Idiots guide to re-upholstery?

[jafo9]

I've been looking for a walk through on replacing the skins on the interior. I'm about to tackle the sun deck and rear stadium cushions on my 02 X30. I'm in the process of getting the skins off to send to mastercraftskins. I've searched a fair amount and I seen several threads with a few recommendations but none that seem to take you from UPS box with new skins to finished product. Anyone have a link? Thanks.

[-V-]

I would like to see this thread grow..........I plan on trying not to screw up my 210.........

[wrobins1]

I am also stalking this thread because I have almost committed to making and installing skins and would be interested in finding out if this is cost effective enough to justify creating the skins or if I should just work more and buy the skins. I did buy a book that seems to be pretty descriptive on all upholstery work see link including installation. http://www.amazon.com/Automotive-Uph...0026527&sr=1-1

[mikeg205]

ditto... I want to do the skins myself... on my 1995...right now they are good... but when it's time I want to do it..already priced out materials, equipment some techniques. Some stuff you can take to an embroidery shop...

[363COUPE]

I redo at least 5 boats a year including interiors. What questions do you have? It's not that hard especially if you have pre-made skins (I make my own). I'll be glad to answer any questions you have.

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by 363COUPE

I redo at least 5 boats a year including interiors. What questions do you have? It's not that hard especially if you have pre-made skins (I make my own). I'll be glad to answer any questions you have.

It's the structure under the vinyl that never gets shown. I know steam is somehow involved...

[363COUPE]

Originally Posted by mgorczak1

It's the structure under the vinyl that never gets shown. I know steam is somehow involved...

I never have to use steam. Thats the advantage you have when making a new skin when you have the whole seat there in front of you to go by. Over time all of the original poly will loose some of it's thickness and if you copy the original vinyl, it's not going to fit perfectally.

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by 363COUPE

I never have to use steam. Thats the advantage you have when making a new skin when you have the whole seat there in front of you to go by. Over time all of the original poly will loose some of it's thickness and if you copy the original vinyl, it's not going to fit perfectally.

Cool great to know...

[wheelerd]

I redid the complete interior on my former TriStar. I took the old skins to a local lady who was recommended to me and she did a super job of making exact replicas. As for steam . . .
I gave all the foam pieces a good washing with soap in the bathtub. Then after they dried I used a small clothes steamer on each piece (back, front, sides, wherever.) It's amazing how it puffed up the foam.

When it comes to installing the new skins, it's just a matter of taking time. I wrapped the foam side of each seat frame with thin clear plastic (ie. painter's drop cloth.) Otherwise the fabric backing of the vinyl doesn't slide easily over the foam. When the new skin is placed over the frame sometimes it seems that it will never fit. Just stretch and tack, stretch and tack (sometimes carefully using a hair dryer to make the vinyl supple) until everything is nice and tight. Then do the final stapling and trimming. I used an electric staple gun with 3/8" stainless steel staples.

[jafo9]

So I pulled the skins off the 4 seats in the back of my 02 X30 and I pulled the skin off the center sun deck. They have all been sent to mastercraftskins.com. I was surprised at the sheer number of staples, particularly on the sun deck. There were 2 different size staples. The larger size was on the sun deck and the smaller on the seats. I'm currently shopping for a staple gun and I'm wondering if I need to buy 2 guns for the 2 different sizes or can I get away with only one gun. I've already got a 20 gallon compressor so I was looking at air driven models. Any advice or thoughts? Thanks.