Where to find skins/upholstery?

[wheelerd]

Originally Posted by Jorski

A major issue is getting just the right amount of tension or stretch on the skins so that there aren't any wrinkles. There was a lot of staple pulling and adjustments on the first few cushions. By the end of the job, I was pretty fast.

My major tip, is to leave the skin you are about to work on out in the sun, and get it really hot. Then when you install, you want it tight, but don't over do it, that creates its' own wrinkles.

Good point to emphasize. When I first slipped the skins over the base I was disappointed -- What the hey! These don't fit. But gradually stretching (I used a blow dryer on low setting), adjusting, stapling and restapling, making sure the raw inner ends of the seams were all turned the same way, etc., the result was as good as any pro shop I've seen. Just be patient.

When you disassemble the seats you'll notice thin plastic between the skins and the cushions. It's really important to either save and reuse these if they're not damaged in the process, or just use some very thin poly plastic when you reassemble. This is to allow the backing of the vinyl to slide over the foam of the cushion when you are doing the stretching. You can just let it hang over the edges and trim it when you do the final trimming of the vinyl.

[Jorski]

One more tip. You can source very light weight plastic (often for free) from your dry cleaner.

Mine gave me more than I required. Worked better than trying to reuse the old stuff.

[JimN]

Another thing an upholsterer will do is use a steamer to plump the foam and make the vinyl more compliant and that's difficult for those who don't have access to one. It's not a little stupid one that's sold on late-night infomercials, either. It makes a huge difference in how the seats turn out.

[wheelerd]

Here are a couple of pics from my Tristar. As I mentioned above, I stripped and reinstalled the skins myself, and found a local person to do the work privately. (As for the logos -- of course these were originally heat-stamped so no longer available. I created computerized images and took them to a local sports store that does sewn graphics. I was pleased with how they turned out.)

[JimN]

Nice job- the compound curves are tricky.

[mxhideout]

Those look real nice. Thanks for the help so far guys. Got a reply from Viper saying it would be around 1200 for everything but the engine cover. Forgot to say that we don't need the sides either. As of right now we're planning on pulling them out ourselves and give them to someone to sew up new ones, then we will put them on. We have a friend that's good with upholstery, so we'll check with him too if he doesn't have too much work.

[lakeoz tristar]

all I can say is thats what I want my boat to look like that is awesome looking..

[atlfootr]

Originally Posted by lakeoz tristar

all I can say is thats what I want my boat to look like that is awesome looking..

Then call JIM!

[wheelerd]

Copycat Covers was mentioned several posts ago. Here's the observer's seat from my former X5 that they did a couple of years ago. Excellent job and a perfect fit. I think it cost about $400. (I had to pay extra for the stitched logo.)

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by atlfootr

Then call JIM!

Sending him 3 skins next week. Will report back w results...

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