DIY Network

Install New Seat From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-108

Unfortunately, there was no hope for restoring the original seat (figure A) of the project '65 Electra Glide Harley-Davidson panhead bike, but host Kevin Tetz found a swap-meet seat (figure B) that's period correct and the vinyl is in good shape. Kevin and expert mechanic Bill "Dunk" Dunkleberger will show you how to restore this seat, but a new seat from a kit will be installed on the project bike.

Figure A

Figure B

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	Figure C
	Figure D

Restoring the Seat

• The first thing to do is a pre-clean (with spray all-purpose cleaner) to get any oils or great that might be contaminating the top part of the surface.

  
  

• Wipe the seat with acetone, which cleans and also expands the pores of the vinyl to allow the dye to adhere better.

  
  

• Use tape to mask off the chrome (figure C) and framework that you don't want to get paint on.

  
  Safety Alert: Be sure to wear a filter mask when spray painting.

  
  Tip: For this particular project, Kevin chose a dedicated vinyl dye spray paint to restore the seat. And be sure to do a color test before you commit to the project. It's also smart to use a spray paint nozzle (figure D).

  
  

• Use light even coats because you don't want to cover everything completely with one coat. You don't want to interfere with the drying process between coats, so about three light coats will do.

  
  Note: Let the paint flash, which means it will be dry to the touch between coats -- and then apply the final two coats. Be sure to get into small crevices and the stitching of the vinyl.

  
  

• When the paint is completely dry, carefully peel off the tape.

	Figure E
	Figure F

Installing the Seat (from a Kit)

FYI -- The riding position of the bike is being changed and Kevin and Dunk will be going with the frame-mounted step seat, so the original seat mount had to go.

Note: The seat being installed on the project bike is from a kit -- it's not the seat that was restored earlier, which was just to show you how to restore an old seat. The project bike gets a new seat altogether.

• Slide the tabs into the frame, put the spacer (figure E) in place, and then the seat mount bolt goes in.

• While Dunk holds the nut in place under the fender, Kevin tightens down the mounting bolt.

• The back rest is part of the kit as well, and there is a mount point that allows you the freedom to have it or not have it mounted. And it has all the adjustments you need for the proper back support.

  This is a nice, modern seat (figure F) that doesn't take away from the character of the original Harley.

In the final episode for the '65 Electra Glide, the replacement windshields are installed along with other finishing touches -- and then the restored beauty is taken on the road for a ride.

RESOURCES :

The Eastwood Company

The Eastwood Company is a supplier of automotive-restoration parts, tools and supplies.

The Easthill Group, Inc.
The Eastwood Company
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

Restoration Parts (Custom Chrome)
Custom Chrome
Website: www.customchrome.com

Norton Abrasives

Sandpapers, cleaners, abrasives and bodywork supplies.
Website: www.nortonautomotive.com

Auto Body Color and Supply
Phone: 615-726-0361 (Nashville Store)

Corbin Saddles & Accessories
Website: www.corbin.com

GUESTS :

William "Dunk" Dunkelberger
Restoration Coordinator / Mechanic
Harrly Hoggs & Piggletts
1409 Piney Rd.
Maryville, TN 37803
Phone: 865-681-7699
E-mail: hoggsandpiggletts@yahoo.com