Author Topic: Seat Backrest Condom (Read 2223 times)

JakesBackyard · « **on:** November 07, 2007 9:09 PM »

Slipping the new cover on a split back bench seat backrest can be a real pain. The cover is tight because the padding is a little larger than the cover and is supposed to fill out the cover when complete. Here’s how I do it:

Start by standing the backrest in its upright position. Many have an outer bracket that will hook under a table top as in the picture. Then get the cheapest trash bag available (preferably new). Cheap means thin...the thinner the better. 39 gallon size works best. Have the new cover ready.

JakesBackyard · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2007 9:11 PM »

Slip a shop vacuum hose up inside the backrest through the bottom opening. Slip the trash bag over the backrest and tuck and fold over itself on the bottom. It’s not a big deal if it’s not perfectly tight around the vacuum hose....it soon will be on its own. Turn on the vacuum and watch the backrest shrink to an unbelievable small size.

JakesBackyard · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2007 9:13 PM »

Now with ease slip the new cover down over the backrest and position to fit nicely.
Turn off the vacuum and trim and tear the excess trash bag away. It’s no big deal if some remains inside. It won’t hurt a thing and in most cases won’t show when done.

JakesBackyard · « **Reply #3 on:** November 07, 2007 9:15 PM »

Finish by attaching the bottom of the new cover and there it is.

sundance · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2007 10:57 PM »

VERY SLICK!!!!

racerjohnson · « **Reply #5 on:** November 08, 2007 12:16 AM »

was that the original foam for behind the seat? I'm wondering if I should buy new foam for my '70 chevelle seats or just make something work. New pads are spendy. I need to put new seat covers on like you just did

Eyeball · « **Reply #6 on:** November 08, 2007 1:23 AM »

Neat way to do it........that must be a highly coveted trade secret.

sko_ford · « **Reply #7 on:** November 08, 2007 2:44 AM »

not any more

JakesBackyard · « **Reply #8 on:** November 08, 2007 3:50 AM »

Probably no big trade secrets here...although many really old upholsterers don't like to tell anyone anything.

I figure I should tell someone this stuff and write it down before I forget some of it..... :wink:

Racer...that foam you see on the backrest is just 1/4 inch foam I put over the origial cotton padding (which was real nice) to give the seat a little new "puff". You can pad most bench/split bench seats with new foam and cotton from scratch. Buckets for your chevelle are a little tougher because of the shaping. You also can't use this condom trick on buckets that have the indented inserts as they are hog ringed in around the edge of the insert.

racerjohnson · « **Reply #9 on:** November 08, 2007 5:53 PM »

Man I wish I had buckets. I have the split bench style shown in your picture. Are they still the same as what you just did?

JakesBackyard · « **Reply #10 on:** November 08, 2007 7:59 PM »

Yes, it should be very similar.

Speaking of Chevelles.....I have a complete front bench seat, rear cushion and backrest covers, and front and rear carpet that came out of a 30,000 mile '67 Chevelle 2drhdtp. For sale. They look like new, no tears. OEM Gold pearl vinyl. Really nice. Not a great pic, but here's the front seat.

racerjohnson · « **Reply #11 on:** November 09, 2007 2:26 AM »

call brett jensen in Fergus Falls, he'd buy them I'd bet. he has a few 67's around.

OlDad · « **Reply #12 on:** November 09, 2007 1:02 PM »

This is perfect timing. I am very close to putting the seat covers on my '58 DeSoto. In fact, I slipped a couple of garbage bags over the front seat backs so I could slide the covers over and see how they looked. The seat back is a 60/40 split. The 60 side went on easily, the 40 side was extremely tight and I didn't get it pulled down all the way. I wasn't ready to install the covers, I just wanted an idea of how hard it would be to get them down over the seatbacks. It looks like this vacuum deal is the cure for my ills. Thanks

Tom · « **Reply #13 on:** November 09, 2007 1:42 PM »

Quote from: "JakesBackyard"

...although many really old upholsterers don't like to tell anyone anything..

Now Jake you know I can't leave you to get by with a line like that with givin' you some shit. Let's see............. " than why are you telling us". :wink:

Some thing else I noticed in the pic is your table, looks like it folds up when your not using it. Can you do a thread on how the table is made??

JakesBackyard · « **Reply #14 on:** November 09, 2007 1:59 PM »

Racer...if you talk to that guy...ask if he's interested. I'll give him a call if I don't get rid of them in a week or so.

OlDad...nice to know this stuff is helping you out. When are we going to see some pics of this DeSota?

Tom....That means I'm not "real" old yet! Hey that table works great. The plans were in Family Handyman a few years back. The plans were only for 4 feet wide, but I made mine 54" wide for better use of 54" wide uph. materials. Both sides fold down and then it's just 12" deep and rolls up to a wall. I'll do some checking to see if I can find the plans. Otherwise I'll take some pics.