Installing New Seat Upholstery

Time Required:

Varies depending on the number of seats and style; allocate at least 2 hours.

Tools Needed:

• Standard wrenches
• Hog-ring pliers
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers (optional)

Cost:

Approximately $500 and up, depending on the upholstery and foam quality.

Parts and Materials:

• New upholstery
• Hog-rings
• Seat foam (optional)

Tip:

Before installing new vinyl seat covers, lay them out in the sun to loosen the material and reduce folds or creases from packaging.

Overview

Over time, seat upholstery becomes tattered and worn, regardless of the material. While temporary fixes like blankets can work, no restoration project feels complete without freshly reupholstered seats. A new set of seat covers can dramatically improve the look, feel, and even smell of your vehicle's interior.

Step 1: Removing the Seats

1. Front Seats:

   • Unbolt the seats from the floor.
   • For split-bench seats, there are two bolts in the front and four at the rear.
   • Use an open or boxed wrench to access the rear bolts in tight spaces.
   • For bucket seats, follow the same process and lift them out.

2. Rear Seats:

   • Start with the seat bottom. It is usually secured by retaining hooks welded to the floor.
   • Push the seat rearward to clear the hooks and lift it out in one motion.
   • Once the seat bottom is removed, unbolt the seat back from the rear wall and unhook it from the rear tray.

Step 2: Removing Old Upholstery

• The old upholstery is secured to the seat frame and springs using hog-rings.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to gently open the hog-rings and remove them.
• Keep track of the original mounting locations for reference when installing the new upholstery.
• Inspect the seat foam for deterioration and consider replacing it if it is crumbling or worn out.

Step 3: Replacing Seat Foam (Optional)

• Seat foam provides the comfort and support of your seats. Over time, it deteriorates into dust or fails to support properly.
• New seat foam is designed for specific applications and can be purchased from suppliers like Eckler's.

Step 4: Installing New Upholstery

1. Prepare the Material:

   • Stretch the new covers evenly over the foam. This may take several attempts, especially around corners and at the bottom of the seats.

2. Attach the Upholstery:

   • Use hog-rings to secure the material to the seat frame.
   • Insert the hog-ring through the edge of the upholstery and into the holes in the seat frame or springs.
   • Use hog-ring pliers to squeeze the ring and close the loop securely.

3. Work Methodically:

   • Start at one side and work your way around, stretching and fastening the material evenly.
   • Pay extra attention to the corners, as they require precision to achieve a snug fit.

Step 5: Reinstalling the Seats

• Reinstall the seats in reverse order:
  • Attach the rear seat back first, followed by the seat bottom.
  • Secure the front seats to the floor using their respective bolts.

Final Thoughts

Upholstering your seats is a skill that takes patience and practice. Be sure to stock up on hog-rings—having extra will make the process much easier. Though challenging, the results are well worth the effort, transforming your vehicle's interior into a factory-fresh sanctuary.