Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Does anyone have any tips or links to help my local upholstery shop install the DatsunParts.com seat covers over the new stock foam?

He says they are very tight and does not want them to rip.

We are waiting for a call from the Tech guy at Distinctive Industries.

Please post the results. I have these seat covers & foam on my list to consider but I’m concerned that they may be too tight.

Also, once they are done please let us know how they feel.

Peace,
Pat

I see your in Paso Robles, there are a couple roadsters here in town, and a couple in Santa Maria. Let me know if you need any help.

bossbob wrote: Mon Dec 21, 2020 6:22 pm I see your in Paso Robles, there are a couple roadsters here in town, and a couple in Santa Maria. Let me know if you need any help.

Thanks Bob! The seats are with Don at San Luis Interiors. He has 37 years experience, so I hope he can figure it out.

Brian at Sin City Datsun is always available for good advice!

"If you set the new covers out in the sun or if it is cold out get them inside and warm them up so they stretch over the new foam easier."

Brian Zana- Owner
Sin City Datsuns
sincitydatsuns.com
775)391-3880
https://www.instagram.com/sincitydatsuns/

I have used a "garment bag", like a dress or suit comes in from the cleaners, between the foam and the cover. This provides some slickness to help the cover slide over the foam. The bag can be left in place or pulled out after the cover is in place. FWIW Pat

My upholstery guy said it was a huge pain in the ass...not sure how he did it though. He said he should have charged me a lot more than his original quote. They were pretty plump bottoms...if you're into that sorta thing.

Slick!

Here are a few more pics to show attachment points. You can tell there are a couple that are really tight. I can provide higher res pics if anyone needs 'em.

MattC wrote: Tue Dec 22, 2020 8:30 am My upholstery guy said it was a huge pain in the ass...not sure how he did it though. He said he should have charged me a lot more than his original quote. They were pretty plump bottoms...if you're into that sorta thing.

IMG_1563.jpg

I got the same response from my upholsterer... except he actually did charge me more!

He had to trim the foam with his electric knife. They turned out very nice, though.
Good luck!

I am in the shop today and looked at some of the foam and the covers we have on hand and don't see any variance in the covers. Di originally installed their seat covers to the seat foam which I have provided photos of in 311's in a older 311's post. I will make them aware of the tight fit referenced. The foam is an injection molded part so every part is the same. What may be changing is the actual seat covers which the pattern has been digitized and cut, but still hand assembled.

Dean

Also possible the (standard) foam fit to the frames may differ.

I just spoke to the technical support person at DI. He stated to me that "Trimming the foam is something to be expected and that it is better tight than too loose.

Dean

We have compared the old foam to the new and it is evident that the foam needs to be trimmed 1 inch in order to allow the seat covers to fit properly. I will post pics when all is complete. Thanks to everyone for their input!

RonnyB this is great information for those going this route. Where did the 1" have to come from - height or width? If width was it 1/2 inch from each side or otherwise? If height, is it just taken off the bottom (Flat) side?