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My '64 has an original vinyl interior (dark blue). The shoulder level seam on the driver's seat has let go - look like the threads finally gave out. I've never attempted interior repair. Is this relatively easy to restitch? What material should be used? The vinyl itself looks intact. Should I use some kind of backing to help hold the threads?
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Re: Repairing Seat Seams
Keith----
For a situation like yours, I think I'd probably entrust the repair to an upholsterer experienced in such repairs. Automotive dealers often use the services of such folks during used car detailing, so you might check with a dealer in your area for a referral. I wouldn't expect such a repair to be very expensive. For something like this(and MANY other things), there's NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Repairing Seat Seams
Keith----
For a situation like yours, I think I'd probably entrust the repair to an upholsterer experienced in such repairs. Automotive dealers often use the services of such folks during used car detailing, so you might check with a dealer in your area for a referral. I wouldn't expect such a repair to be very expensive. For something like this(and MANY other things), there's NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Agree With Joe
I do. If you've no experience in pulling seat covers there's a learning curve ahead of you. Since you're talking preserve the original fabric, there's no margin for error. Plus, once you've got the covers off, you'll need a sewing machine capable of HD stitching that your cobbler or local upholstery shop already has.
If you were simply re-doing the seats with reproduction fabric, I'd advise you to jump in, lay hands on, and take the learning curve. But, here you can't simply run out and order a replacement skin if you good.
Two more words of council. Often, you can effect NOS repair by substitution. Some Corvette restorers save the left over original fabric when they put in reproduction covers. Odds that you can find a less used passenger side cover component to replace your driver side piece that's worn out aren't that bad especially if you live in a major metro area with Corvette specialty shops.
Last word, to do the stitch repair, the skins have to come off. Age and use is one reason why this stuff breaks down, but wear of the underlying foam supporting the fabric is another major contributor. With the seat covers off the frame there's a Pandora's box of alternatives to you for consideration.
(1) Should you sieze the opportunity to bead blast the rust from the
metal frame/springs and lay down a fresh coat of protective enamel?
(2) Should you replace the foam that's probably worn and rotting? If
you do, the 'fill' of the cover will be enhanced along with your
seating comfort....Comment
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Agree With Joe
I do. If you've no experience in pulling seat covers there's a learning curve ahead of you. Since you're talking preserve the original fabric, there's no margin for error. Plus, once you've got the covers off, you'll need a sewing machine capable of HD stitching that your cobbler or local upholstery shop already has.
If you were simply re-doing the seats with reproduction fabric, I'd advise you to jump in, lay hands on, and take the learning curve. But, here you can't simply run out and order a replacement skin if you good.
Two more words of council. Often, you can effect NOS repair by substitution. Some Corvette restorers save the left over original fabric when they put in reproduction covers. Odds that you can find a less used passenger side cover component to replace your driver side piece that's worn out aren't that bad especially if you live in a major metro area with Corvette specialty shops.
Last word, to do the stitch repair, the skins have to come off. Age and use is one reason why this stuff breaks down, but wear of the underlying foam supporting the fabric is another major contributor. With the seat covers off the frame there's a Pandora's box of alternatives to you for consideration.
(1) Should you sieze the opportunity to bead blast the rust from the
metal frame/springs and lay down a fresh coat of protective enamel?
(2) Should you replace the foam that's probably worn and rotting? If
you do, the 'fill' of the cover will be enhanced along with your
seating comfort....Comment
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Re: Repairing Seat Seams
Mark,
I had a similar problem a nubmer of years ago on a GTO. My MOM restitched the seat cover for me without removing the vinyl cover (my mom was a dressmaker many years ago). The results looked good, but not perfect. And that was on a black interior.
How much of the seam has pulled apart? My GTO repair was only about 1"-2".
Good luck, John R. #31818Comment
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Re: Repairing Seat Seams
Mark,
I had a similar problem a nubmer of years ago on a GTO. My MOM restitched the seat cover for me without removing the vinyl cover (my mom was a dressmaker many years ago). The results looked good, but not perfect. And that was on a black interior.
How much of the seam has pulled apart? My GTO repair was only about 1"-2".
Good luck, John R. #31818Comment
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Re: Repairing Seat Seams
The whole seam is less than 2 inches (its the horizontal seam at shoulder height on the side of the seat). A bit more than half of it has let go. Seats look great otherwise (except for one small tear in the seat bottom). I was thinkng of giving it a try with the cover still on the car. What kind of thread does one use for a job like this?Comment
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Re: Repairing Seat Seams
The whole seam is less than 2 inches (its the horizontal seam at shoulder height on the side of the seat). A bit more than half of it has let go. Seats look great otherwise (except for one small tear in the seat bottom). I was thinkng of giving it a try with the cover still on the car. What kind of thread does one use for a job like this?Comment
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