pointers needed to reskin seats
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 492
Likes: 3
From: Temecula CA
I do believe the 77 seats are very similar to my 72 coupe. I re-did mine and they came out very nice. (I wish I could post pictures as easily as I can upholster!) I grew up in an upholstery shop, so I have a little experience. It is definitely a do-it -yourself project if you have a few hand tools and a little know-how. I got the install kit with my covers, but if your originals are in good shape you can re-use them.
As far as the foam, if it is in good shape you can reuse it. I reused mine, but I added a layer of 1/2 inch sheet foam with contact cement and it filled out the new covers really nicely. Also, add a layer of burlap or muslin to the back of the foam cushions, and you won't get that annoying shredded foam on your carpet anymore!
When you take the covers off, you will notice the wires that hook on the back of the covers and pull them into the recesses in the foam. Note that they are different lengths at different spots in the cover. They make a tool to pull the wires through the foam, but I made one out of a coat-hanger.
The bottoms are easier to do than the backrests, so start with them first. The little clips that hold the cover to the frame are a little tricky, but note how they attach on the original. At first it will seem upside down, but they are ingenious little devices that held my originals for 35 years!
The trick to the backrests is to assemble the cover to the foam without the metal frame in. Get the foam worked up into the cover before you slide the frame in from the bottom. Be careful with the bare frames, as they have very,very sharp edges that will cut you and your new covers like a razor!
Two general hints that I am sure you've heard are 1: Let the covers sit out in the sun to get soft, and 2: Pop for some good hog ring pliers. They will save some aggravation.
My Willcox covers came with an instruction sheet that was really helpful. Good luck and I hope I wasn't too long-winded!
Temvette72
As far as the foam, if it is in good shape you can reuse it. I reused mine, but I added a layer of 1/2 inch sheet foam with contact cement and it filled out the new covers really nicely. Also, add a layer of burlap or muslin to the back of the foam cushions, and you won't get that annoying shredded foam on your carpet anymore!
When you take the covers off, you will notice the wires that hook on the back of the covers and pull them into the recesses in the foam. Note that they are different lengths at different spots in the cover. They make a tool to pull the wires through the foam, but I made one out of a coat-hanger.
The bottoms are easier to do than the backrests, so start with them first. The little clips that hold the cover to the frame are a little tricky, but note how they attach on the original. At first it will seem upside down, but they are ingenious little devices that held my originals for 35 years!
The trick to the backrests is to assemble the cover to the foam without the metal frame in. Get the foam worked up into the cover before you slide the frame in from the bottom. Be careful with the bare frames, as they have very,very sharp edges that will cut you and your new covers like a razor!
Two general hints that I am sure you've heard are 1: Let the covers sit out in the sun to get soft, and 2: Pop for some good hog ring pliers. They will save some aggravation.
My Willcox covers came with an instruction sheet that was really helpful. Good luck and I hope I wasn't too long-winded!
Temvette72
Last edited by temvette72; Jan 9, 2008 at 11:37 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 34,034
Likes: 222
From: Land of Thunder
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15, '19
You sound like me. I bought the stuff, started taking a seat apart and raised the white flag. Took them to an upholster. A man needs to know his limits.
