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• The first step in the project is to remove the seats from the vehicle (figure A). Each of the front seats is held in place by four bolts. The back-seat bottoms simply pop out. Once the bottoms are out, the bolts for removing the back are visible.

• Make sure to save all bolts, screws and other parts for reassembly.

• With the seats removed, we were able to inspect more closely for the extent of the wear and damage -- which was considerable (figure B).
  

• We began work with the rear seats. Pull off old upholstery and remove backing using hog-ring cutters or tin snips for easy removal (figures C and D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Hog-rings are basically a specialized staple made for holding upholstery stretched tight. As you remove the old upholstery, you'll need to remove the hog rings as you go.

• Remove upholstery. Begin at the bottom (figure E), peeling it down and removing hog rings (figure F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

• Remove the listing wires from the old upholstery. Listing wires are long pieces of wire that reinforce upholstery at the frame where the hog-rings are attached (figure G).

• On our seats, there is a plastic tab at the bottom that releases the cover. Use a small screwdriver to pop the tab loose (figure H) to free the old cover.

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

• Lay out new cover (figure I) and replace the listing wires from the old upholstery into the new cover (figure J).

  Figure I

  Figure J

  
  

• Turn seat cover inside out.

• Place new cover on seat, making sure new cover is snug on seat (figures K and L).

  Figure K

  Figure L

  
  

• As mentioned above, hog-rings (figure M) are a specially made staple for holding upholstery stretched tight.

• In order to install hog-rings properly, you'll need a specialty hog-ring tool. These specialized pliers have a groove that holds the hog-ring steady (figure N) as it's squeezed into place to secure the upholstery.

  Figure M

  Figure N

  
  

• Using the hog-ring pliers, attach new hog rings to listing wires (figure O).

• Continue working in this manner, stretching the leather as you go, until the seat is covered (figure P).

  Figure O

  Figure P

  
  

• On some vehicles, for any portions of seats that used glue-down techniques rather than simply attachment with hog-rings and listing wires, the old upholstery may need to be removed from the foam underneath using a razor blade to gently separate.

• The new upholstery will need to be glued along the seam-lines (figure Q) using upholstery glue at seam lines and middle seam lines. Hog-rings may still be used around the edges (figure R).

  Figure Q

  Figure R

  
  

  Michael Morita of Sparco USA discusses some aftermarket seat options designed for racing and performance driving applications. These high-tech seats offer a more stable driving position, particularly during hard cornering, and decrease driver fatigue.

Tip: To make application of new cover easier, heat up the vinyl before beginning application. Heat will make the vinyl more pliable and therefore much easier to work with.

Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

RESOURCES :

Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
Author: Joe Pettitt
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Voyageur Press (October 2000)
ISBN: 1884089526

Bend-Pak Inc.
www.bendpak.com
Bend-Pak manufactures automotive hydraulic-lift equipment and other specialized automotive equipment.

Automotive Detailing: A Complete Car Care Guide for Auto Enthusiasts and Detailing Professionals
1557882886
Don Taylor
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
H.P. Books

Auto Detailing: Step-By-Step Procedures for Complete Automobile Detailing
Model: 0801983940
Author: James Joseph
(1998)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Chilton Book Company
Westchester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-738-9280
Fax: 610-738-9354

Ultimate Auto Detailing
Model: 0879389419
Author: David H. Jacobs
(1995)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International

GUESTS :

Jeremy Paysnoe
Leatherseats.com
Phone: 866-639-7328
sales@leatherseats.com
www.leatherseats.com