The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Foam thickness for bench seat

I'm getting ready to redo my stock bench seat. I have a upholstery set from JC ready to install and would like to know if 1" is the right foam thickness. I'm open to all ideas. Thanks, Steve Vashon,Wa.

I guess not too many people upholster their own bench seats.

Steve,

What upholstery set do you have from JC?
The upholstery material?

The upholstery installation material/set (which is inadequate for a good/comfortable installation)?

What layers of material will you be putting between the upholstery and the springs?

Most likely you do not see any replies because people do not know enough regarding what you have. Foam was not originally used, so you will have to describe the layers of materials you plan to use (from the springs on up to beneath the upholstery).

Denny Graham posted a very detailed description of his upholstery work. Maybe he will post a link to that thread?

Here are photos of what I did. Seems like it was two inches. Hope this helps. https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0455Z2WMINce

I used a layer of two-inch high-density foam over the original cotton batting and springs. Made a very comfortable but original looking seat.

http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/RdLessTaken/media/IMG_8574sm_zpsf606d867.jpg.html

Tim, sorry I was not very clear. I bought the vinyl Spanish Grain Maroon #UP109. First would be burlap then foam and topped with a piece of muslin. I saw Dennys installation but he used the original coir which is very expensive. It looks like hog rings are used on the burlap. I don't know about the muslin. It must be used to make the upholstery go on easier? I have the original clips to hold the upholstery. RdsLessTaken, thanks for the great pics, you have a beautiful truck. Steve

Steve,

If I could not get coir, I'd use a piece of heavy-duty short-nap rug/carpet as a replacement.

I had two original padding/upholstery seats in my Suburban. Besides the coir, another interesting "feature" was the burlap had metal strips/stays that ran lengthwise (about an inch apart as I dimly recall).

The coir and the "reinforced" burlap seemed to spread out the weight of the occupant. Without those items, you'll feel the springs.

Tim, the carpet is a good idea, and no need for burlap since the backing would allow for that. I have some new H.D. 1" foam that could be on top and maybe muslin or a cotton sheet maybe? Steve

Sounds good.

53, Tim- working from the seat bottom (springs ): The idea/plan discussed is to use 1) a thin carpet layer, 2) a HD foam layer, then 3) a cotton sheet/muslin layer; finishing off with the JC fitted vinyl upholstery.

From the materials I listed, am I comprehending this correct? For both the seat bottom and backrest? I've been pricing materials to re-cover my 55.2 seat, saw this thread was current, and wanted to follow along. I'm carrying around a ziplock bag with a 5" x 5" cut-out sample of the layers from my original seat padding; going in Hancock's fabric store looking like a moron with a squirrel hide.

53's material list I probably already have at home.
Thanks
Brad

"looking like a moron with a squirrel hide" That's funny. Steve

This is the order I would suggest doing it. If your springs are a little weak, cut a piece of heavy household carpet to place over the springs for a foundation. Follow this with the cotton batting layers to get the thickness you need. Use the two-inch high-density foam for the TOP layer, draping it over the front 5-6 inches, followed with the seat cover. With the HD foam on top, you will not get develop a hole where you sit.
My foam and batting came from Hancock’s and my seat cover is the Jim Carter Spanish grain maroon.

http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/RdLessTaken/media/IMG_85201_zps2928d7d9.jpg.html

Thanks for the explanation; I spent an hour and a half at several stores tonight with my squirrel hide trying to figure out the answer to the title of this thread... With my hide/seat sample in hand (and REALLY looking like a moron with a caliper as well): How much has the original cotton deteriorated? Was the batting doubled over? How much integrity will be lost in this foam vs that foam? How much room for play will the seat upholstery have when it arrives? How many 24" x 60" pieces can I cut out of a full size mattress topper? King sized?

Trying to save money here...

The old seat material is flat as it can be, and I don't ever remember thinking it was uncomfortable; it just stank & the cover was trashed.

Brad

This is almost the same procedure I used even using the JC Spanish grain maroon. It looks a little "bulky" and in retrospect, I wonder if I should have used the 1" instead. Steve

Thanks for adding the "bulky" pointer. I have 1" & 1.5" foam material; also a variety of wool fabric, burlap, & cotton batting material. I can't keep all of it, and it is in returnable form, but I wanted to have it for any modifications I may need to get the right thickness.

Brad

I had to use a couple of seats to actually make a good set of bones and springs.
I ordered my Briar Brown seat cover from Raybucks and did the seat work-up using some dense padding from Walmart to top the springs ( Carpet is a good idea) and some softer egg-crate type foam as well.
I used hay bail twine to help secure the top foam layers while installing the cover.
So far, no complaints and the seat looks good and is comfortable.
It has that twangy spring sound from the action of sitting on it but for me, that just adds character to my old truck.
Years from now maybe, someone who might remove the cover will find a message left from me on the padding!
Jerry