Re: [T3] [T3]advice for recovering front seats

["Steven Ayres" <comwest@att.net>]

GregM=> What else do I need to get besides just the
=> covers?

You'll certainly want fresh pads. You might be able to get OEM-style
horsehair, which would be cool, but I'm perfectly happy with the foam I got
from Sewfine.

I know Greg's hip to this, but for those who haven't taken on this sort of
job before: When you take your seats apart, DON'T THROW ANYTHING AWAY, no
matter how trivial it seems, until you've got the seats back together and
installed. Study the structure carefully as you disassemble so you can build
it the same way. For example, there's usually a thin rod looped into the
lower edge of the back cover that often gets thrown away with the old one
and doesn't come with the new one.

Supplies you'll need:
New hog rings, hog pliers if you don't have 'em
Some strong waxed cord for tying stuff in place
Spring webbing to keep the springs from eating into the padding
   (traditionally, jute; I used that heavy plastic sunshade
   material you can get by the yard at hardware stores)
A couple of those thin plastic full-length bags from the dry cleaner
   (slip one of these over the assembled seat back and
   pad and it's a lot easier to slide the new cover on;
   upholsterers will also often use a special silicone spray
   for this sort of thing)

Other: You'll want to clean up and repaint the seat frames, most likely,
limber up and lube the recliner, clean and straighten your tracks, etc.

Steven Ayres, Prescott AZ
'66 Big Ghia


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