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Reupholstering, a couple questions

Started by raueda1, 24 May 2023, 11:55 AM

raueda1

I'm gearing up for reupholstering. Using stuff from GAHH.  The plan is to do more-or-less complete seat rebuild (fix springs, mew cushions, MBtex to leather conversation).  So, a couple questions.

> I'm assuming that this isn't beyond the ability of a serious hobbyist  ??? AFAIK only special tool is one of those hog staple pliers and a bunch of the clips.

> I understand that both the front seat rear panels and corner pieces are leather when car is ordered in leather.  The MBtex covers are stapled and glued on, respectively.  Same for leather covers?  I figure I'd just use contact cement for the sides.

>. Does anybody know what the lumbar support pillows dimensions are?  Mine are gone, probably lost when original velour was replaced by MBtex. All I have left is the strap and panel that pads were attached to (glued if I recall).


> Any particular subtleties, tricks or traps to avoid?

Comment welcome and thanks!  Cheers,
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

orientrot

Fitting leather covers can be a bit more finnicky than fitting MBTex, a good upholstery shop will use steam and heat to stretch the leather to get aftermarket covers to fit more optimally and remove wrinkles.

I have a set of lumbar pillows, I'll get some pictures and dimensions when I get a chance
75 450SEL
80 300SD- cancelled project
83 300D- 5-speed OM617
84 300D- AMG 5.4L N/A M113 6 speed
92 300D- 722.6 OM603 3.5
93 190E 2.6 Sportline LE x2- 6-speed M111 turbo, 3.0 M103
02 C320 Wagon
03 Sprinter 2500
06 E500 4Matic Wagon- AMG 5.4L NA M113

raueda1

Quote from: orientrot on 24 May 2023, 07:43 PMFitting leather covers can be a bit more finnicky than fitting MBTex, a good upholstery shop will use steam and heat to stretch the leather to get aftermarket covers to fit more optimally and remove wrinkles.

I have a set of lumbar pillows, I'll get some pictures and dimensions when I get a chance
Great info on steaming, thanks.  I had no idea.  I'm guessing that they steam the inside of the cover to make it stretchier and then it shrinks as it dries.  I have a small, easily controlled steam cleaner that could certainly do this.  Any thoughts or caveats on how I could screw it up?

Lumbar pix would be great!  If you want to sell your pillows I'd certainly be interested (PM me).  Cheers,
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

rumb

The tv shows where I have seen steaming they are doing the outside to help get it on and after to even things out. They often put very thin plastic sheet over cushions to slide leather over snd pull the plastic out once it is on.

The back seat covers are very easy, no tools required. The fronts may be worth a pro. I bought a front seat cover w126 from a fleabay and had shop install. They actyally tore a piexe but easily sewed in a repair.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

orientrot

Quote from: raueda1 on 26 May 2023, 06:24 AMIf you want to sell your pillows I'd certainly be interested (PM me)
On mine the covers, straps, etc are intact but the filling ("horsehair" pressed coconut fiber pads) has turned crunchy as that material likes to do.

It's made of the headliner material on the side that faces away from the seat (I assume so it's breathable) and the back side is a solid canvas

photos

It's glued together, perhaps I'll cut it open from the backside, empty it out, and figure out making a pattern for it
75 450SEL
80 300SD- cancelled project
83 300D- 5-speed OM617
84 300D- AMG 5.4L N/A M113 6 speed
92 300D- 722.6 OM603 3.5
93 190E 2.6 Sportline LE x2- 6-speed M111 turbo, 3.0 M103
02 C320 Wagon
03 Sprinter 2500
06 E500 4Matic Wagon- AMG 5.4L NA M113

raueda1

Quote from: orientrot on 29 May 2023, 02:53 PM
Quote from: raueda1 on 26 May 2023, 06:24 AMIf you want to sell your pillows I'd certainly be interested (PM me)
On mine the covers, straps, etc are intact but the filling ("horsehair" pressed coconut fiber pads) has turned crunchy as that material likes to do.

It's made of the headliner material on the side that faces away from the seat (I assume so it's breathable) and the back side is a solid canvas

photos

It's glued together, perhaps I'll cut it open from the backside, empty it out, and figure out making a pattern for it
Great!  How thick do you suppose it was, maybe 3 cm or so?  If so that's really all I need to see to cobble something together. My straps and the backing board are intact, though buckles aren't very pretty.  I'm not worried about the originality police here.  Thanks muchly!  Cheers,
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

raueda1

Quote from: raueda1 on 29 May 2023, 03:56 PM
Quote from: orientrot on 29 May 2023, 02:53 PM
Quote from: raueda1 on 26 May 2023, 06:24 AMIf you want to sell your pillows I'd certainly be interested (PM me)
On mine the covers, straps, etc are intact but the filling ("horsehair" pressed coconut fiber pads) has turned crunchy as that material likes to do.

It's made of the headliner material on the side that faces away from the seat (I assume so it's breathable) and the back side is a solid canvas

photos

It's glued together, perhaps I'll cut it open from the backside, empty it out, and figure out making a pattern for it
Great!  How thick do you suppose it was, maybe 3 cm or so?  If so that's really all I need to see to cobble something together. My straps and the backing board are intact, though buckles aren't very pretty.  I'm not worried about the originality police here.  Thanks muchly!  Cheers,
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

orientrot

Quote from: raueda1 on 29 May 2023, 03:56 PMGreat!  How thick do you suppose it was, maybe 3 cm or so?  If so that's really all I need to see to cobble something together. My straps and the backing board are intact, though buckles aren't very pretty.  I'm not worried about the originality police here.  Thanks muchly!  Cheers,

Sorry for the delay, I had to find my caliper. The thickness seems to vary a bit with it thicker towards the middle of the pad, but also its impossible to say for sure because of the pad having disintegrated. I would say its in the range of 12 to 16mm.
75 450SEL
80 300SD- cancelled project
83 300D- 5-speed OM617
84 300D- AMG 5.4L N/A M113 6 speed
92 300D- 722.6 OM603 3.5
93 190E 2.6 Sportline LE x2- 6-speed M111 turbo, 3.0 M103
02 C320 Wagon
03 Sprinter 2500
06 E500 4Matic Wagon- AMG 5.4L NA M113