TR6 TR6 seat - installing new diaphragm

[SpannerMan]

Hello all,
I was hoping to proactively replace the rubber seat bottom diaphragm for the passenger seat of my TR6. I have already redone the driver's seat using used OE covers I bought on ebay; luckily it matches the original passenger seat nicely. I'd like to make the seat bottom support as good as possible to preserve the passenger seat as long as possible.
It would be nice if I could replace it from the bottom of the seat, without removing the cushion and cover. It looks like you could almost do it, but two of the clips are blocked by the frame from that direction. It would need something pretty ingenious to retension it - maybe more trouble than stripping and replacing the seat cushion. But I hesitate to take off the seat bottom cushion/cover; I'm afraid I might not get it looking as nice again when I try to put it back.
I'll look into putting up a picture later, also.
Thanks for any advice the group can give!
Pete

 

[pjsmetana]

I'm not sure what shape those 2 clips are that your referring to, but back when I was redoing quite a lot of auto interiors, I used to use a lot of Hog Rings. Maybe those would solve your dilemma? They are super cheap, and super strong.

https://www.legendaryautointeriors.com/file/SEAT%20UPHOLSTERY%20INSTALLATION%20GUIDE.pdf

https://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Automotive/Automotive/Automotive_Hog_Rings/index.html

https://www.autoseatskins.com/Auto-Upholstery-Hog-Rings-p/hogrings.htm

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00340A...M63XTPR189VA1P1

 

[GreenOne]

I did mine from the bottom, it's a PITA but possible. Hook as many clips as you can by hand then take a pair of needle nose vise grips (the smaller one, not the full size) and snap them onto the clip vertically. Then take a ratchet type bar clamp (the kind that is adjustable with 1 hand) and put 1 end on the outside of the seat and the other end on the vise grips. Using 1 hand the close the clamp and the other to stabilize the vise grips squeeze until the clip drops into the seat frame. After a little practice it goes pretty quick.

One note: I added a piece of 2" foam between the existing foam and the new diaphragm to bolster the support on the butt and it made a nice difference !

Good Luck !

By the way, the original factory clips with the flat tip on the hook were a lot better than the ones that came with the diaphragm kit so don't throw them away.

 

[SpannerMan]

Thanks to both posters! It's great to hear the encouragement from Jim, who's been there before. I'll try to post a pic tonight, to make the thread more informative for anyone who looks in the future. I'll give the suggestions a shot too; not totally sure I have all the right tools right now.
Pete