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Car Seats

gogojojo | Posted in Photo Gallery on

This is my first foray into auto upholstery… before and after pics of seats from my 1988 VW Cabriolet.  I realized soon after I installed them that vinyl gets really hot in the summer, so I had planned to replace the center portion with cloth, but then thought better of it and just bought a new car 🙂

Replies

  1. LJH | | #1

    Now, that's really impressive! 'After' looks just like showroom. You're obviously an upholstery pro, what kind of sewing machine do you use?

    1. gogojojo | | #2

      Thanks for the kind words, but I am far from pro...I just used the old cover as a pattern for the new one.  But it was harder than I thought it would be - there were a few surprises when I took the old cover off, i.e. seat foam that needed to be repaired.  But would definitely do it again - results were very gratifying!

      I used a portable commercial walking foot machine that I got on ebay for $200 brand new.  It really does go thru vinyl and the 1/4 foam backing like butter!

      1. LJH | | #3

        Wow, that machine paid for itself and then some, didn't it? Not to mention adding the resale value to your car.

        I keep thinking of a machine for heavier use, but I don't know where in my already-stuffed studio it would live, and if I started taking on upholstery jobs in addition to all the others I'd need to give up sleeping altogether, LOL!

        Thanks for the reply. Again, that seatcover looks awesome.

  2. mem | | #4

    I am extremley impressed. I love your colour sceme.

  3. mimi | | #5

    VERY impressive!

    mimi

    1. mac426 | | #6

      Wow!  Great Job!  I had  purchased Legendary Seat Covers for one of my cars and they were quite expensive. 

      As for your machine, did you buy one of those Sailrite machines? 

       

      1. gogojojo | | #7

        Thanks for the compliment!  Actually, the machine is a sailrite knockoff...I think the brand is AlphaSew, if memory serves...the decal fell off almost immediately.  Other than that, it is a good no-frills machine (just straight stitch and reverse).  Anyway, they are easy to find on ebay; they are listed as portable industrial (or commercial) walking foot machines, under a few different brands, but they are all basically the same machine.  And I am in no way affiliated with the brand or vendor.

        1. queenoid | | #8

          That is one fabulous-looking car seat! I would never have thought to tackle a project like that, and yours is great!

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