| Alfa Romeo Interior: Recondition Convertible Top and Re-Upholster Bucket Seats |
From "Classic Car Restoration"
episode DCR-102 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Removing the Top of the Convertible - Remove the three bolts (figure A) on either side of the interior back seat using a wrench.
- Once the entire top has been removed, strip away the cloth and the attachments. Note: Be careful where the Phillips screws (figure B) come from. There are a bunch of different ones, and you want to make sure to replace the proper ones.
Restoration Tip: Resealable bags with labels help when organizing smaller parts such as screws and attachments when restoring a vehicle. - If the rubber that holds everything together is dried out (figure C), most likely the entire top will need to be repaired and overhauled.
- The cloth untucks from the front and peels away. Lift away the cloth and peel it from the back, and you're left with a bare frame.
- Hand sanding (figure D) -- in this case the bare frame -- will be a huge part of this restoration project. Be sure to make the chore easier by using power tools, such as a sanding tool with rubber disks. Continue to sand until the entire frame is ready for painting.
- The last step is to paint the frame. Ananian used a black spray paint for the job.
Re-Upholstering the Bucket Seats - Not only do you want to re-upholster the bucket seats, but you'll need to address the metal frame that the seats sit in. You'll need to take the entire frame out to work on it.
- To remove the frame, use a heavy hammer to nudge the frame back in order to get to the two bolts (figure E) in the front. Once the bolts are out, remove the seat.
- Take your time when you start to peel off the outer cover of the seat. The cover won't be reused, but it's important to see how the seat comes apart in order to put it back together properly. Be sure not to damage the foam.
Restoration Tip: Taking photos of disassembly will make re-assembly easier. Also, don't throw away any clips, clamps or other parts (figure F) that may be impossible to find for your restoration project. - Carefully work the material out and be sure to save every attachment. As you work the seat adjuster, be aware of any spring tension that you may find.
- Be sure to keep all the hardware for the seat together to make the re-assembly easier.
- When removing the material from the foam, take note of all the strings. Snip carefully and be sure not to damage the foam. Notice where the wire looms (figure G) are for the seat support. You'll need to know for the re-assembly.
- When disassembling the headrest, be sure to keep those parts separate from the rest of the seat parts.
Restoration Tip: Break your parts down into categories: Seat bottom, seat top, seat hardware, headrest, etc. - Once the bucket seats have been taken apart, it's time to pre-fit the new covers. It's important to keep in mind that the price you paid for the new covers is going to dictate how much time and care you take in fitting them back on the seat.
- In comparing the old cover to the new, be sure to look underneath the new cover (figure H) to check the stitching to make sure it matches the old cover.
- Be careful when fishing the wire through the loops of the new cover. You don't want to snag anything. Be sure to tie each loop off with strong cording (figure I) and fish the cord down into the foam to secure the seat cover. This helps to hold the wire loom down into the foam to create the pleat on the other side of the seat.
- Clamp the clips back on the seat cover.
- Re-assemble the headrest, and if you have any questions about the assembly process, look back at the photos you took when you were taking the seats apart.
- Spray adhesive on the cardboard backing that will be attached to the material for the back of the seat.
Restoration Tip: Use upholstery spray adhesive for best results when re-assembling the car seats. - Assemble the rest of the seat before attaching the back.
- The final step is to attach the side supports. This is a reversal of the disassembly process.
RESOURCES :
Alfa Romeo Owner's Bible: A Hands-On Guide to Getting the Most from Your Alfa
Model: 0837607078
Author: Pat Braden
Order this book from Amazon.com
Bentley Publishers
Alfa Romeo Spider: The Complete Story
Model: 1861261225
Author: John Tipler
Order this book from Amazon.com
Crowood Press
Original Alfa Romeo Spider (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760311625
Author: Chris Rees, James Mann
Order this book from Amazon.com
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Essential Alfa Romeo Guilia & Giulietta Coupes & Spiders: The Cars and Their Story 1954-95
Model: 1870979591
Author: David Hodges
Order this book from Amazon.com
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Alfa Romeo: The Spirit of Milan
Model: 0750919582
Author: David G. Styles
Order this book from Amazon.com
Sutton Publishing
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
