Teaching an old seat new tricks... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LEEVON** · 04-12-2009, 11:23 PM

After many years of riding around on a comfortable, but un-original '88-'94 bench seat it was time to drag the original seat out and breathe new life into it. I thought I would share my experience with seat restoration.

The original full-foam bottom bench seat was in fair shape, well worn but with no major holes or missing foam. I disassembled the seat, being careful to salvage all of the metal rods that are used inside the upholstery for fastening hog rings to. The biggest problem with this seat was that bolster springs on both sides were broken causing that "falling-out-of-the-door" feeling. After tracking down no less than three used seats with the idea to cannibalize their springs and discovering that none of them matched mine I had to get creative. I cut some lengths of spring material out of one of the used seats and then removed the factory crimped connectors. Forming the spring material into what I needed and re-using the connectors worked great, although a bit of a chore. I would recommend this route to anybody having trouble repairing springs and with access to a junk seat.

After the springs were repaired, I took the frame and tracks and had them soda blasted. I primed them and painted with a black quick-dry implement paint by Nason. I painted the upholstery rods with a rattle can just to make them clean to work with.

The original back and bottom foam were in fantastic shape, but I've heard that they loose some volume over time, so I wanted to add a little extra material. I used LMC's seat restoration kit which contains a carpet material for between the foam and springs, along with 1" foam, hog rings and pliers.

I cut-to-fit and then attached the carpet to the bottom springs, which provides some extra lift to the foam and keeps it from cutting into the springs. Then I placed the bottom foam and 1" foam onto the frame. I put all of the upholstery rods back into the seat cover and then started fitting it with hog rings. All I can say about this step is that it requires strong hands, patience, and some will power. You will sweat. The seat back is much easier though. After bolting the two parts together, I turned it over and stretched the extra material from the sides over the bottom and attached it. I then bolted the seat tracks back on along with the springs and rods.

All that was left was taking it for a test drive in the living room. My wife rode in the middle and my son wasn't invited because he was grounded.

What a difference! Don't be afraid to tackle this yourself it takes a good amount of time, but there is money to be saved and if you're like me if you want something done right...

Hoffman65burb · 04-12-2009, 11:36 PM

wow great job, looks awsome

67CHIP72 · 04-12-2009, 11:57 PM

Great job Leevon. I will keep this thread handy as I wish to do the same.

red71c10 · 04-13-2009, 12:09 AM

That's a thing of beauty!!!

Camper Power · 04-13-2009, 01:12 AM

it looks great, really nice job

killer71 · 04-13-2009, 06:52 AM

i dont see why that wont work...nice job!!!!

OARNGESI · 04-13-2009, 07:22 AM

nice job

**72 Super** · 04-13-2009, 09:44 AM

Great job LEEVON! It looks great.

19stepSide72 · 04-13-2009, 02:15 PM

WOW nice!!! Thank you for showing this. I am planning to do this to my seat this weekend. now that its done, would you do anything differently? thicker foam? longer foam? can you describe the carpet better from LMC so I can get it from the local fabric shop. Thanks for all and any information. Rob

**LEEVON** · 04-13-2009, 05:11 PM

Thanks for all the compliments guys! For those with an eye for detail, in the finished seat pic you can see that the patterns don't quite line up and there is a sharp line right before the edge on the driver's side. I looked at these for a day in the living room and then took the bottom apart and did it again. My wife thought I was nuts but "good enough" wasn't going to cut it here. The 1" foam had slid over and the pattern needed a little adjusting. Now it actually looks better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19stepSide72

WOW nice!!! Thank you for showing this. I am planning to do this to my seat this weekend. now that its done, would you do anything differently? thicker foam? longer foam? can you describe the carpet better from LMC so I can get it from the local fabric shop. Thanks for all and any information. Rob

I would get the better (more expensive) hog ring pliers assuming they would be more comfortable and consistent. As far as the carpet, any commercial, low-pile stuff would do. The LMC stuff is kind of like speaker or interior carpet, the only visual difference being that the backing is black. You could get some scap commercial carpet and then go to the fabric store for the 1" foam and be money ahead.

