Well 2 inches of rain today and 50 mph winds left me with little to do this afternoon so my wife is giving me sewing lesions. Actually we are both veterinary surgeons, but I have never sutured with a machine (that thing can hurt you!). Thanks to the Landrums I should have new seats in about two weeks for about $100.00 in materials (also side panels etc). Anyone have any extra tips on sewing?

Paul

Practice on scrap material first. You will need a large, stiff needle as used for denim. If you use smaller needles they will break. You will also need to increase the tension settings for the thread. Each machine is different so read up on how yours adjusts. If you use too little tension the thread will festoon on the back side of the fabric and tie itself in knots. Too much tension and you can pucker the fabric OR break the needle. (Buy spare needles before you start). Again, practice a lot on scraps.

If you didn't buy heavy nylon upholstery thread, either buy some or at least get some heavy thread that is polyester. Do not use poly/cotton blends for this. They look nice at first but the cotton will deteriorate quickly leaving you with opening seams.

Sewing upholstery can be a very satisfying task. Have fun with it. Be sure to post pictures of your completed project.

Thanks Doug
So far we've followed all your suggestions on my second piece the tension went down on the machine and after about two inches I got a pile of knots. Removed the stiches and started over. Much better. Craigs' instructions in the pdf file have been very good.

Paul

Cool stuff Paul - keep us posted. Fun to learn new stuff.

Wow - you are WAY more patient and skilled than I am! I took the much more expensive but hopefully easier route a couple of weeks ago and ordered up a kit from a custom interior guy. I'm waiting patiently for the delivery and will know soon if that was a bad idea!

Was the kit for your TR4? I would be interested to know the end result

Nope, it was for the 3A. It makes me feel like I'm making progress on the car even though I have a lot of bodywork to do yet!

Progress........


We broke my wife's Singer (she hated that machine and retired it 5 years ago). Plastic gears, one stitch through a overlaped seam and bang. Picked-up a used $50.00 1961 Kenmore (like iron) on CL and it goes through the material like butter.


Paul
PS She would not let me use her regular $$$$ machine

Paul
I guess being a Vet you have a lot of practice sewing up hides!
Looks real good!! Keep up the good work!

I don't know if I could handle getting sewing lesions from anyone, let alone my wife.
Your work looks great so far.

Quilters call that "pile of knots" vomit...pretty appropriate don't you think! LOL

Pretty cool! I've been quilting for years, but still haven't had the guts to sew my own seats.

Hides - yes vinyl-No. I'm glad I'm using vinyl as it has more give than leather. After we finish this set I might do the Bugeye in leather.

My wife has been a very patient teacher. But she protects her sewing stuff like a Pitbull. She is now developing a fondness for "my" vintage machine.

Paul

Very appropriate when you see it it makes you want to

n=2
We finished the seats! We are very pleased! If anyone wants the patterns I will mail them to you. It will save you about two hours in cutting and printing time. Things we learned.

1. Making your own piping is good, but if you want a contrasting color you might be able to purchase it to save you time.

2. Use 1/4in foam pleating foam for the backs. 1/2in is too thick.

3. Figure 10 hours of sewing time. 2.5 hours time required cut the material.

4. Staples work well to bind the material, but if you know how to operate a sewing machine you might be able to paper clip things together and sew faster.

5. All the materials are available at Joanne's Fabric (national chain). Look for 50% off coupons.
6. With vinyl an older sewing machine (metal gears and a >1.0 amp motor) will work well. We picked up a vintage Kenmore machine for $50. The most difficult parts are over very thick seams. Use a seam jumper or hand stitch.
7. The ebay price for TR3 seats made by "2talltr3" is very fair with materials and labor.

Excellent work! So... how many needles did you go through?

Every time I've sewn vinyl I've pinned it together. Inevitably I'll start going too fast and the needle will come squarely down on a pin before I can pull it out. The next thing I know... "twang", it's gone.

When I was finishing up the Mini I was sewing vinyl edge binding on a piece of carpet for the boot. I was using our brand new Huskvarna machine, a much nicer machine than the Singer it replaced. I was really pleased with the results until I looked at the machine and realized the carpet had severely scratched up the plastic window covering the bobbin. I quickly sanded and polished the plastic with the compounds I used on the Mini's paint (before my wife found out)!!!

Ironically, my wife is currently working on a restoration project of her own. She's fixing up her grandmother's 1919 treadle powered Singer. Amazingly, almost all the parts are still available.

Doug
Thank-you. Went through 3 needles (never broke, just dull). My wife is now looking for an old Singer to do straight stitching as they still do the best straight stitching. Parts for the Kenmore were also easy to find and I think I have started her on a new hobby. Cheaper than LBC's so I will not complain. The Huskvarna she has cost $$ and I could understand how you could be nervous. She would not let me near it.

Paul

Treadle powered Singers can be convererted to power. ISTR there is a bracket that mounts to the rear of the machine to hold the motor, a belt to drive, and a foot pedal reostat. It will run like a sewing machine. Treadle machines will last forever.

The sewing is done! Only need to do the capping and then it is back to the body work again.


I even built the door pockets




Net cost about $100...saving about $600 time spent with the family on the project priceless........

Paul

P.S. If someone wants to do their own interior let me know I've got pattens for everything.

Looks great Paul!! You do good work!!