Bolster Cover(s) Material

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Hi again,

I have taken andi's advice and put the diary of this project on www.drop.io.

link is www.drop.io/hdzmap5 with a guest password of dch1950 to access. To download it (and view cuurent version) double click file spec.

hope this works

regards

Dave

Late addition - the jpg's of the sample materials are on here as well now - full size so when you download them you can zoom in and get an idea of the texture of the material. Final one from Aldridge should be uploaded tomorrow (if it arrives)

I will keep the diary updated regularly.

regards

Dave

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Good morning all,

I have located the manufacturers website for "Microcare". This is the link MicroCare Manufacturers site

You can get the full SP on this material and a better look at it.

regards

Dave

[mhyphenl 10 1 Cars]

I have to say mate that its top marks for effort. It's getting harder and harder to source many things on our cars and the sort of effort your going to helps us all to find alternatives and also have the guts to do it! When the project is complete it needs to be a pinned topic so people can refer to it!

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Morning all,

I start the pattern marking/outlining and tidy up today. It shouldn't take too long. It has been niggling me for ages now about how I can shape the foam inserts that I have glued into place as part of my "Dave'll fix it" plan. I used an electric carving knife and strangely enough a serrated cheese knife ( you know - the one that curves up at the end). I managed to get reasonable profiling but not as I really wanted i.e. nice smooth contours. A Dremel seems to be an obvious choice for this job so am looking at the Dremel 300. Cutters are the next problem. I have been googling for a couple of weeks now looking for the right kit, when I spot a a little advert tucked away half way down a page featuring a big foam manufacturer.

"Kutzall cutters - turns wood,stone,steel.....etc to butter!!"

Thinks - I'll have a look at this then. This firm produces a whole range of burrs,routers,sanding disks,wheels etc and looks as though it will eat foam rubber. By George I think I've got it. Just check (by mail) to see if I have to import from the US or whether they have a UK agent or not.

My passenger seat comes out later this week for a quick "Turnell". That is to say outboard passenger bolster replacement -bolster material is sound - a fairly easy job. I will however record the details of this in the diary.

regards

Dave

PS any views on the materials I am looking at for the bolsters?

[Tesstuff 222]

Hats off to you for this thread mate.

 

A lot of time and effort going into this, and it will be useful to many in the years to come

 

Nice one.

[Retro Pug 0 1 Cars]

Hats off to you for this thread mate.

 

Yes really good stuff here, I'm following with interest as my seats really let the rest of the car down...

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Hi everyone,

Thanx Mucho for the encouragement.

I have converted the diary to a PDF so that it is viewable without having an Office 2007 addon.

Completed the majority of the pattern templates today with just a side seat fillet to do. Will pick up the CM50 foam tomorrow from Jordans. That will give something else to play with.

regards

Dave

[denva2682 2 2 Cars]

Credit where credit is due, this is a very interesting thread. Like many others, I am replacing my seats for some in better condition (phase 1.5 or 2) for a short-term fix, but I really want to restore my phase 1 seats to their former glory. Sourcing materials is such hard work and I will be keeping an eye on this thread to see how your work progresses.

 

I was just having a look at fleabay.fr and came across this by a French company called Asci that specialise in car restoration and reproduce 'the finish of the past.' This material is quite expensive, but looked ideal. Until......I realised that they will only sell the product and distribute in France. I briefly (very briefly, mind!) wished I lived there.

 

However, it's far more worthwhile someone actually getting out there and looking at/feeling the material and passing on any findings to others as opposed to just impulse buying from the internet without knowing the quality anyways. I can't wait to see where your dedicated labours end up and then I think I'll follow suit! Again, great job and thanks for posting.

Edited April 28, 2010 by denva2682

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Good morning all,

I picked up the 50k foam yesterday from Jordans - the princely sum of £4.89 - enough to do 2 bolsters by my estimates.

The repair will follow the lines of the one pictured in a earlier post with the exception that I have been able to refine the techniques in respect of the final finishing of the foam. This is down to the guy I have mentioned previously who refurbishes seats for Truimph Spitfires - he is doing virtually everything that we require (process wise) only for spits.

He was very helpful when I contacted him and I feel honour bound to give him a plug here.

