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Swapping old seat skins... for other old skins??

Hilljack68

Hilljack68

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I have a ratty, ripped back seat on the 73 Charger. I'm thinking about replacing those with skins from another set I have from another Charger. The replacement skins are in really good shape, but I'm wondering if, during the swap process, the "new" skins might rip. (Before anyone says it, I know I can get new skins from Legendary or PUI, but this is a low-budget build, and I ain't spending five or six hundred bucks for new skins and foam.)

Both seats have the original foam, so I'm thinking the swap should be even-Steven.

Has anyone tried this? If so, what kind of results did you get?

Thanks guys
 
Hilljack68 said:
I have a ratty, ripped back seat on the 73 Charger. I'm thinking about replacing those with skins from another set I have from another Charger. The replacement skins are in really good shape, but I'm wondering if, during the swap process, the "new" skins might rip. (Before anyone says it, I know I can get new skins from Legendary or PUI, but this is a low-budget build, and I ain't spending five or six hundred bucks for new skins and foam.)

Both seats have the original foam, so I'm thinking the swap should be even-Steven.

Has anyone tried this? If so, what kind of results did you get?

Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Have you already removed the good skins from the other seat frames?
 
Swap the whole assembly. If for another reason that isn't feasible it may be possible depending on how dried out the vinyl is.
 
Biggest problem is the old vinyl shrinks and it won't stretch. Makes it tough to do the swap. Ever look at an upholstered hands amd fingers? Very strong, not easy work, even harder with old covers.

Next is the foam, it may fall apart when you take it all apart.
 
Yeah, the other frame is shot... a lot of rot. That's a good point about the foam falling apart. Yikes, I just hate to drop 500 beans on new skins.
 
What upholstery is 500 bucks?

Legendary was that price 10 years ago.

PUI doesn't have the correct pattern and also no "buttons" last time I checked.
 
Never heard them called skins before. They are seat covers I assume. The bit you sit on is the cushion, and the back is the squab. I am not familiar with the fit of modern covers. I hope they are better than the crap we used many years ago.
The round part protruding at the seams is the piping, but it may not have piping. A common error, is the placement of the sewn pieces that are not seen. Usually 3/8 of an inch long.
On the cushion they should go down. On the squab they should face each other. This is an area that the factory did not get correct. Post some pics.
One front seat would be a bench seat. 2 seats would be bucket seats. My 59 Fury had bucket seats that swivelled. Really cool.
 
I've called them skins as well.
Let them sit in direct sunlight. They will soften up and be more pliable.
 
I read this again, it is a back seat. I thought it was buckets seats.

You may be OK swapping this back seat. Do it on a warm day. Lay it face pe down and remove the hog rings. Roll the edges over the frame and lift the frame off the whole thing and don't pick up the covers or foam. Now place the other frame on top and pull the edge over the frame and hog ring it on again.
 
Kern Dog said:
Let them sit in direct sunlight. They will soften up and be more pliable.
Click to expand...

R413 said:
You may be OK swapping this back seat. Do it on a warm day. Lay it face pe down and remove the hog rings. Roll the edges over the frame and lift the frame off the whole thing and don't pick up the covers or foam. Now place the other frame on top and pull the edge over the frame and hog ring it on again.
Click to expand...
Warm days will be leaving the North Coast soon. I'd better get it done this week or next!

Appreciate the advice on the swap.
 
Assuming the “ new” ones are in good shape I don’t see any problems. One thing you may want to consider is foam being compressed over the years. If it’s just compressed and not crumble ish. You can have some one inch thick foam on hand and add it to the top of the seat. Use spray adhesive.
The cover should be tight as can be. New foam would be better but I do understand the budget build thing.
 
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