tips for upholstery

[jimmy828]

just received my new upholstery kit from NPD .Also purchased the burlap but still have to get the foam saturday. I have the rings and pliers too. Do you guys have any tips before installing new kit? I wish i could send pics but i guess i am to dumbfounded to get the pics down sized

[crewdcab]

Are you using reproduction foam, or just flat stock? Does the old burlap have small spring steel wires running from side to side?

[jimmy828]

i could not locate any reproduction foam and was hoping to fabricate flat stock. I checked the burlap,it does not have the wire in it and also the old burlap has some cotton like fabric in it. The new burlap is just plain with no cotton fabric or wire.

[basketcase0302]

Coulda' swore I'd seen this for our trucks recently, (the replacement foam). You need it for the bench seat right? I'll go look again for it...

[jimmy828]

yes,bench seat.Thanks basketcase

[jimmy828]

i made a mistake,the old burlap does have the wire

[crewdcab]

The purpose of the wire is to spread the weight over many instead of individual springs. The burlap helped keep it quiet. I have used 20oz jute padding many times to do the work of both of them. It is also much easier to hog ring so it stays put. It is very easy to use flat stock foam if you can't find repo. Flat stock generally comes in 1/4" increments. I like to use 1/2" flat to build a seat because it is easy to taper off the sides. A single 2" piece will bunch where you fold it over the front and side edges, whereas (4) pieces of 1/2" will not do that if each piece is slightly larger than the last. Get some 3M spray contact cement from the parts store the stick them all together when you are happy with the molding process. Then take 2" cotton batting and cover the foam, extending all the way down the sides and front. This will take any irregularities out of the seat and make the cover look well filled out. Many folks make the mistake of not getting enough padding and not installing the cover in the right order. Always attatch the rear first, then the front middle and work to the sides, finishing with the end of each side. If you do this much diffently, you will most likely have a lot of wrinkles in each front corner. It is usually a matter of installing the cover several times until you get it just right, but it is worth it to have it fit properly IMO. You should be able to buy all the supplies listed from any upholstery shop, but if not, let me know what you would like and I can hook you up. Last note, don't be tempted to use non-automotive foam like you would find at Jo-Ann Fabrics or equivilent. Auto foam is much denser, mildew resistant, and will last much longer. Yes it costs more, but is always worth it. Good Luck.

[basketcase0302]

Looks like good sound advice above from Crewdcab. I searched through 40 or 50 links and didn't find the seat foam. A lot of folks have the "cut to fit" foam-but i didn't find the foam specific to our bumps seats.

[jimmy828]

Thanks crewcab! i might be calling on you again if you don't mind.If i get it done i will let you know the outcome

[cowbay]

Thanks crewcab! i might be calling on you again if you don't mind.If i get it done i will let you know the outcome

Post some pictures of the process since I am thinking of doing that myself to my bump

[crewdcab]

You're welcome. Always happy to help.

[70_F100]

Jimmy828, where are you located?

I work for a foam manufacturer, and may be able to hook you up. We make both automotive and furniture foam, and by the way, the properties of the foam aren't necessarily different just because of the application.

[70_F100]

Your supplier might be selling you foam that we make!!

[jimmy828]

70_ f100,i am from asheville,nc

[70_F100]

That "828" made me think you might be from NC.

If you want to make a trip to Greensboro, I can hook you up with about any type foam you want.