Cork Seat Repair

78_Targa · 03-03-2011, 12:59 PM

Fellas,

Both seats in my 78 SC are torn across the bottom seating surface. The rest of the seats, including bolsters, are in good condition, albeit faded but they match the rest of the car.

I know I can buy new covers but call me crazy, I like the original cork color and material and prefer to preserve what is here.

Who has had luck with repair and what is the best way to do this?

plumb4u2 · plumb4u2's Garage

get out a needle and thread and sew yourself shouldnt b that difficult, only other option would b to take to an upholstery shop

wolf76 · wolf76's Garage

I have no suggestions but just wanted to say that I really like the cork and hope you find a way to repair it.

Chris

Paulporsche · 03-04-2011, 05:06 AM

If the holes are intact then you could probably resew it. There are curved upholstery needles that can do this. If the holes are torn out, then there is not going to be much, if any, material left to sew through. Then you will probably have to sew in a complete new panel.

Maybe you can patch it by backing up the panels with some other material glued into place, but I don't know if it will hold. There is obviously a lot of stress in that area.

bkreigsr · 06:09 AM

Any type of re-stiching will probably be a short-term fix, at best. The new thread will pull through the 33 year old leather/vinyl in a new york minute. For a long-term fix, I suggest removing the bottom seat cover (hog nose pliers) and getting another made at an upholstery shop. I did both my cork fronts and am very pleased, plus, they are wearing like the are going to give me another 34 years with no problems.
Bill K

78_Targa · 08:11 AM

Bill,

I understand what you're saying. I don't want this to be a temp fix.

I like the idea of the glued reinforcement plus stitching but if it won't hold than I won't go that route.

First objective is keeping the seats looking original. Second is a repair that holds for several years and looks decent.

I'm meeting with a repair person to show them the seats and discuss options tomorrow.

Mark

P.S.

Your interior looks FANTASTIC!

RatBox · 03-04-2011, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78_Targa

Fellas,

Both seats in my 78 SC

Interesting, I had never really looked around hard to check. But I find it interesting that this box dimple material was still being used by 1978. I'm farmiliar with it from 1968.

manxter26 · 03-04-2011, 12:18 PM

I don't know if you're interested, but I have a bunch of leftovers from a 78 911SC that was crashed back in 1979. I believe the front seat covers are there and all has been stored inside. I was planning on digging into this stuff and listing some of it in the classifieds. I'll try to look this weekend.

Jay

78_Targa · 03-17-2011, 05:49 AM

No word from the seat repair people. Fingers crossed they are taking their time and doing amazing work. LOL.

Incidentally, the repair shop informed me that the seats were covered in vinyl. They are concerned that 33 year old vinyl will not hold the repairs. I'll send pics and thoughts on the repair when I get the seats back.

wwest · wwest's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by manxter26

I don't know if you're interested, but I have a bunch of leftovers from a 78 911SC that was crashed back in 1979. I believe the front seat covers are there and all has been stored inside. I was planning on digging into this stuff and listing some of it in the classifieds. I'll try to look this weekend.

Jay

Well...??

78_Targa · 04-13-2011, 07:27 AM

The seats are back from the upholsterer. The repair looks good. The only question that remains, will the 33 year old vinyl hold up.

I treated the seats with Lexol's vinyl protectant - Vinylex. Lexol states the product restores some of the elasticity. Again, we will see.

bkreigsr · 04-13-2011, 10:14 AM

the repair came out good. looks like they used some kind of reinforcement under the splits. - should be good-to-go a long time, or at least until you're in a Carrera.

Bill K

Laneco · 04-13-2011, 12:44 PM

With about 95% certainty, that seat material is a recover already. The vinyl pattern, the center section, and the cut especially athe gathering points looks looks non-factory.

I mean, for a few bucks, I too would have fixed it. But when the point comes that you make the decision to "keep it original" I'd definately ask around because I really don't think those are original at all.

angela

bkreigsr · 03:16 AM

the wrinkles are the result of the repair.
the seats and vinyl are original to the car. Bill K

78_Targa · 04-14-2011, 08:29 AM

Bill K, I'm not too thrilled with the new wrinkles. Do you think this is something that can be pulled tight or better not to try?

bkreigsr · 04-14-2011, 09:11 AM

how many miles on the seats?
if it were me, I'd live with it a couple thousand miles then re-evaluate.
chances are it will 'patina' in nicely and you won't even notice it (- well you will, but others, not-so-much

) -
sorry, I lack the expertise to give advice on what would happen it you tried to correct it in it's present state. Bill K

78_Targa · 04-18-2011, 09:42 AM

90K on the seats. I would like to get that puckering stretched tight but would hate to make matters worse. I'm sure in a week or two I'll have the seats out trying to fix them.

RatBox · 04-18-2011, 12:12 PM

I was not going to say anything, as I did not want to rain on your parade. But that was the first thing I saw. I would not only have told them up front that I was expecting no loose spots/wrinkles. I would not have picked them up that way. I would have made them fix them properly before I paid/took away.