**70cst** · 04-13-2009, 02:33 PM

Hey LEEVON ...that is a master piece of seats. Great job!

68lwb292 · 04-13-2009, 04:41 PM

That looks really nice i think that i have a later model seat in mine is there any tell-tale ways to tell if its original.

PanelDeland · 04-13-2009, 06:21 PM

"The Mona Seata"

Looks good.Couple of questions.Did you allow the seat material to come to room temperature and relax while you did the rest?The reason I ask is that I've been told it really makes a difference in the way the material stretches and conforms to the seat.
Also,what kind of 1 in. foam did you use?Is it a standard foam,memory or something special?

badpeanut · 04-13-2009, 08:57 PM

Nice!

Botietruck · 04-13-2009, 09:57 PM

Great job Leevon!

powell72 · 04-13-2009, 10:06 PM

Looks good, we'll need an installed pic also.

**LEEVON** · 04-13-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

"The Mona Seata"

Looks good.Couple of questions.Did you allow the seat material to come to room temperature and relax while you did the rest?The reason I ask is that I've been told it really makes a difference in the way the material stretches and conforms to the seat.
Also,what kind of 1 in. foam did you use?Is it a standard foam,memory or something special?

"Mona Seata" good one! I left the stuff inside for awhile. It probably would have done better in the sun but it wasn't cooperating this week. My backup plan was to turn on the gas fireplace

The foam is just standard upholstery foam, I bet you could get it at an upholstery shop or maybe fabric/hobby store.

Quote:

Originally Posted by powell72

Looks good, we'll need an installed pic also.

You got me...it is in the truck now but I'm saving the pics for another thread, got some other stuff to add like a steering wheel restoration how-to. Stay tuned.

big_al_71 · 04-13-2009, 10:52 PM

Leevon, you da man!!!!

**lolife99** · 04-13-2009, 11:00 PM

Leevon,... How much would you charge to do another one? I need a red bench seat with stock upholstery for my '69.

Dads 68 GMC · 04-13-2009, 10:57 PM

Good Job! especially tackling the job yourself, lookin good

04-12-2009, 11:23 PM	#1
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Teaching an old seat new tricks... After many years of riding around on a comfortable, but un-original '88-'94 bench seat it was time to drag the original seat out and breathe new life into it. I thought I would share my experience with seat restoration. The original full-foam bottom bench seat was in fair shape, well worn but with no major holes or missing foam. I disassembled the seat, being careful to salvage all of the metal rods that are used inside the upholstery for fastening hog rings to. The biggest problem with this seat was that bolster springs on both sides were broken causing that "falling-out-of-the-door" feeling. After tracking down no less than three used seats with the idea to cannibalize their springs and discovering that none of them matched mine I had to get creative. I cut some lengths of spring material out of one of the used seats and then removed the factory crimped connectors. Forming the spring material into what I needed and re-using the connectors worked great, although a bit of a chore. I would recommend this route to anybody having trouble repairing springs and with access to a junk seat. After the springs were repaired, I took the frame and tracks and had them soda blasted. I primed them and painted with a black quick-dry implement paint by Nason. I painted the upholstery rods with a rattle can just to make them clean to work with. The original back and bottom foam were in fantastic shape, but I've heard that they loose some volume over time, so I wanted to add a little extra material. I used LMC's seat restoration kit which contains a carpet material for between the foam and springs, along with 1" foam, hog rings and pliers. I cut-to-fit and then attached the carpet to the bottom springs, which provides some extra lift to the foam and keeps it from cutting into the springs. Then I placed the bottom foam and 1" foam onto the frame. I put all of the upholstery rods back into the seat cover and then started fitting it with hog rings. All I can say about this step is that it requires strong hands, patience, and some will power. You will sweat. The seat back is much easier though. After bolting the two parts together, I turned it over and stretched the extra material from the sides over the bottom and attached it. I then bolted the seat tracks back on along with the springs and rods. All that was left was taking it for a test drive in the living room. My wife rode in the middle and my son wasn't invited because he was grounded. What a difference! Don't be afraid to tackle this yourself it takes a good amount of time, but there is money to be saved and if you're like me if you want something done right... __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 04-12-2009 at 11:25 PM.

