Tools required to recover Carrera seats?

[zippy_gg]

Finished with sound proofing and new carpet, I was hoping to be able to save the front seats of my 86 cab but they are beat up with large cracks and there are some cuts in the leather. So I am considering recovering the seats myself.
2 questions:

1. which leather seat covers do you recommend (from your own experience please, not from reading other people's comments)?
2. What specialized tools do you need?

The seats are Standard and not Sport. The rear seats came out nicely after some heavy duty cleaning and conditioning.
Thanks in advance for all the feedback.

[BlueTone]

I haven't recovered Porsche seats, but I have done various Mustang seats. You will likely need hog rings and hog ring pliers. An upholsterer's curved needle and some nylon thread shouldn't be needed but I've always found it handy to get a tight fit. You also may need some foam rubber to boost the seat cushions if they are worn. And some 3M spray adhesive. Take your time and be ready to massage the covers to get a tight fit. Sometimes a heat gun helps if used carefully. Good luck! Also silicone spray will make the covers slide on easier.

[4sd911]

The hog rings used for upholstery are smaller than what you will find in most hardware stores. To help slide the new covers over the seats, put a plastic bag over the back rest then slide the new covers on, once in place reach up side and rip out the plastic bag.

[PorscheGAL]

I recommend GAHH. The leather seat covers fit well and the leather is high quality. Request a sample from them so you know what you are buying.

Like others have said, you will need hognose pliers and rings. I also recommend a camera. I took a lot of pictures like the following to make sure I was reassembling correctly.



Finished product:

[DRACO A5OG]

Wow, that is beautiful.

GAHH, do they have a website?

[Scott R]

Also need an impact driver to get the giant flat head screw out for the first time.

[PorscheGAL]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

GAHH, do they have a website?

Here you go.

GAHH: Convertible Tops, Auto Interiors, Quality Convertible Tops

[DRACO A5OG]

Found it, never mind $1600, for 4 pc set, not bad.

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Wow, that is beautiful.

GAHH, do they have a website?

+1 that is superb!

[zippy_gg]

GAHH prices for seat upholstery alone would eat up my budget for seats, seat belts, and dash cover... But beautiful!

10-4 on the tool recommendations. I have read that some also use zip ties instead of hooks for an easier installation. I would be concerned that they would break over time and the seats would become as wrinkled as grandpa's butt...

I am not sure what I will find when I remove the leather so I may have to replace some of the foam. Would it be possible to turn my standard seats into sport seats? Or is the frame also different?

[carr914]

Get Hog Rings not Zip-Ties. You can get the Hog Ring pliers at HF, but they don't carry the rings. Neither does Home Depot or Lowes - you can get them cheap at Upholstry/Fabric Wholesale House

Also a (low-temp) Heat Gun to help stretch the Leather - you can use a hair dryer, but watch how close you get.

[86 911 Targa]

Didn't someone post a "hint" about using trash bags over the seat backs to assist in the installation of the covers?

[Soterik]

Here's a great old Pelican tech article on this subject! ;-) And keep scrolling down.....

How to redo your seat's upholstery

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by 86 911 Targa

Didn't someone post a "hint" about using trash bags over the seat backs to assist in the installation of the covers?

Post #3 did that, and I had read it also on other posts. Makes sense.
I also still have some 3M adhesive spray from my carpet installation.
It looks like I need to source a nice set of seat covers at a decent price (somewhere between GAHH and eBay )

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by zippy_gg

Post #3 did that, and I had read it also on other posts. Makes sense.
I also still have some 3M adhesive spray from my carpet installation.
It looks like I need to source a nice set of seat covers at a decent price (somewhere between GAHH and eBay )

I was hoping for pics & details.

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by 86 911 Targa

I was hoping for pics & details.

Same here. I have read about it but not seen an actual picture, although I think it is pretty straightforward.
I'll be sure to take shots when I do mine and share them.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by zippy_gg

Same here. I have read about it but not seen an actual picture, although I think it is pretty straightforward.
I'll be sure to take shots when I do mine and share them.

Please do, as it is not uncommon to end up with a lot of wrinkles and is some cases a tear or two.

Thanks,

Gerry

[DRACO A5OG]

Hell if you need an extra hand, pm me

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Hell if you need an extra hand, pm me

Hey Brother, we thought you had your hands full with your seal issue. I hope you get that resolved quickly, and with a lot of pics to share!