installing seat covers

[bb71challenger]

I have a set of seat covers that are used. They are in great shape, I dont know if they are originals or aftermarket but they are very thick vinyl 71 Deluxe style covers. Is it safe to put them in the dryer for a few minutes to heat them up and make them easier to work with and stretch over the foam?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Brett,

  I just finished putting on new seat covers an hour ago, so my memory is fresh.   

The dryer certainly won't harm them, and I have even heard of putting them in the oven, but I don't recall how long or what temperature. You don't want to melt them.   

I didn't use any heat on mine. The back seat wasn't bad, but I put new foam on the fronts, and trying to hog ring those rods running thru the seat covers to the rods on the seat frame can cause you to make up swear words.     That was really the most difficult part for me. I don't have pics, but maybe I'll get some this weekend. It's nice that you can follow along the holes in the frame, so you know where to put the next hog ring. My fingers hurt so bad right now, it's difficult typing.   

[bb71challenger]

Thanks Mike! I would lay them out in the sun but its still not getting much over 90 if that. Today was barely into the 70's but what a nice day that made for. I will not put them in the oven, to me that is asking for trouble but I will definitely put them in the dryer and see how that works.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Have you tried yet? I'm just curious if you have original covers, or something mocked up. I paid thru the nose to have Legendary Auto Interiors make some custom covers for me, so the fit was right on. I now have seat covers no other E-Body has... but I'm sure my taste isn't like anyone else's either.   

[Bullitt-]

    Put a plastic bag with bottom cut over the seat, slide the cover on then pull the bag out.
  A little heat won't heart but I doubt you can work fast enough for it to make a big difference.

[bb71challenger]

Thanks for the tip Wade. No Mike I had to help mow my brother in laws mothers lawn so I didnt get around to doing it. I will try it this weekend for sure though, thanks again!

[72rtchallenger]

use a heat gun to install the covers,,and as you stretch use the heat gun,,and if you have some hard to rid of wrinkles,use the heat gun and then apply ice,,this will cause the material to shrink

[wally426ci]

I would lay them out in the sun, even if its not hot out the sun will warm them. If they go in the dryer I wouldn't do it unless you stick them in a pillow case or something so they don't melt to the walls.

 

[moparclown]

I put mine in the sun and I worked on them on some old carpet in the shade of my garage and it worked perfect.

[purple1]

I would be carefull with a heat gun if you go that way. Don't want to get to close and bubble up the vinyl. Same thing with the dryer. Some of them can get very hot.

I used a spot light hung from about 3-4 feet above. Nice even heat over the seat covers as I installed them. I was sweating like a pig, but it worked great.

Dave

[bb71challenger]

Thanks guys. Seeing as how it has already broke well into the 80's I can just wait for a nice warm day and do it then. Dont want to risk ruining the covers.

[dixiedog]

My cousin is a master at upholstrey.  He stated that anytime he covers seats with the original foam he always wraps the seat with 1/4 inch foam to compensate for the shringkage of the original foam.  This way the seat covers are tight and not wrinkled.  Just a tip....