Redoing seats questions

[toyxrunner]

I have to redo the seats on one of my trucks. The fabric is about had it and really needs to be redone. I'm sure that there are plenty of people on here that have done this, and I need tips.

My brother said that I should of corse just take the seat out (one peice bench), Cut the fabric off and make sure I can use it as a template?

Could someone elaborate more on that one?

also I know that the foam in the seat is going to need replacing as well. it's a 20 year old truck and well the foam is all squished in coming apart in some areas (the ones under my BUTT). Were is a local place for the hampton area that I could get some more foam to cut and shape.

Also the metal spring stuff is there a way to get that replaced or how could i do that. I know that that stuff has to be stretched out from over the years and I'm sure it could use some replacing.

Thanks for everyones help in this.

[slammed]

what is the seat out of?

[toyxrunner]

toyota pre-tacoma truck it's a full bench by the way. it's a late 80's model. 88 if I remember correctly, I have a few trucks so it's hard to keep them all straight.

[KurseD]

as far as i know you wouldnt be able to do it yourself unless you have a heavy enough sewing machine, like an industrial one i guess.. the foam is easy to cut and as far as the metal goes the only problems to look for there are busted springs, which could be re-welded.. it's made to give so it shouldnt have stretched.. sorry i havent done my seats yet so i cant give you a 100% answer to all the ?s

[toyxrunner]

as far as i know you wouldnt be able to do it yourself unless you have a heavy enough sewing machine, like an industrial one i guess.. the foam is easy to cut and as far as the metal goes the only problems to look for there are busted springs, which could be re-welded.. it's made to give so it shouldnt have stretched.. sorry i havent done my seats yet so i cant give you a 100% answer to all the ?s
I have access to a industrial type sewing machine. My folks have one in the 2nd garage. It might nearly be as old as me but the thing definatly does a good job to this day. It's been used to make many tow straps and such. you would be supprised at how good an old fire hose will become a tow strap.

[slammed]

well if those are the ones i am thinking about( the one with the notch cut out for the shift boot) then it will be a pain in the ass. I would suggest a shop doing it.

[toyxrunner]

well if those are the ones i am thinking about( the one with the notch cut out for the shift boot) then it will be a pain in the ass. I would suggest a shop doing it.
shops want like 800 just to touch it. I'm not going to pay that much just get the seats redone. If I can do it for the cost of materials I will be ok.

[slammed]

woah there is a guy up here that will do it for alot cheaper then that and he has had his work in magizines

[toyxrunner]

woah there is a guy up here that will do it for alot cheaper then that and he has had his work in magizines
What kind of figures you think he might do something like that for? and if he is cheaper I would like to get the seats of my other truck done as well, they are buckets. It just all depends on what kind of price he'll do them for.

[Slamd_S_Dyme]

Ive got a 91 with that style seat and restitched it with little trouble. Take your seat out and youll see that its hogringed on all the way around and held on under the seat tracks also. You can take off the stock skin and use it to make patterns for the new one. Take your time stitching it and make sure all of the seams are straight. Also it should fit a little tight when you go to put it back on. Just be patient and work with it little by little till your satisfied.

[toyxrunner]

youll see that its hogringed on all the way around and held on under the seat tracks also.
Also it should fit a little tight when you go to put it back on. Just be patient and work with it little by little till your satisfied.
I might be able to use a sewing maching but I have not clue as to what that style of stitching looks like. could you help me out there.

I figured that it should fit tight that way as it slowly stretches over time it wont end up all lose and look like crap.

[KurseD]

yeah it shouldnt be hard to do yourself if you've got the machine.. i'd bust the old threads loose and use the old one as a pattern and you can order hog ring kits w/ pliers pretty cheap..

[toyxrunner]

so what is this hog ring stuff? I haven't a clue as to what it is. i'm guessing they look like a ring with a piece missing like the nose rings? like a 3/4 circle or something like that?

[badblazerx]

so what is this hog ring stuff? I haven't a clue as to what it is. i'm guessing they look like a ring with a piece missing like the nose rings? like a 3/4 circle or something like that?

its a bunch of metal clasps that hold the seat cover/skin/whatever to the frame (or other parts) of the seat. as soon as you take out your seat and look at the bottom of it you will see that they are talking about. it would probably be easier to get a kit and use new hog rings cause sometimes its hard to get the old ones off with out mangling them beyond use again.

[bigroy80]

talk to eatmysparks on here. i belive hes around your area, and hes done good work. not sure of prices though.