front seats.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Matt
-
It is not hard but you MUST have an obsession for details to have a good end result.
Most folks are intimidated but if you take your time, make sure you are in a warm place so the covers are supple, and have a good pair of hog ring pliers, and a set that are at an angle you can do it with no issues. Just take your time. Study the originals as you tear them down, take lots of pictures for reference.
-
Thank you very much! My wife says, "Just pay the guy!" (kinda cool actually to have that kind of support).
I also did find two 20+ minute videos on youtube by National Parts Depot where they do a pretty detailed job on a pair of '67 deluxe seats no less.
I think I am going to give it a shot.
Really appreciate the guidance.
-
There is a big difference (mostly measured in self satisfaction) between:
1) 'that' is a good job and looks nice.....
and 2) 'that' is a good job and looks nice, AND I DID IT... '.. :)
-
Hanging out with you guys is good for the soul... 8)
-
Let your wife help you.. and both of you will get some satisfaction from a 'job well done'. :)
-
You know... she is a professional seamstress... could probably use that skill set...
-
My wife did the complete interior on our 67. My help was to take everything out, to include headliner and carpet; and "go away" until it was done. I'm a get it done yesterday guy, and she said, "I'll do it." She is very particular how things are done. Came out great and I always give her the credit for a fine job at every show or cruise we go to. I couldn't have done it without her. ;D
-
I just did the interior in my 68 standard. I found that there are a lot of materials involved in doing an upholstery job. I had to get a roll of cotton, paper covered wire, cheese cloth, good burlap, jute, felt, synthetic batting, "s" springs, adhesive, etc. Also, have plenty of curse words on hand, you may use a lot of them. A 1lb box of hog rings was barely enough for me as I wasted a bunch of them trying to get them through all the layers of foam, cotton, and burlap. I guess my hands aren't strong enough. I also had to repair broken springs in both front seats and do some minor weld repairs on the seat backs where the sheet metal had torn a bit. I am very glad that I did the job myself but I don't know if I saved any money or have any wits left over. If you are only doing your front seats it will likely be a fun job but just be prepared to run into a few llittle snags along the way. I used Legendary seat covers and they are very nice but I had to add a lot of cotton and batting over the new foam to get them tight. Also, unlike the Youtube guys, I reassembled everything on my seats exactly as they came apart with the same type materials with the exception of the synthetic batting. I'll check and see if I have any useful pictures.
John
-
More solid advice. The back seat seems to be a more challenging proposition. Where is a good local place to grab the hog rings and angled pliers? Is that something Lowe's would have?
-
Its likley! I just saw hog rings and pliers on the Home Depot website.
I thought the back seats were much easier because they had fewer listings in the center of the seat and the springs were in better shape due to less use.
John
-
The Key for me was I did it myself and they looked,,,,OK.
Two Critical ideas: Have a warm area as others have pointed out the materials are much easier to work with when supple (sp?) and pliable. You WILL need two sets of hands to do this. Others will claim they did all alone, but the job is a huge pain w/o 4 hands at the ready.
Go for it.
Jim
-
I agree with the wife Just pay someone who knows what they are doing and you do something else on the car that you know what to do