He is called Owen Lloyd and his site is : Spitfire refurb guru

I have picked out my worst bolster and will attempt to revive it. If I can do this successfully then the method is vindicated and will work. I really liked the idea of casting replacement sections using a silicone glove mould, but it wouldn't be cost effective in my opinion.--maybe one day.

Patterns for the bolster covers are now complete and I am looking around for some cheap material to practice on. This will serve the dual purpose of getting me up to speed with sewing them up and also save me stuffing up a load of good (and relatively expensive material!). This exercise will start today , I hope.

I had a look at Fleabay.Fr and the material looks like a plain foam backed velour to me - my french is a little rusty.

I did go onto the french version of our club - those guys are mental and really love their "bombinette" , at least I think thats what I think he said!! Some of their members are carrying out a similar exercise to myself and have considered - wait for it - a black foam backed needle cord(uroy) - so we are running along the same track by the look of it.

I have relatives in France - ex sister in law, who may be able to get us a sample of the so called "original" fabric (wonder if it's got Delcar 2149 on the back of it?

Will post more pictures and progress in the diary as I move along

regards

Dave

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

good morning everyone,

A good day yesterday, saw the replacement of my passenger seat outboard bolster. I have been waiting (patiently!) for the material sample from Aldridge Trimmers - none turned up - this has happened to me twice now - a supplier/trimmer is all enthusiastic at first - until they realise that by selling me their "really close approximation to the original" type material they will be losing a job.(at least that's what THEY think).

So as I get close to finalising the patterns I need to choose my material. Head and heart decision here. The really nice material is the Microcare - but a £32 per linear metre I can't justify the expense. So the clear winner amongst the fabrics is Material B09/B from William Marston Culverhouse in Birmingham.

To do just the bolster covers (the black bits! - seat and backrest) will take 1 metre to do both front seats. I will eventually do my rear seats as well so will order 2 metres. The foam back to this material is only 2mm plus scrim backing so I may well use an additional 1/4" foam layer to smooth it out and improve the fit.

My bolster repair jigs will be finished this morning - 1 to hold the bolster as per the seat wire frame, and one to enable an accurate level slicing off the damaged material. The foam insert will then be cut down and linished. Picture to follow in my drop.io diary. What with the passenger seat out I now see how cruddy that bit down the side of the hanbrake cover gets (that's where I dropped that pizza - amazing chucked in the microwave - good as new - NIIIce)

We are progressing.

regards

Dave

[jackherer 543]

http://www.bjscartrimmers.co.uk/page/bjscartrimmers

 

They did some great work for some friends of mine, I've got no idea what they will think of supplying raw material but they're definitely worth contacting.

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Good morning everyone,

I have more or less decided to use the William Marston material(B09/:rolleyes: and to give you an idea of the match have a look for yourselves. ( a full size/resolution piccy is on my drop.io page)

 

 

 

The flash whitens the colour unfortunately - it IS the same black though.

Been wondering whether or not I should have run some foam adhesive down the bolster/seatbase joint and as I didn't I suppose only time will tell. Any thoughts people?

I am making a final check of my patterns this weekend and when the material arrives I will start machining them up.

I have had a "Wanted" post for a seat - doesn't matter about the state of the foam or the covers so long as the frame is sound. Anybody got one stuck in the garage - PLEEEASe.

I am currently trying out repairing the many bolsters I've now acquired and provided they're not totally crumbed away they can be recovered and repaired.(My last look on service box showed a seat of seat foams as over £350 but they aren't made anymore !) so this repair is worth the time and effort.

Happy holiday and regards

Dave

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Hi all,

Yesterday saw the completion of the "easy" job - passenger seat outboard bolster replacement. Actually it wasn't too difficult at all. Here's a few pics - more plus detail in the diary on drop.io

regards

Dave

 

Old one out:

 

 

"New" one in:

 

 

[Pugleyrich 37 1 Cars]

Good work. Did you end up attaching the new bolster to the seat base?

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Good Morning everyone,

A surprise in the post this morning. A reply from Aldridge Trimmers - at last - I'd given up on them to be honest.

The sample ( which sounded familiar when the young lady was describing it to me the other week) looks identical to the Segal 711 material. So no Xtra choice(s) there then.

