The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors seat recovering prices?

Well, I came home today with a truck I bought from a fellow stovebolter and have started tearing into it. It is a 1955 second series 3/4 ton stepside 3600. I need to have the seat recushioned and recovered. I have only gotten one price so far and it was 500-600? Depending on what cover I chose. I thought this was kinda high? No? Never having a seat recovered before I have nothing to go by. If I were to try it myself, are there kits out there that are inexpensive and how hard is it? Thanks, Brian

Brian,I bought my foam, uphostery clips, and clip snap tool for under $50 bucks between EBay and the Berlin Auction(foam) for my '50 3100. The seat covers,a modern style,not original and slightly used, came from a Stovebolter for $40.00. I bet if you scoured the Columbus Auction up your way, you'll find a cheaper way out. It's not a hard job as long as the springs and frame are in good shape.

$500-600 seems about right, since it needs a new cushion and cover.

I guess I'm fortunate to live in NH. I have used a guy to do various upholstery jobs for me over the years. About 2 to 3 years ago, he redid my '45 GMC seat with new padding and new brown vinyl in the original style for $250.00. Yes he's cheap, but equally I think $500.00 is too strong for a job of that scope. $350-400 should be the target in NJ, I would think. Check with your local Hot Rod club or poll the guys at the next cruise-in and see who's gotten the best service for the best price.

Brian,I'd happily pay $5-600, my first and only quote so far equates to nearly $1100 at the current exchange rate.

I'm seriously considering a kit from American Classic and having a go myself.

I have recovered my other classics seats with a ready made upholstery kit. I would rate it about a 3 difficulty on a 10 point scale.

I bought bench seat upholstery for my '72 from Jim Carters during one of their sales. I bought the hog rings locally, used coated coat hangers for the slip wire around the base and fixed the padding in the seat myself with a large soft grinding disc and new padding. Came out great. I was really impressed with the material they used in the seat cover. Less than $250 all said and done. Been holding up for several years now with no problems.

Jeff

Jockbolter,
Get the kit and go for it! If you have a little patience, and just a little mechaical ability you will do just fine. I am very glad I did not pay someone to do this for me. I have a total of $300.00 invested in the parts. Brian

I HAD MY SEAT DONE LAST SUMMER
THE guy has done seats for me for years
but i had not seen him in 25 years
went to his house and knoted on the door
he came to the door,he recovered my
seat for $225 i had him do it in cloth and vinyl

If you are considering doing it yourself, here's a great post by bowtietim. it's for a suburban seat, but they're close enough to compare. I think you should be able to install your aftermarket covers on your own.

looking for a place to buy uphostry foam see the Berlinfoam do they have a web site are do you have to pick it up ? .