DIY: seat reupholstering

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  • phenryiv1
    No R3VLimiter
    • Jul 2009
    • 3246

    #16
    Originally posted by TheB1G Lebowski
    [D]o you know where good foam can be located so we can replace the worn crap in the car?
    Best thing to do is to buy a spare passenger seat. The bolsters are the same, but the foam in the passenger left bolster(s) will most likely be in great shape, as will that in your existing driver's side right bolster(s). That should be the easiest way to get good foam for re-covering.

    There is also a great article on e30tech or on here about using new foam to rebuild Recaro seats. The process will be the same for stock sport seats.
    Patrick Henry

    1989 325iC build: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=316880


    Comment

    • nmlss2006
      E30 Modder
      • Aug 2006
      • 910

      #17
      I think yo u can buy them from BMW, actually. The only part #s I can't find are the backrest ones, the rest are on RealOEM.
      I'd STRONGLY advise replacing any foam, after 20 years any foam you can harvest from old seats has nothing to do with the original shape or density.

      Comment

      • Tricked 323i
        Mod Crazy
        • Nov 2003
        • 617

        #18
        Originally posted by genocide98
        I want to do this, too, but I'm not sure if a regular sewing machine can handle the leather. My grandmother was a seamstress so I have learned to sew over the years.. just never worked with leather.

        Anyone's thoughts on leather thru a less-than-industrial machine?
        You will have difficulties putting leather through a non industrial machine. You can do vinyl and cloth though.
        Kevin

        www.seatkit.com New Site first week of April 2011
        Your DIY upholstery source
        e30tech forum sponsor
        E46 uphosltery kits coming soon..........
        kchinn@creativeoptions.info

        Comment

        • barry
          E30 Mastermind
          • May 2009
          • 1642

          #19
          Spray glue

          Spray glue is iffy even when you spray both contact pieces. Get some 3m glue. Also preparation is important.
          Good Luck
          Barry

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          • ThreeTwentyFissel
            Wrencher
            • Apr 2009
            • 220

            #20
            what about the stitching part?


            Simplicity is your best option!

            Comment

            • NV325i
              Wrencher
              • May 2012
              • 236

              #21
              Trying this myself, but the middle sections of the sport seats are stapled to the foam. the staples flare out on the sides to prevent from being pulled out. Does any one know what kind of stapler does this...


              Current: '92 325i Vert

              Past: '84 Euro 320i -Had to leave in Italy

              Comment

              • a2coupe2a
                Forum Sponsor
                • Aug 2007
                • 590

                #22
                post like this make my head hurt... The fit on these covers is terrible. I mean if the OP is happy with it thats all that matters but wow.. would really like to see the quality of this leather too since the price of cheap auto grade leather alone would be 3-400.
                ----- www.jjcustominterior.com -----
                We specialize in Recaro restoration!

                Comment

                • NV325i
                  Wrencher
                  • May 2012
                  • 236

                  #23
                  The fit is real nice on the set I have. It's a vinyl/leather mix wasn't a cheap kit ($900). Other comparable kits out there are around $1100. Just curious what staper is used to attach to foam.
                  Last edited by NV325i; 08-09-2012, 06:18 PM.


                  Current: '92 325i Vert

                  Past: '84 Euro 320i -Had to leave in Italy

                  Comment

                  • IRON-E
                    I waste 90% of my day here and all I got was this stupid title
                    • Dec 2007
                    • 16548

                    #24
                    Originally posted by a2coupe2a
                    post like this make my head hurt... The fit on these covers is terrible. I mean if the OP is happy with it thats all that matters but wow.. would really like to see the quality of this leather too since the price of cheap auto grade leather alone would be 3-400.
                    Lol, dude lowballers gonna lowball!, they will never understand the price of quality work. Main reason why our economy, is in the shithole we are in.
                    @IRON-E30 aka Edwin:D

                    Comment

                    • Eddie Haskell
                      Advanced Member
                      • Dec 2011
                      • 102

                      #25
                      DanTwoLakes at this site is a professional and has taken his time to explain. His tutorials explain the craftmanship and construction very well. Heed his words when he states the proper equipment ie machine, speed, thread and such are your outcome will be questionable after a short length of time.

                      This is an archive of the best tutorials in the Interior forum, periodically updated by the Interior forum moderators. Truck Seat Upholstery Tutorial Door Panel Tutorial Seat Spring Repair Diamond Tufting Tuck and Roll Tutorial Re-Padding an Old Car Seat Headliner Tutorial Bench Seat from...




                      Comment

                      • NV325i
                        Wrencher
                        • May 2012
                        • 236

                        #26
                        So...back to the stapler. Any one know what kind of stapler BMW used to attach the center sections of the sport seats?


                        Current: '92 325i Vert

                        Past: '84 Euro 320i -Had to leave in Italy

                        Comment

                        • humzak77
                          Advanced Member
                          • Jan 2013
                          • 150

                          #27
                          Does anyone have a link on how to remove your drivers side seat from a 1991 318i. Its hard to get the back bolts out because i cant get my tools in there. The seat wont go any further and the bolts are still under the seats. PM me if you have any idea on how to do it.
                          sigpic
                          1991 318i

                          Comment

                          • Silvertip
                            Grease Monkey
                            • Oct 2012
                            • 329

                            #28
                            My combo wrenches' box ends were narrow enough to fit inside the rails and do the job.
                            Alpinewhite 318i

                            Comment

                            • Kershaw
                              R3V OG
                              • Feb 2010
                              • 11822

                              #29
                              the seat should slide forward enough that you can easily use a 1/2" socket wrench with a 17mm socket. try some extensions possibly. when i removed my driver seat i used a lot of wd40 and a hand sledge to knock the rails back and forth until they slide smoothly.

                              as for the cheap products, i'd do it do. i dont care too much about the bends kinking too much or the quality of the vinyl. is it ripped? nope. ok, good to go.
                              AWD > RWD

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