TR2/3/3A TR3 Seat Questions

[TR Mike]

Hi all, I am trying to rebuild seats for my 59 TR3A. I actually have all new parts (frames, padding and springs from TRF and seat covers from Moss). The problem is I can't find instructions and I have nothing to refer back to. My previous seats were not original. I think they were from a Spitfire. I have found bits and pieces of information about wooden tack strips, etc., but I still have the following questions: 1) What is the purpose of the flimsy white cotton material included in the TRF padding kit. I have two small square pieces and two long rectangular pieces. 2) Is there any padding in the back of the seat (behind it) or is it just leather/vinyl over the metal frame. 3) Should the material on the back of the seat be glued there or just enclosed beneath the vinyl/leather. Thanks in advance for your answers.

 

[CJD]

The white cotton goes closest to the cover material, in the edges and corners to protect the cover material...in other words, it's the outer edge layer before you install the cover. There is no padding at the back. The front padding wraps around about 3-4 inches to the back, and the cover is held out slightly by that. Best to use glue. Over time, the padding layers will work across each other if you don't. It does not take much glue to hold them, though.

I have pics, but am not at home right now...I'd be happy to post them this weekend if nobody else does.

 

[TR Mike]

Thanks, I think I understand what you are saying, but I would still be interested in seeing pictures just to make sure. Also, for each seat I have a square wool pad slightly larger than the seat. Should this be cut into the shape of the seat or just wrapped down the sides.

 

[mgedit]

A few pictures here from when mine were done. Friend who does upholstery for living helped, and we did not have a TRF kit, just seat covers that came with car and what he had in shop. Cheers, Mike

https://www.triumphowners.com/collection.cgi?task=PHOTO&photocategoryID=2255&sectionID=111032

 

[sp53]

I found one of the challenging aspects of seat rebuilding was putting on the nailing strip for the vinyl/leather to attach to at the back bottom curve. I used door skin material and laminated them in place with short self tapping screws.I think the original actually had nails. If you are unfamiliar with door skin it is just thin plywood.

 

[martx-5]

I had a luthier friend of mine fabricate and bend some hardwood pieces (1/4" IIRC) for the tack strips. I just used machine screws to hold them in place. Instead of tacks for the leather, I just used a staple gun.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I just learned my new word for the day -- luthier. Thanks.

 

[BillyB62]

Me too

 

[Perrymip]

Me too

I'm one more.

Charles Runyan, in one of his recent newsletters, mentioned the prospect of making these pieces available through TRF (including the carpet tacks, as original).

 

[Crankshaft]

I had actually done a little luthier work several years ago, and didn't know it until now.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I can even use it in a sentence: My thuspension is luthier thince I thwicthed to thofter thprings.