So I’ve been working on reupholstering my bench seats, i received new vinyl from classic parts as a gift, and then went through him Carter for the rest of the kit (cotton, felt, burlap, c clips, etc. was able to do the top have the bench, and am working on the bottom bench... i was able to do the front/back with the c clips fairly easily... but i can’t get the sides clipped in... seems like there isn’t enough room to get tools at the right angles to slip the clips in.
Anyone that has done this have any advice or tips?
I think I was pushing mine in with a flat tip screwdriver and a combo of regular pliers. Sometimes it was a multi-stage push with the pliers. It was definitely a fight but i got it done.
Search the Internet for hog rings and pliers and: Search the Internet for GM upholstery clips (I think they used to be called barrel clips) - these simply got pushed on, over/around the upholstery end/edge.
I just realized after my last post your saying you don’t understand how to use the actual clip. You basically stretch the material over the groove of the seat frame then just stuff the clip straight down into the seat material and it jams it into the groove and locks it in there. Just make sure all the old clips are peeled out of the track or you will never get it in.
I just realized after my last post your saying you don’t understand how to use the actual clip. You basically stretch the material over the groove of the seat frame then just stuff the clip straight down into the seat material and it jams it into the groove and locks it in there. Just make sure all the old clips are peeled out of the track or you will never get it in.
I actually do know how they work... already did the top half the bench and the long sides of the seat portion... it’s the short sides on the bottom bench that i don’t seem to have enough room for tools to hold the clips as i push them in... was able to do the rest with simple pliers
Search the Internet for hog rings and pliers and: Search the Internet for GM upholstery clips (I think they used to be called barrel clips) - these simply got pushed on, over/around the upholstery end/edge.
I have the "C" clips that slide in and hold the vinyl in place on the seat frame, just have to figure out how to get them along the short sides of the bench seat - not much room for tools... But searching "GM upholstery clips" there looks to be a few different options that may work a little better
I think I remember wrapping electrical tape around a set of regular pliers and getting the sides done with those. The taped part kinda on the seat cover itself but didn’t damage it at all.
I also had great results by covering one plier jaw with a piece of duct tape. I wrapped the tape around the full jaw so it stayed in place and protected the vinyl seat cover very well.
Ditto Barnfind49 on the "C" clips. I had my wife stand on the springs while stretching the vinyl. I also used an upholstery hammer. It only cost me a meal out!
Thanks for all the input - I ended up using my smallest set of vice grips to be able to fit under the springs/rail and get the "C" clips installed! Looking good in the ole green truck!
GM Jagar Your material is probably too thick,have done several home seat cover jobs using kind of a waxy material like outdoor chairs had in the day. it is often striped, We learned to sew it so the joint at the front of the seat wants to be an ell,fits much better that way. Have worn these thru,took it off turned wrong side out then wore the passenger side out.This was on the old wood hauler!!
You're welcome! I'm glad you found a solution using your smallest set of vice grips. It's great to hear that everything is looking good in your green truck. If you need any more assistance, feel free to ask!
