Replacing Seat Covers
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Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Pacifica CA
Replacing Seat Covers
I just finished re-dying my seat clam shell covers and am about to replace the seat cover/foam cushions. My question is it easier to install new covered cushions with the seats assembled out of the vehicle or should I install them with the seats assemblies already bolted in the vehicle first? 
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Summerville SC
Joe, it's a lot easier to take them out of the car and then take the seat itself apart, bottom and back. You'll need to get on the back end of the cushion to put in the hog rings that hold the upholstery in place. Lay a big blanket out on the table so you don't scratch up the new covers. good luck.
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
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From: Rockford, IL
Joe, it's a lot easier to take them out of the car and then take the seat itself apart, bottom and back. You'll need to get on the back end of the cushion to put in the hog rings that hold the upholstery in place. Lay a big blanket out on the table so you don't scratch up the new covers. good luck.
I couldn't imagine the trouble I would have had trying to put the new seat covers and foam in while the seat was still in the car! Hog ring pliers are a must, regular pliers can work, but it's going to be awful. Harbor Freight has some cheap ones.
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Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Pacifica CA
Joe, it's a lot easier to take them out of the car and then take the seat itself apart, bottom and back. You'll need to get on the back end of the cushion to put in the hog rings that hold the upholstery in place. Lay a big blanket out on the table so you don't scratch up the new covers. good luck.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
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For what it's worth, the covered seat foam cushions that I bought are already assembled(no hog rings to deal with). I just have to snap the cushions into the clam shell wire retainers. I thought I read somewhere that when replacing new foam covered cushions as an assembled unit that it might be easier with the seat securely mounted so that you have something solid to leverage against while trying to position the wires into the retainers. Has anybody done it this way before?
Not sure what all goes into installing them yourself but maybe you could bolt the seats to a work bench or something rather than keep them bolted in the car....that might give you more room to work around them.
Just a thought........
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Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Pacifica CA
While I'm doing the seat thing now, does anyone know where I can get replacement seat hinge inertia weight/cams? Or do most of you just remove this item, since this causes the seats not to fold down at times 
; can these be repaired? I am missing two of these weights out of my four seat hinges.
; can these be repaired? I am missing two of these weights out of my four seat hinges.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I've done it both ways. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. You do have more "navigation" space with the seats out of the car.
The trick to snagging the clips is to hold your tongue in exactly the right spot.
The trick to snagging the clips is to hold your tongue in exactly the right spot.
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From: Pacifica CA
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Somers New York
I modded an old screwdriver as shown to install new seat covers on new foam on my 79. Did it with the seats out of the car and top and bottom separated. Redoing the seats was a much easier job than replacing the carpets.
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From: Pacifica CA
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 79
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From: Pacifica CA
While I'm doing the seat thing now, does anyone know where I can get replacement seat hinge inertia weight/cams? Or do most of you just remove this item, since this causes the seats not to fold down at times ; can these be repaired? I am missing two of these weights out of my four seat hinges.
; can these be repaired? I am missing two of these weights out of my four seat hinges.