Remove/replace seat cover - what tools?
 

My 76 912E came with the seat cushion vinyl separated from the fabric insert. Just along the seam - so I have two clean edges.

My plan is to remove the seat bottom cover - have it stitched back up at shoe repair or boat canvas shop - then reinstall.

Can anyone recommend a decent pair of hog ring pliers, and for that matter, anything else you think might come in handy.

Other than the split seam, the seats are perfect, light-weight, manual versions, with original coverings, and from what I can determine, a rare combination of colors.

Thanks in advance,
Bill K

Hi Bill - take a look at the link below, any of the pliers should work well for your fix.

Pelican Parts - European Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche • BMW • Mercedes • Volkswagen • Audi • Saab • Volvo • MINI

Thanks Dmitry.

Which pliers would you recommend - straight or 45 degree - or both?

Are the used hog rings toast once they have been removed?

Bill K

I'd go for the 45 degree ones to start with. You can reuse your hog rings but they're cheap so why not use new ones?

If you want to do it right use Hog Rings.

If you want a quick and dirty fix I would suggest good quality zip ties. I did my Volvo that way and they lasted for years.

Wow, Pelican sells stuff for cars?
Who knew?

We might be onto something here..................

Same here on an old Land Cruiser when I replaced the OEM seat covers with new ones. Looked like new and was way easier to work with than the hog rings. Another tip, if you don't plan to reuse the hog rings just snip them with side cutting pliers when you remove them.

I'm lovin' this tip.

Thanks
Bill K

Even better than pliers are small bolt cutters. I found the force applied to the pliers caused the hog rings to fly around when cut. The compound action cutters required less effort and the rings didn't fly apart.

Best of luck with your project.
Les