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Tips
Tips

TR 3 Seat Rebuild

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Tinkerman

Tinkerman

Darth Vader
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Some one posted a great set of instructions about TR3 seat rebuilding using foam. I thought I had captured all the info in mt BCF tips but I can't find it. I have tried to no avail to use the search format but again no luck.
Can anyone help me out?

Thanks, Tinkerman
 
Dick
Craig Landrum did a wiki pdf on sewing the TR3 seats. I can not seem to find the wiki page on BCF, but I do have the file. I will send it to you in an email. It is very large.
Paul
 
Thanks, Peter.

FWIW we picked up a sewing machine that I think will meet Craig's requirements last week at the LA County fair. $300+tax and they threw in a little wheeled cart to carry it out of the fair. I watched the salesman run a beautiful hem stitch on some gossamer skirt fabric, and then without touching a knob, run the same stitch up a length of belt leather! Later he showed that the machine would drive the needle through two thicknesses of belt leather (fully 1/4" thick), but the lightweight thread he was using broke. (I'm pretty sure it was also not a proper 'leather' needle, which has a channel to reduce stress on the thread.)

Haven't tried it on car upholstery yet, but the wife already loves it. Husqvarna/Viking "Emerald 116" I believe. A little bit plain compared to some of the other machines ("only" 60 different stitches), but boy, did it perform.
https://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/6119_6139.htm
 
In 2009 I sewd my seats and posted my hints on the BCF then. In Summary:

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.


Paul
 
Just got my manchine last year from Sailrite https://www.sailrite.com

The have a great catalog, tons of free on-line how-to videos, and a good place to buy supplies from lift-the-dot to industrial needles, fabric.

Get on their mailing list and they will send sale codes a couple of time a year, not much else.


nfi but I think you'll like their site
 
Thanks all of you for the info. I have an upholstry kit that came with the car so I don't have to do any sewing. Probably a good thing, I have never used a sewing machine in my life. My wife used to do a lot of sewing but not any more. Peter, your pictures are just what I needed. I'm at the point that I need to put some seats into the car. I bought the foam, just needed to see how you worked the bottom. My original seats are rusted hulks, but useful for dimensional purposes.
After two bouts with cancer I'm ready to get this car running and finished. Yesterday It ran for about 5 seconds. Due to operator error it stopped and by then the battery was really too run down to crank it over fast enough.
Got some honey doo's today but will get back after it tomorrow.

Thanks all, Dick
 
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