rxse7en

I've been thinking about borrowing the mother-in-law's sewing machine and stitchin' me some new seats. I've tried dyeing the stockers but the crappy velour looks bad and there are a few tears. Has anyone pulled apart their seats and made some templates? If not, I may just do it and see if I can make some nice templates.

Unfortunately, no one in my family can sew—SO—I guess I need to find some books. Knit one, pearl two. Jeez.

I'm thinking about pricing some different grades of leather and fabrics. If I find that it can be done for less than $100 I'm gonna go for it. These won't be covers, rather, replacing the current frabric over the frame and cushions. Wet Okole seat covers would be my next choice...alas, I can't see paying $200 for seat covers on a car I paid $800 for!

If anyone knows anything about upholstering, please, post as many tips, tricks and hints as you can.

Thanks all,
B

rxse7en

Found some links:
http://www.miata.net/garage/upholstery.html
http://www.upholster.com/auto/truck.html
http://www.get-up-and-go.com/wwwboard/messages/765.html

The last thread mentions that pre-cut fabrics are available for most cars. I'll do some more searching for those kits and see how much they go for. I know there are the leather ones that are mentioned here: https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...5&pagenumber=2

I just think $350 is too expensive for "Covers." I want the seats to look stock. I've bought some very high-quality boat vinyl for making the door panels and assorted other panels inside the car and the texture is perfect and and extremely durable.

To oversimplify the above links I believe this job should go as follows:

1. remove seat
2. carefully remove current cover and seperate at seams
3. trace patterns on new material and cut
4. stitch together and pullover frame and foam

Basically, we're looking at <$100 for material (if you can borrow a sewing machine) and probably around a weekend's worth of time.
I think we can save a lot of time for everyone if we create the patterns and post them. If i see that you are interested, I'll go and price the materials tomorrow. I guess I should price leather, vinyl and maybe neoprene? Lemme know.

B

junior-coyote

Make sure your sewing machine can sew your fabric. You will need a heavy duty machine to sew leather and other heavy fabrics. If you don't have any experience sewing, you may find that it will take you more that just a weekend (ie 16 hrs work). Unless you need a special fabric (make sure it will hold up to sun, etc) I would recommend getting a good pair of seats from a junkyard.
Also, you will need hogrings and tools, available from an auto upholstery shop.

DCmina

haha my dad has a upholstery shop and he said I could do it to my car if I do it myself

rxse7en

DCmina,

Are you planning on doing this?

B

tommytsunami

I had a profesional do this for my '88 SE. Balck on Grey - She did all leather (grey) "all around" all new - reinforced padding and extra lumbar in the drivers seat. All this for $500!!!! Woohooo!

TJ

DCmina

Well if you have any questions, just ask. Maybe my dad will know the answers.

as for the material, he told me that leather would be about $350 for 4 seats and vinyl $80 for 4 seats.

rxse7en

Is safe to assume that 2 seats would be half that price?

I'll resurrect this thread in a couple of weeks with pix and info. I've got nothing to lose with these crappy seats.

B

DCmina

yep it would be about half price. My dad's employee is gonna do it for me and I'll help him the most I can. Then we only would have to pay him about $50.