Need to recover aftermarket seat

Just wondering if anybody has recovered there own seat? I have an aftermarket seat with rear backrest that has a few tares in it that I would like to redo. I am not afraid of the work as I have installed heated seat options in the past. Anybody have any tips or tricks on this sort of thing?

 

I've re-upholstered both my FZR and Seca. It is easy enough with the right tools and equipment. I have a gee-golly whiz type sewing machine so I can sew up the material without trouble. It's putting it all back together that is the time/labor intensive part. The problems I keep running into is finding a staple gun that has a 1/2 inch crown that will shoot a 1/4 (6mm) depth staple into the plastic seat pan. I've been working at it with an Arrow T-50, a brass drift and a hammer with reasonable results. That and wait for a hot day so all of the materials will be nice and soft, it's easier to stretch then. Hit your local library for a book on the subject.

 

Thanks for that info, I checked with a local shop and they want $200-$250 for the job using vinyl. He also said that that he has neoprene backed vinyl that is twice the cost of the regular vinyl, $15 Vs about $30/yard. He gave me piece and told me to tear it. I attempted to, it just streached and went back into shape. I like the idea of that. Have you used anything like that?

 

I purchased 10 yards of outdoor upholstry for about $40 two years ago. I was not aware that neoprene backing was available. Sounds like a good idea. Just be sure whatever you get is UV and abrasion resistant.

 

Maybe I should look for a better price on the vinyl... Also just so other know, I found a book "Automotive Upholstering Handbook" that has a chapter on motorcycles.

 

Got the number on that book? Author? I'd like to see it.

 

Here is the info from Barnes and Noble.

Automotive Upholstery Handbook
by Don Taylor
Paperback

ISBN-13: 9781931128001
Pub. Date: January 2002
Synopsis
A Professional upholsterer explains how to make and install complete interiors in cars, trucks, and vans, while avoiding costly mistakes. Specific topics covered include: recovering and building both bench and bucket seats; using tools; working with leather, vinyl, or any fabric; upholstering armrests and door panels; creating custom interiors; installing convertible tops; and even building boat and motorcycle seats from scratch.

 

I just grabbed one off eBay for 11.43 plus 7 bucks shipping

 

I got mine on God forsaken Amazon. $19 and some change...

As a side note, I called a local motorcycle and snowmobile scrap yard today and they have a seat. $20 but in bad shape. I am going to get and and redo that one too. Never know when it will be needed.

 

I did the same thing, bought a pile of junk to practice on. Good results are nice to have as spares.

 

I bought mine for about $80 at

http://motorcycleseatcovers.net/index.htm

Took about an hour to R & R.

 

check out this place - lot's of great info

http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com/