TR2/3/3A repairing broken hardboard seatback

[deuce]

Hi Folks. I am recovering the rear "seat" back/gas tank cover in my '60 TR3. Has anyone tried to repair damaged/crumbling hardboard. i.e. the outermost tips are broken off. Just sort of a form for the vinyl. They may not even show when the thing is tucked under the metal cowl/bridge..whatever it's called, but it's open now and if I can repair it somehow, I will. Open to suggestions. How about Durhams Rock Hard mixed with yellow glue instead of water? Too brittle? Thanks in advance

 

[Hamish Racing]

I would fit an aluminium fire wall. Then redo the seat back with some thin plywood.

 

[Popeye]

Ditto on replacing the cardboard with plywood. Can you take the vinyl off on one piece? Or perhaps cut out the crumbly cardboard and slide in reinforcements?

A firewall is a good idea. I did not install one (yet??), and see the merits.

 

[deuce]

Thanks for the quick replies. yes, I can see the merits of a firewall of some sort. I looked at the link from Hamish Racing. Interesting site but I didn't see ideas for a firewall. I haven't afixed the new cover to the backing yet so yeah, a plywood back would be nice but, how to make the big bend at the top..that radius. Maybe I can fit a piece of 20 gauge into those corners ala Popeye's suggestion.

 

[Hamish Racing]

The fire wall is a safety thing that UK motorsport promotes a lot. Thus it’s use trickle down to road use cars.
a very easy fix with thin aluminium sheet cut similar to that of the rear back rest.
Revington TR sell them and explain a bit here

SLOPING& FLAT FLOOR FIRE WALL TR2-3A

Whilst we call this a Fire Wall it is in fact a fluid barrier. Its intention is to reduce the possibility of petrol finding its way into the cockpit in the event of an accident. The aluminium sheet should be sealed and riveted in place to ensure a fluid tight seal. The photo shows where the...

www.revingtontr.com

I put in some L profile to river to and went round with either heat proof sealer the type used fore wood burning stove flues or intumescent type

As to the seat back a thin ply will bend enough. Or you could get some steam on it ?!

Enjoy

 

[Graham H]

TRF used to sell that backing board and they probably still do, the vinyl is just stapled to it.

Graham

 

[sp53]

The one you are using is not stock. The originals are half fiber board and half metal. The top is metal and bottom fiber board. They have 2 tabs on the bottom to bolt the bottom to the tub and the metal back is pinch into those 5 or 6 slots on the tub. The little metal ears on the top are tight fit and partially held in by the side trim pieces. I will look and see if I can get some pics from the trunk side.

I would cut a whole new piece of wood out of fiber board for the bottom half and make something out of sheet metal for the top. The ears will break again if they are made of wood because they are a big part of the tight fit. Or, get the metal one like others suggested.

steve

 

[charleyf]

There was a change in those backboards from the early one wuth the metal top to an all cardboard one. I suspect yours us actually original. But replacing the top portion with metal is a good idea.
Charley

 

[NedZ]

I have strengthened crumbling corners of door panels with West System epoxy and a couple small pieces of fiberglass cloth. Clamp it to a flat surface with a layer of wax paper. Works fine for hidden spots.