How to pad seats?

Hippie · Post by **Hippie** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 5:26 am

How hard is it to re-pad the original low-back front seats in a '69 Bus?
The frames and springs are OK, I think. The upholstry is pretty good, but the padding is shot.
I would like to carefully remove the seat covers, re-pad, and put them back together. I know nothing of upholstry and have never even seen a pair of "hog-ring pliers" in person.
Thanks.

Rob

dtrumbo · Post by **dtrumbo** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 5:40 am

I just did this with my '78. I replaced both bottom and backs in the front seats and it went very well. I can't speak directly to the '69, but I would imagine the procedure is similar. The trick to any of it is doing it on a warm day or in a warm room so the vinyl is a little more flexible and stretchy! The other trick is by compressing the springs, you create the slack you need to stretch the upholstery enough to get over the hooks and the like.

If you're ordering from them anyway, I suggest you get the "how-to" DVD from Wolfsburg West. The section on upholstery uses an old beetle seat for the example, but the concept applies to all VW seats. I also like their coconut seat pads too.

http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/Detai ... cfm?ID=DVD

http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/Detai ... ?ID=HOGKIT

http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/Detai ... 211881775C

bretski · Post by **bretski** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 6:25 am

WW should send you the DVD when you order the pads. If not, let me know, and I'll send you mine...

dtrumbo · Post by **dtrumbo** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 7:18 am

bretski wrote:WW should send you the DVD when you order the pads. If not, let me know, and I'll send you mine...

Yes, they will. I forgot to mention that.

Hippie · Post by **Hippie** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 12:14 pm

Thats great news. Thanks, guys.
The video is exactly what I need.

I like WW for parts, too.
Even their body repair panels are thicker that most.

pjalau · Post by **pjalau** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:39 am

The Video was very helpful when we recovered some seats last weekend. I've got an almost complete one here.

More pics here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjalau/set ... 142992570/

chitwnvw · Post by **chitwnvw** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:15 am

You have a nice looking bus, PJ. Why was your helper wearing sunglasses? Or are those safety glasses in case a hog ring goes hogwild!

MeyerII · Post by **MeyerII** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:46 am

I've done it before, on my '63. I had to fix the springs, then I had them media blasted and - what the hell - powdercoated. I used Wolfsburg West horse hair pads and garden-variety TMI seat covers. BUT: I used some fluffy cotton baffle over the horsehair for extra comfort - I would recommend it.

I remember seeing a nice step-by-step 'how-to' out there ... its where I got the idea for the cotton ... hmmmmm ....

Ah shoot. I looked but can't find it. Sorry.

I do remember somebody recommending a light silicone spray on the inside of the seat cover, in case you find you have difficutly stretching the material over the frame, but I didn't need it.

Randy in Maine · Post by **Randy in Maine** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:49 am

Roughly how many yards of material would be required to re-upholster a single bucket seat?

Any idea?

I am getting ready to take an upoholstery class and need to order up some material.

bretski · Post by **bretski** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:03 am

Randy in Maine wrote:Roughly how many yards of material would be required to re-upholster a single bucket seat?

Any idea?

Not counting the vinyl, about 1 yard of fabric for a bay seat. A bit more for vanagon seats, if you've installed a set of those.

Randy in Maine · Post by **Randy in Maine** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:24 am

Thank you!

I picked up a suitable Pfaff sewing machine from the 60's that is set up to do canvas and upholstery so I though I would put it to good use.

chitwnvw · Post by **chitwnvw** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:40 am

Randy in Maine wrote: I am getting ready to take an upoholstery class and need to order up some material.

Very cool, Randy. I might enroll in one myself, as soon as I get done with the welding class.

static · Post by **static** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:42 am

What great photographs, pjalau! You must have had a very talented photographer.

pjalau · Post by **pjalau** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:32 pm

I had an OK photographer, he was kinda busy watching his dog and surfing the net though. :)

But his passenger seat... that was a site to behold - gorgeous. and comfy.

Speaking of seats, I have one more to go tomorrow.

-Peter

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Itinerant Air-Cooled

How to pad seats?

How to pad seats?