04-12-2009, 11:36 PM	#2
Hoffman65burb Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 448	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... wow great job, looks awsome __________________ 1978 GMC Jimmy 454bbc Turbo400 NP205 3.73 gears 4inch lift 33's

04-12-2009, 11:57 PM	#3
67CHIP72 STOLEN Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County Posts: 1,022	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... Great job Leevon. I will keep this thread handy as I wish to do the same. __________________ In Search Of

04-13-2009, 12:09 AM	#4
red71c10 The Red Menace Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Roseburg, OR Posts: 577	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... That's a thing of beauty!!! __________________ 1971 Custom 10 - 350/350TH - Pwr steering, gauges, Chrome front bumper, Chrome hubcaps, Door edge guards, HD rear springs (current) 1968 C-20 Custom Camper - 350/350TH (orig 327), Pwr steering & brakes, gauges w/tach (former) 1968 C-20 - 307/3sp column (Dad's when I was a kid) "Driving is like coloring. Things get messy if you can't stay inside the lines."

04-13-2009, 01:12 AM	#5
Camper Power Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Grande Prairie Alberta Posts: 261	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... it looks great, really nice job __________________ eh 1970 Chevy C20 daily driver 1975 GMC Jimmy 4x4 project 1966 GMC C10 Dad's project

04-13-2009, 06:52 AM	#6
killer71 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: at work Posts: 2,552	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... i dont see why that wont work...nice job!!!! __________________ R.I.P. Killer 71 10/26/07

04-13-2009, 07:22 AM	#7
OARNGESI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: CASA GRANDE AZ Posts: 4,276	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... nice job __________________ 70 SWB STEPSIDE 70 BLAZER 09 challenger

04-13-2009, 09:44 AM	#8
72 Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hyattsville, Maryland Posts: 3,693	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... Great job LEEVON! It looks great. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super (Purchased new by my parents in August of 71) Black and White

04-13-2009, 02:15 PM	#9
19stepSide72 wanna be 67 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 696	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... WOW nice!!! Thank you for showing this. I am planning to do this to my seat this weekend. now that its done, would you do anything differently? thicker foam? longer foam? can you describe the carpet better from LMC so I can get it from the local fabric shop. Thanks for all and any information. Rob

04-13-2009, 02:33 PM	#11
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,375	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... Hey LEEVON ...that is a master piece of seats. Great job! __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

04-13-2009, 04:41 PM	#12
68lwb292 Ex-Minitrucker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Bushnell, FL Posts: 301	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... That looks really nice i think that i have a later model seat in mine is there any tell-tale ways to tell if its original.

04-13-2009, 06:21 PM	#13
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... "The Mona Seata" Looks good.Couple of questions.Did you allow the seat material to come to room temperature and relax while you did the rest?The reason I ask is that I've been told it really makes a difference in the way the material stretches and conforms to the seat. Also,what kind of 1 in. foam did you use?Is it a standard foam,memory or something special? __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

04-13-2009, 08:57 PM	#14
badpeanut Not a bad nut after all.. Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: ND Posts: 1,758	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... Nice! __________________ '05 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 '72 GMC LWB 4x2 driver '72 Chevy LWB 4x4 plow truck '71 Blazer 4x4 driver '70 GMC LWB trailer

04-13-2009, 09:57 PM	#15
Botietruck '71 chevy s.bed/s.side Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 1,571	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... Great job Leevon! __________________ STILL PLAYS WITH CARS...AND TRUCKS!! Parents! Be good to your kids...they get to choose your nursing home! 250 I-6 with a 3 speed Saginaw and Borg Warner Overdrive...She's got overdrive!

04-13-2009, 10:06 PM	#16
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... Looks good, we'll need an installed pic also. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html



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04-13-2009, 10:52 PM	#18
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... Leevon, you da man!!!! __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

04-13-2009, 11:00 PM	#19
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... Leevon,... How much would you charge to do another one? I need a red bench seat with stock upholstery for my '69. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

04-13-2009, 10:57 PM	#20
Dads 68 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sidney; MT Posts: 172	Re: Teaching an old seat new tricks... Good Job! especially tackling the job yourself, lookin good

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