[HWYSTR455]

I have a set of strato buckets that I need restored, and want a top notch job done. This is not for a correct show car, but I want it as close to stock looking as reasonable. These seats need complete dis-assembly, possible spring repair, would like to have them blasted if it makes sense, painted, all new foam, the works.

As a point of reference, the seats in question are 1971 Sport/GTO comfort weave seats.

Originally I was thinking I would just send them to Legendary, but as I think about it, I'm tempted to restore them myself. I've done some simple recovers and repairs multiple times, and would like to determine just how much more of an effort this would be.

I have a pretty good idea what the best parts to use are, so I'm more looking for techniques, tips, ideas, process, etc in doing the actual job, so I can make the determination if I should attempt this myself, or just pay the bend-over-backwards fee to have them done.

What kind of hiccups, tough areas, etc can all provide? Is there a dos & don'ts list somewhere? Or maybe a detailed reference on the process?

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[GStage1]

Not hard to do at all...get the hog rings and hog ring pliers and you are set..see my article:

http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/bs.htm

[HWYSTR455]

Thank you George, I have several times referenced that thread of yours, it's informative, and have pointed others to it even.

Some of the concerns I have are repair of springs, and methods used to clean/refurb the individual parts.

So you think for the frames and springs one could have them media blasted and just shoot it with rattle can engine paint or POR-15?

The comfort weave seats have a groove in the middle of the cushions, and not sure there are foam replacements that are similar. They I've heard are the most difficult to restore, and get to look right.

At one time I had a shop replace the upright and seat bottom springs with complete replacements, and don't feel they are correct or correctly done. So I lack a baseline to follow.

I may have to just take a shot at it, but would be a shame if I wasn't satisfied and THEN had to have them corrected. Trying to avoid that.

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[GStage1]

I always pulled the spring frames from the rear seats from junkyard cars...they were always in excellent condition.

I always beadblasted my frames and painted them satin black....no need for expensive paint....the seats lasted 40+ years unpainted and will last 100 if you paint them.

I used cable cutters as shown in the pic to cut the hog rings and to replace rusted/broken seat springs.....if you have patience.....he can unfold/uncrimp the factory spring clamps....looks like the letter M when you have them opened
and reuse them to install new/replacement springs.

99% of the time...the driver's bottom cushion rear springs that mount to the back of the frame are the ones that break or pull from the seat frame....so you should only need to replace them

As for the center seam/recess you describe...can be down but you have to use the same set-up as the original seat...there is a rod/wire in that seam for you to connect to the spring below the seam..not hard to do.....you need an assistant to compress the seat cushion so you can hog ring the listing/wire/rod to the spring...you can't do it by yourself.

[GTO_6970]

This is a pretty good how-to video that Legendary posted for installing '70 GTO seat covers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyKOmU4nne0

[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by GTO_6970

This is a pretty good how-to video that Legendary posted for installing '70 GTO seat covers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyKOmU4nne0

Dang those guys make it look easy. That's a newer video, I remember the older one was a little more choppy. That one I will watch a couple times for sure.

Exactly George, that part is a 2-person job, and a sturdy work surface is a must. The center seam/crease on a comfort weave seat that is.

Yeah, springs, wish I could find a good video on that part of a refurb.

Starting to get a better idea here, and might start leaning towards taking a crack at it.

Hope to see some more comments, like I mentioned, I know the comfort weave ones are the hardest, and want a class job.

/

[Greg Reid]

Get a GOOD set of hog-ring pliers...they'll save your hands.

[HWYSTR455]

What's a good set of hog ring pliers? Got a link?

Still interested on how to repair springs. I really haven't found any good info and pics on that yet.

.

[Greg Reid]

Originally Posted by HWYSTR455

What's a good set of hog ring pliers? Got a link?

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No, because I don't have a good set. I have two poor sets and had a hand full of blisters for a while to prove it.
I have a very small set that came with the bag of hog rings I ordered. They tortured me so much that I shopped ebay for what I thought would be a good set. They are much more comfortable to use but they don't close the ring very well! So, I was obliged to finish with the little tiny set.
The hinge pin broke and I replaced it with a screw and nut....several of them before I finished actually.
When I do another interior, I will shop for a good, made in USA vintage set. Like most tools I guess. Pays to buy quality.

[HWYSTR455]

After some research, I see a lot of folks giving praise to the Scott Drake hog ring pliers.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...et-p/overview/

For professionals, some say these are the best:

http://www.csosborneupholsterytools....0Ring%20Pliers

Then there's the camp who say Lisle and K-D Tools pliers are the best:

http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/p...s/?product=598

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...og-ring-pliers

Those look like the ones I may lean towards.

So there are different size rings too, and associated pliers, like, there's a 'hog' size, and a 'pig' size, the 'pig' size being the one used for upholstery. Those are I think what some say are 3/8" in size, but I can't confirm that.

Also, there are stainless steel rings available, which some prefer. Some too say the 'pre-bend' rings are easier to work with, they require less force to bend, and you have less chance of 'missing'.

Ok, had my OCD fix for the morning!

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[Greg Reid]

The number of choices can be a little overwhelming. I've had good luck with the Lisle brand of specialty tools. Looks like they have a return spring too.
The KDs look good as well. Next time I do some seats, I think you're right. Next time, I'll probably go with one of those two.