How To Reupholster Seats

If you remember our '67 Six-To-Eight Frost Turquoise hardtop, you'll recall a daily driver that was mighty worn out. Faded paint and a sun-decayed interior were the only elements holding us up between zero and hero. We installed new carpet and rocker moldings to set the stage, so now Lancaster Auto Interiors is adding new Distinctive Industries' upholstery for the front buckets and rear seats.

What makes front bucket seats a different upholstery experience is new seat foam. When you install new seat foam, your upholstery project becomes more challenging because it requires strength and patience. Reproduction seat foam isn't the same consistency as the original factory foam. It is firmer for one thing, which makes installation more challenging. We're going to show you how to make the most of this experience.

	We're beginning with the rear seat because it's simple and easy. Hog rings are removed around the perimeter, which releases the old vinyl. This was a poor upholstery job from 20 years ago, which is why the vinyl is a loose, sloppy fit.	Lancaster Auto Interiors decided to fatten up the package with padding in order to stretch the vinyl and achieve a good fit. The Catch 22 here is if you fatten up too much, the rear seat will not fit between the quarter trim panels.
When these seats were redone in the 1980s, the upholsterer didn't use wire listing for vinyl security. Lancaster Auto Interiors is using listing to firm up the installation. You don't have to visit a supplier to get listing. Coat hanger wire works fine.	Rear seat upholstery is hog ringed from the center out. Start inside and work out.	Vinyl is pulled over the corners as shown. Padding is added as necessary to get the vinyl snug.
Hog ringing around the perimeter begins at the corners, then toward the inside with the seat bottom. Ascertain there are no wrinkles.	The vinyl is steamed for flexibility and easy fit. Heat is an important tool for any upholsterer. Steam is the best scenario, but never too much of it.	The vinyl has been steamed and is quite flexible. Work toward the center, taking care to pull wrinkles out. Don't be afraid to go back and try again when stubborn wrinkles won't pull out.