Upholstery advice

[BillP]

Re: Upholstery advice

I use monel...but the least expensive alternative is to use regular staples to set the fabric. Then use brass tacks and pull the staples. Brass will tarnish and get a little crusty but will not bleed like steel staples. You can also seal each tack with a dab of nail polish to reduce exposure. The pros don't do it this way but is acceptable alternative for the DYI. SS tacks are also available at Homedepo type stores but they are 302/304 and can get a rust film on them. You need 316 ss to be 100% "rustproof".

 

[oops!]

Re: Upholstery advice

If your using a staple gun from the hardware store like a T-50 you can get monel staples,expensive but basically they are stainless steel,, galvanized would be a 2nd choice,,they will eventually rust depnding on how wet they stay.

canvasgirl.....
i would like to welcome you to iboats as well....
we do have a few pros on here but not enough IMHO.
until as of late....most of out rebuilds were sent out....with a few more pros on here giving advise.....upholstery could become its own forum.
stick around.....we are actually a fun bunch.

cheers
oops

 

[canvasgirl]

Re: Upholstery advice

Thanks oops!

I'm new at the forum thing. Just stumbled across this one and saw a question I could answer. What is IMHO?

canvasgirl.....
i would like to welcome you to iboats as well....
we do have a few pros on here but not enough IMHO.
until as of late....most of out rebuilds were sent out....with a few more pros on here giving advise.....upholstery could become its own forum.
stick around.....we are actually a fun bunch.

cheers
oops

 

[canvasgirl]

Re: Upholstery advice

The original seats had pleats stamped into the vinyl. I'd like to have pleats on the new covers however I can't find the 1/2 foam with the fabric backing. Anyone know where I can get this from? I can't even find just plan 1/2 sheet foam. If I use just plan foam what type of material should I back it with?

You should be able to find the pleated vinyl at a local canvas shop (one that does cushions too). The vinyl should run about $35-$40 per yard, and a little less for the non-pleated matching vinyl. You don't need to "back" the foam with vinyl, it comes already pleated. You may need to replace some foam in your seats if yours is out of shape or torn etc.

If you can't find it local, I can sell it to you.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Upholstery advice

Thanks oops!

I'm new at the forum thing. Just stumbled across this one and saw a question I could answer. What is IMHO?

IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

FWIW ,There are lots of acronyms used around here. Most catch on fast! YMMV, LOL

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Upholstery advice

If you want to try and make your own pleated vinyl you can take a look at these. I'm practicing on it now and getting pretty good results even though I don't have a walking foot machine. If I did, I'd expect I'd be getting fantastic results.


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=372599


http://wn.com/AUTOMOTIVE_LEATHER_UP...oamed_Pleats_or_Channels'_on_Leather-TUTORIAL

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

If you want to try and make your own pleated vinyl you can take a look at these. I'm practicing on it now and getting pretty good results even though I don't have a walking foot machine. If I did, I'd expect I'd be getting fantastic results.


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=372599


http://wn.com/AUTOMOTIVE_LEATHER_UP...oamed_Pleats_or_Channels'_on_Leather-TUTORIAL

Kind of what I'm looking to do. However I'm thinking of not concealing the top stitching but using a contrasting color (white vinyl, blue thread) as a decorative stitch. I ordered some of the foam and will be practicing this weekend. Thanks for the post WoG.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Upholstery advice

Keep this in mind with vinyl seating for boats. The less stitching the better. Boat seats typically get way more wear and tear than automotive seats. Also, more stitching means more places for water to get through. I wouldn't do pleated seats on a boat because of this.

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

Keep this in mind with vinyl seating for boats. The less stitching the better. Boat seats typically get way more wear and tear than automotive seats. Also, more stitching means more places for water to get through. I wouldn't do pleated seats on a boat because of this.

Very good point bruce.

 

[V153]

Re: Upholstery advice

Keep this in mind with vinyl seating for boats. The less stitching the better. Boat seats typically get way more wear and tear than automotive seats. Also, more stitching means more places for water to get through. I wouldn't do pleated seats on a boat because of this.

Ditto. Factory press pleat is one thing but if I were you I wouldn't sew my own. 'Specially in a 'high traffic' area. Imo you're just punching a buncha holes in the vinyl & askin for trouble.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Upholstery advice

I'm no Pro, but... I have use this in the past to seal the seams on tents etc... and was wondering if it would work on the seams of the pleats? I don't see why not but again, I'm just an Old Dumb Okie looking for answers.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Upholstery advice

The bigger problem is all the extra holes you are punching in the vinyl. That's another reason why a commercial machine is better than a home machine. Longer stitch width means less holes.

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

The bigger problem is all the extra holes you are punching in the vinyl. Thats another reason why a commercial machine is better than a home machine. Longer stitch width means less holes.

Hear ya. I set the machine for the longest stitch length. Comes in around 3.5 SPI.

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

I just purchased 25yds of 5/32 poly welting cord. This is the cord that's made of plastic. It was what was used by the factory. I'll have plenty left over if anyone needs some. You'll just need to pay for shipping. Just let me know how much you need and I'll let you know if I can spare it.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Upholstery advice

I have used Morbern vinyl and you can buy the matching welt. The welt is made from the identical material so its as good as what you could make.

http://www.garysupholstery.com/mb-seabrook.html
Their vinyl prices are kinda high so you can buy the actual Morbern Seabrook vinyl here:
http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Textiles/Vinyl_(Marine_Grade_Seating)/Seabrook_Vinyl/index.html