Still waiting on deliveries - to be expected I suppose given the May Day holiday. First fit from patterns will be done in 12 oz black denim (very hard wearing) with a set then done in Segal 697 or possibly Marston B09.B

I have had no luck with a seat frame yet - bugger as it would make things a lot easier when making pattern adjuatments.

When activity re-commences will report in. The Aldridge sample jpg is loaded to the drop.io page for viewing.

regards

Dave

[Tesstuff 222]

I have plenty of spare seats you could use for a frame but it is getting it to you economically that is the issue

 

I might be coming down sort of nearish to you in the next week, would you be ok to meet somewhere mutually acceptable?

 

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Hi All,

My stuff from Woolies-Trim arrived this am - L107 adhesive,some upholstery grade thread and interior piping for some of the side wired listings - pretty rapid delivery. Spent today examining complete (intact) sets of covers in order to determine the sewing order and note details of any special operations (i.e. reinforcement strips,listings etc)

This has been done for the backrest and the seat squab assemblies. A similar exercise will then have to be done for fitting the completed covers to seat foam/frame, although I think a video clip on my youtube account might be better. That's still a fair way off yet. I will be repeating this exercise for the rear seats (backrests and squabs) once I have mastered the black art of the sewing machine. I say black art but it isn't too bad and with a bit of practice I'll have it sussed.

The bolster repair procedure is being drawn up but is still not finalised - as with all these things it depends how extensive the damage is to the foam. Different strategies are needed dependant on that fact.

It looks as though "Tesstuff" has stepped into the breech and we have made an arrangement to get me a seat frame for my tailors dummy role - nice one mate, thanx.

Not much added to the diary - but we'll soon get going when the denim arrives.

Enjoy.

regards

Dave

[205turbo 32 2 Cars]

i have about 6 sets of rear phase 2 cloth seats in good order, any good for the fabric?

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Hi all,

Many of you know that I have been searching around for suitable materials to use for the bolster covers. I have tried several suppliers and slowly pulled in samples and prices. As I said Alcantara is the rolls royce material - but way too expensive at £80-90 per linear metre. My second choice was a William Marston material (B09/:P a lightly ribbed foam backed material. I rang them this morning (to place an order), just about to finalise the deal when the guy says "oh and by the way shipping is £10.80p.!!!!! When I got back up off the floor ........ I said you're having a laugh aren't you?

No says he - we have a contract with TNT and thats what we charge. I mentioned Myhermes (I use this company - really cheap and really good) but he was having none of it. Deal off then my good man. If I want this material I will have to drive into Brum to collect it. What a pain in the proverbial

Just contacted Segal Trimmings in Manchester about their F697 material (£11-75 a metre) and also to find out their shipping prices as well. What is worthy of note that the Microcare material comes in at £32 per metre, but Segal are doing Alcantara at £35 per linear metre - black with a foam back. This is a geat price - still too much for me mind but for Alcantara it's good value.

The only material I currently have is the black 12oz denim - for my practice sewing of a set to check my patterns. This shipped to me at £4.50.-- Hmmmm.

More bizzarely - after receiving an unexpected sample from Aldridge trimmers of Wolverhampton - I thought they'd forgotten, I received a mail today saying sorry but they've run out of this material and they aren't going to be getting any more. Curious and curiouser said Alice.

Nowt so queer as folk I suppose.

regards

Dave

[shalmaneser 26]

I spend most of my working life chasing suppliers it feels like, some companies really do not know what's going on at times. Very odd.

 

Either way, this still sounds vaguely encouraging, I don't suppose that a few piccies of the patterns is out of the questions? I've been known to have a crack on the old sewing machine at times and I'd like to see what i'd be letting myself in for were i to have a go...

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Hi all,

Drove up to see Daz today to pick up a seat for use as my "tailors dummy" to test out the patterns. Many thanks Daz (forum ID "Tesstuff"). Got it home and stripped it ready for use. I must be getting quicker at this as it took me about 20 minutes to get it to this

 

 

 

This is really useful as it means I don't have to pull my drivers seat out to trial fit covers. I am thinking that the refit of the "new" covers will not be that quick - still once I get used to doing it....

Tomorrow I will cut out my first set of covers (using the black denim) and we will see how good my patterns are (or not)

With regard to suppliers I can take 'em or leave 'em as unless they have sole distribution there is usually someone else around who will be reasonable. What does annoy me is that people in "sales" can't see beyond the end of their ..!"£*'s

Rant over.

