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Seat Rebuild

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Tr3aguy

Tr3aguy

Jedi Knight
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OK working on the smaller projects while I figure out the bigger ones...the seats began like this:
3336168259_454dd79eaf_b.jpg

I decided it was best to try and preserve the original pans and stripped them down. Upon cleaning down to the bare metal I noticed some stress fracture cracks:
4471963836_f6e021043e_b.jpg

I gave it to a welder friend to repair prior to priming...and the after effect is to leave a little extra weld to strengthen
4471185203_06c23f6047_b.jpg

This is how it is after paint:
3645496262_823836b093_b.jpg


So my question is how to rebuild the tack strip for reupholstering: as you can see it was pretty tore up before repainting the seats;
4471185479_70b817e108_b.jpg


What kind of thin wood can make that curve?
 
The cracks and the welds you had done are, I think, standard.

I'm sure there must be better methods, but what I did to replace the curved tacking strips was to make a cardboard pattern to capture the curve, then I transfered that to a piece of 2" x 10" and used a jig saw to cut that shape into the piece of wood. I then used 1/4" plywood, cut a strip (about 1 1/4" wide), placed that loosely into the form I had made, used two C-type clamps and some heat (a heat lamp) and, over a period of several days, applied progressively more pressure to the mold and gradually bent the strip to the desired shape. I then used stainless pop-rivets to fasten the bent strips. There was some fudging, since the strip didn't quite achieve (by my primitive methods) the exact and lasting curvature, so I used the riveting to assist in securing the bends.
 
When I did mine I also made a form but wet the wood a little and used steam from an old iron. I used some thin luan plywood. Here's a few shots : TR3 seat rebuilding

btw, I PC'd the seat tracks with Eastwood Stamped Steel powder which you can see in one of the photos.
 
This is a standard practice with wooden boat builders. Perrymip and PeterK have the right idea, the trick is to rip several strips of thin wood (as thin as you can) and glue them together on the jig. Once the glue sets up the piece will retain it's shape. Just be sure to cover the jig with plastic wrap so as not to glue the thin wood to it.
 
Hmmm great advise from the group. I think thin plywood with some relief cuts sandwiched in with very thin luan is the way to go. Just have to trace out my shape and make the jig. This forum is great! I will post some pics when I get it in place.
 
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