Upholstery Question

Chris the Eagle · 11 February 2008, 18:47

I would like to make some custom seats out of the originals that I have. Is there a website that has a diagram or cutting instructions for reupholstery of a VW seat. I would like to try my hand at doing it myself. I am up for suggestions. Thanks

Chris

68autobug · 11 February 2008, 22:50

Sorry Chris,
No, I've never seen any custom seat upholstery kits to fit a VW beetle...
Most people either - buy a VW seat upholstery kit and redo their seats
or - fit different seats - new or used -
and they have them reupholstered in the color and fabric they want...
or use them as they are...

cheers

Lee

Bookwus · 12 February 2008, 03:11

Hiya Chris,

Quote from: Chris the Eagle on 11 February 2008, 18:47
I would like to make some custom seats out of the originals that I have. Is there a website that has a diagram or cutting instructions for reupholstery of a VW seat. I would like to try my hand at doing it myself. I am up for suggestions.

Now that's a complete DIY restoration!

SewFine does custom VW interiors. Strictly quality stuff. You might want to scan their website for ideas or possible resources to help your project along. Point your browser at http://www.sewfineproducts.com/buscat/buscat01.html

And FWIW, my wife made a set of temporary seat covers for my Bus by taking apart the old seat coverings and using them as a pattern. Worked very well!

68autobug · 12 February 2008, 08:25

Actually Mike

I just remembered My Wife also made some car seat covers many years ago
as the black seats were very hot in the sun....
she used curtain material...

Many people have done this but its too difficult for Me...

Some people can do it some can't....

I'm one of the latter...

cheers

Lee

Bookwus · 12 February 2008, 17:17

Hiya Lee,

Oh yeah! Upholstery is not my cuppa' tea either.

I think it's difficult enough to wrestle around with the already made covers. I redid the interior in my Bus a couple of years ago. Take a look..............

And, quite honestly, it was some of the hardest work I've done. One of those " 3 mules and a bunch of longshoremen" kinda jobs.

It will be interesting to see how Chris fares. That means pictures Chris!

68autobug · 14 February 2008, 14:50

I've never seen those seat covers that are sold in the USA in Australia...
but I have read where they are Very difficult to fit...

lots of padding needed..??

You did a good job there Mike...
I might bring My beetle over.... lol

In Australia... Many owners use seats from 2 door Hondas Mitsubishis etc..
and the rich people use Porsche 911 seats...

Lee

Bookwus · 14 February 2008, 16:20

Hiya Lee,

Well, there are tricks to the installation one learns as the job progresses. But it is still, even at best, a bugger of a task.

Padding? If anybody out there is still listening (Chris?) I'd really suggest going with the OEM quality seat pads by Wolfsburg West......

http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/wolfsburg_new/interior/seat_pads_bug.cfm

These HAVE to be the gold standard in seat restoration. Absolutely authentic even down to the manufacturer!

Chris the Eagle · 15 February 2008, 04:58

Im still here. I have been looking at different styles and getting some ideas before I daunt upon the task. I still have to put the rest of my motor together!!!

The sew fine site gave me alot of Ideas, but I am still trying to count the cost before I dive in.

68autobug · 08 May 2008, 15:25

Making seat covers from scratch would be difficult unless You take the original ones off
and use as a guide...

it seems you nearly have to be an upholsterer to fit the kits...

I think I'll just buy some seat covers...

cheers

Lee

PS: Excellent job on Yours Mike... look original..