The cover I pulled off the new seat is velour and by being careful I was able to see the finer details of the cover fitting to the frame along with the use of the fabric listings .(never seen so many hog rings though !)

I will have to re-learn how to a do a running stitch to tack the pieces together, then go for the big one on the machine.

(see how easily I'm slipping into using this sewing jargon - good eh!)

Will be in touch soon

regards

Dave

[jeremy 70]

This is the most dedicated seat repair thread I have ever seen on this forum. You really are an inspiration for all those who need new seat covers IMO. I understand you wanting to keep cost down and think you are very wise practicing on cheaper material, however only speaking from my own experience if you can afford the better material for the final finish then go for it even if it does add cost to the job. Too many times I have gone for second best only to wish I spent those few extra £s or minutes.

 

Good luck

 

Jeremy

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Thanx Jeremy for your support.

When I was looking at materials for the seats there was only one colour , black - of course. I have owned my little Pug for 11 years now and it has just been so much fun. I have always tried to keep it "as it left the factory", not in the obssessive sense, but I like it standard. This led me to looking at a direct replacement for the that ribbed material. I found one - the William Marstons B09/B - in black. This isn't hugely expensive and works out at £10 incl VAT per linear metre.

I am driving in to Brum on Monday to purchase some as a result of intransigence on their part over delivery costs.

They were telling me that Royal Mail would be about the same cost (i.e. £10). I weighed my 2 metres of Denim and it came out at 1100grms packed and bagged for delivery - this would be £4.21 standard parcel rate - 3 days delivery, so I couldn't see where they were coming from on that topic. As I think the material is highly suitable I shall go and get it myself.I think a younger Dave might have got "a bit arsey" over this but I realise that I need to keep on the good side of of this supplier (possible discount for forum members etc is always at the back of my mind). These little cars mean that I have a project to run nearly every year and I always try to do my best on each one.

I am glad people are enjoying the project diary (and hopefully my sense of humour!) as my intention is provide a practical insight into keeping these cars looking good and performing as intended.

regards

Dave

PS I do really like the Alcantara and the Microcare materials though.

D

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Hi All,

The first (practice) set of covers are well under way and from the assembly point of view are not presenting a big problem.

It will be the fit that needs the attention. When I just dropped in an outboard bolster on my passenger seat there was a little stretch built in to the material and even without the hog rings fitted it looked OK. That is what I am looking to achieve.

For those who are following this thread (and who knows trying it out themselves) I made a beginners error when I was marking out the bolsters with tailors chalk. I had identified individual patterns and seam edges using standard conventions. What I did forget was that when producing a pair of bolster covers you fold the material in half and place the patterns (relating to only one side - naturally) and get the mirror image sections for piecing together. Schoolboy error made was as I was only making one set - I failed to identify the the upside face of a couple of pieces. The consequence being I effectively flipped that piece. A simple colour code will be used to identify individual pattern pieces which are joined with a seam. Single pieces are not so prone to this as the seam is can only go one way (face out). Sounds a bit tricky but if you look at your own seats you will see what I mean. Will update the pictures in the diary when I have them on the "dummy" seat.

I am driving into Brum tomorrow to get the material from Marstons. I haven't been there for 15 years so I will have a cruise round to see what's changed.

regards

Dave

[dch1950 37 1 Cars]

Morning everyone,

Went to Brum yesterday to get the material. Straight up the A45 no problems except for traffic around the airport.

Got a bit way laid at the Bordesley Green end as I turned off the 45 too early and my "isn't Brum multicultural"

Found Marstons OK - very helpful and friendly there. The difference being (I think) that they are component supply only. I thought that I would be able to dive straight in and sew pieces together with mad abandon. The reality is that I needed to slow down a bit and think about the problem a bit more.

I have retained a set of covers which are still intact (for reference) and I was glad I did as putting it back together is quite involved. I realise that for others to follow what I've done, a naming convention was required and also a means of identifying both individual pieces and the seams they are joined together by. I have put the details in my project diary.

If anyone can think of an improvement on this (e.g. their Mom's a seamstress) please feel free to add to this.

I think that tacking stuff together by hand first, is the way to move ahead - so I can see what kind of shape is emerging and how to alter it. Time to get my sewing kit out.

regards

Dave