DIY Network

Mitsubishi 3000GT: Leather-Seats, Part 2 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-103

Host Andrew Totolos and upholstery specialist Jeremy Paynsoe with the newly covered front seat.

In this segment of Tricked Out work continues on installation of the leather seat-covers.

DIY Difficulty Rating for Repair: This job is fairly advanced. We gave it a difficulty rating of 4 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale.

Materials used in this segment:

Leather seats/pieces of leather upholstery
Razor blade
Upholstery adhesive
Hog ring pliers
Hog rings
Staple gun with staples

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Leather Seat-Covers, Part 2

• For the bucket seats, there are three components: bottom, back, and headrest.

• Pop headrest off seat.

• To remove headrest cover, pull apart plastic clasp at bottom of headrest and unhook the cover .

• Pull out metal headrest frame (figure A).

• Remove foam padding and reinsert metal framing into foam (figure B).
  

• Apply the new cover. Begin by turning cover inside out and then stretch over the foam core (figure C). It will take some effort to work it into place, but a snug fit is key to achieving a factory finish.

• Once cover is in place, hook the bottom clasp by folding the outer edge underneath and snapping it into slot (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• For the bottom cushion, first turn the seat so that the bottom is accessible.

• Unplug and electrical connections (figure E) and unhook any straps that attach the backrest upholstery to the seat-bottom frame (figure F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  Figure G

• Pop off the bottom cushion (figure G).

• The old upholstery is attached with hog rings. Cut the old hog rings using hog-ring pliers.

• Swap out new cover for the old one.

• Attach the cover using new hog rings.
  

• For the seat back, first remove rear panel from seat back (figure H).

• Remove all hog rings (figure I), paying close attention to where the hog rings are located. If you miss one, or put it back in the wrong place, the new cover will not look right.

  Figure H

  Figure I

  
  

• Once all of the hog rings are removed, pull off the old cover.

• Transfer listing wires from old cover into the corresponding location in the new upholstery (figure J).

• Work new upholstery onto seat frame (figure K). Align the listing wires and the replace hog rings, making sure to attach hog rings to every location in the original cover.

  Figure J

  Figure K

  
  

  
  

• For the rear seat panel, lay out an oversized piece of upholstery face down.

• Fold the edges over the back of the panel (figure L) and staple them into place using a staple gun.

• At the corners, fold the tip in towards the center and staple (figure M). Fold the edges over the top and add one staple for each side.

  Figure L

  Figure M

  
  

  Figure N

• Once all the pieces are covered, reassemble the seat (figure N).

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 :

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

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

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

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.

GUESTS :

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