Installing New Skins

[rmbrinner]

I just recently received new skins from Mastercraft due to pinking problems on the original skins of my 02 X-Star. I was quoted a price of $1500 to install them.

Has anyone attempted this task before? If so, any instructions and tips would be greatly appreciated, as I would really like to save the money and do it myself if possible.

[88 PS190]

Depends on the quality of the padding, so long as that's good, its just pulling the old ones, and working the new ones on, and all creases out, then using stainless staples to reattach the skins.

Dunno how hard it'll be on an 02 X-Star, only ever messed around on a rear jump seat, and it was a pain to get the staples into the plastic seat base.

[east tx skier]

I'd say that some seats are probably more difficult to get to fit just right than others. The only ones I've done are my observer seat base, and the jump seat I built. Like the man said, stainless staples and start from the middle and work your way to the corners.

Biggest pain for me was getting the old staples out. There are a bunch of them.

Good luck.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by rmbrinner

I just recently received new skins from Mastercraft due to pinking problems on the original skins of my 02 X-Star. I was quoted a price of $1500 to install them.

Has anyone attempted this task before? If so, any instructions and tips would be greatly appreciated, as I would really like to save the money and do it myself if possible.

Long time no see. How's the new transmission holding up?

[wiltok]

FWIW - I just had the observer seat, and both sides of the sun pad replaced on my 2001 X-9. The bill for materials and labor was $650.

[Tom023]

I have 11 new skins waiting for installation as well. I tried using an electric stapler but it wasn't powerful enough to drive the staples in to the seat bases. I then purchased one that works on a compressor and it does a great job, no problems getting the staples driven in just right. I think it cost about $100 from www.nailgundepot.com. Of course, use stainless staples.

[east tx skier]

I did mine with a regular old Stanley staple gun no problems.

[BIGBADBLUE]

I did mine as well with a Stanley. The best advise i got from my dealer was to bend the end of a flat tip screw driver about 75 degrees ... makes getting the staples out much easier.

The job of installing the skins is just time consuming especially if you are anal. I have only done my observers, drivers and rear seats on my 94 205

[rmbrinner]

Did you have any problems with the Stanley? I want this to be as easy as possible, and if I am saving the $1500 by doing it myself, I wouldn't mind paying for a good stapler if it would make the job a little eaiser. The only problem with getting the one Tom suggested is that I don't have an air compressor, and would rather not have to purchase one.

Also, not having any experience in doing upolstery work myself, am I going to risk screwing this up?

[east tx skier]

There is always a risk of screwing it up. I'd be lying if I told you otherwise. And as I previously mentioned, I'd be willing to bet that things like the motorbox are tougher than things like the seat base. Of course, my o-seat base had that curve in it that made it a royal pain.

I have not had a bit of trouble with the Stanley staple gun, which I believe I purchased at Target for $10 or so. It has gotten me through two projects of attaching vinyl and performed perfectly in putting new carpet on my trailer bunks.