Anyone know anything about UPHOLSTERY?

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

Hey all,

so im looking to possibly buy a fixer upper boat..maybe turn it over by summer. I can work with paint, im decent with mechanics (though still learning i do have a general knowledge), but INTERIORS are mystery to me!

I can CLEAN them, but when you start talking about something that is so bad it needs to be REPLACED or reupholstered, then im lost.

I've never done much sewing so, if anyone here is skilled in this area and is willing to help me out with some pointers/lessons etc id really appreciate it.
Just an idea of how to start out would be a good place to begin

thanks all,

wills

 

[CaseyJoes.]

Its a steep learning curve. Buying a GOOD quality machine that can do the job for auto/boat upholstery is going to cost $$ even used. Standard light duty household machines will not cut it for upholstery work. Most guys that enjoy mechanical work do not enjoy upholstery (and vice versa). If your serious about it, be prepared to spend ALOT of time and a fair amount of money. Cheaping out on a machine will only cause massive frustration (and you will already have plenty of frustration as it is with a good machine). Along with that you would need to purchase books and read up on it, good shears, and other various things, along with all the material you would need to do the job.

Basically, unless you have a really burning desire to do upholstery on your boat project, other projects, and for friends etc. I would say its not worth the money, much less all of the time and likely massive frustration that will ensue. I can do upholstery work given the time and required tools, but I would still choose to have the work done by a upholstery shop if I were in your same position.

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

Its a steep learning curve. Buying a GOOD quality machine that can do the job for auto/boat upholstery is going to cost $$ even used. Standard light duty household machines will not cut it for upholstery work. Most guys that enjoy mechanical work do not enjoy upholstery (and vice versa). If your serious about it, be prepared to spend ALOT of time and a fair amount of money. Cheaping out on a machine will only cause massive frustration (and you will already have plenty of frustration as it is with a good machine). Along with that you would need to purchase books and read up on it, good shears, and other various things, along with all the material you would need to do the job.

Basically, unless you have a really burning desire to do upholstery on your boat project, other projects, and for friends etc. I would say its not worth the money, much less all of the time and likely massive frustration that will ensue. I can do upholstery work given the time and required tools, but I would still choose to have the work done by a upholstery shop if I were in your same position.

I understand, i guess...even if i dont DO it myself, id like to UNDERSTAND it more...to have an idea of what is being done..the process of it, the tools involved and measurements made etc. Im not sure id get into it right away, space is tight as it is lol, but id still like to learn about it if possible...

 

[scott37300]

I understand, i guess...even if i dont DO it myself, id like to UNDERSTAND it more...to have an idea of what is being done..the process of it, the tools involved and measurements made etc. Im not sure id get into it right away, space is tight as it is lol, but id still like to learn about it if possible...

My local library has a few pretty good books on upholstery. I started going to the library again a few years ago and it's amazing how many books they have and they also have alldata for free!

Upholstery is a pretty big learning curve. I did a little work with door panels and center consoles when I was into car audio. Worked with fiberglass, suede, and carpet. I couldn't sew seat covers or anything like that, which is probably one of the more common things that need done in fixer up boats. They take a beast of a sewing maching.

 

[CaseyJoes.]

Yea that sounds like a good plan, to read up on it in a couple of different automotive/boat upholstery specific books. Will give you an idea of if you might still want to attempt the big jump to get into it yourself. Even better, it will help you explain things to your upholstery guy and more importantly you understand what he's saying when he says "now do you want this sewn like this, this, or thataway" That will espeically be true if you want any deviations from the exact way the seats etc. in your boat were made from the factory.

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

My local library has a few pretty good books on upholstery. I started going to the library again a few years ago and it's amazing how many books they have and they also have alldata for free!

Upholstery is a pretty big learning curve. I did a little work with door panels and center consoles when I was into car audio. Worked with fiberglass, suede, and carpet. I couldn't sew seat covers or anything like that, which is probably one of the more common things that need done in fixer up boats. They take a beast of a sewing maching.

Have any books that you came across (titles?) in particular that you found most helpful and explained from the ground up? I wouldn't mind a good mechanics book to read also to kind of get an idea more so of how cars work...ive read some and always am reading on places like this but wouldn't mind something more as well

Yea that sounds like a good plan, to read up on it in a couple of different automotive/boat upholstery specific books. Will give you an idea of if you might still want to attempt the big jump to get into it yourself. Even better, it will help you explain things to your upholstery guy and more importantly you understand what he's saying when he says "now do you want this sewn like this, this, or thataway" That will espeically be true if you want any deviations from the exact way the seats etc. in your boat were made from the factory.

Yes thats what i was thinking, i dont like when i fell as if someone is talking over my head, and some guys dont like to take it down to layman terms or take the time to explain 'this means this and this means that' and actually SHOW you...but those who DO take the time usually end up getting business from me lol

 

[jayoldschool]

B ust

O ut

A nother

T housand

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

B ust

O ut

A nother

T housand

hahaha thats good, i like that and its SO true. All the things i like are so damn expensive...music, cars, detailing, boats, tools...ugh...no wonder im broke lol

 

[muibubbles]

depends what you want to do.. are you rebuilding the seat from scratch? im no expert but ive done a few basic cushions...

chair cushions are easy and i think are the best first project. all youre really doing is stretching the fabric around the seat and stapling it to itself. at the corners fold over the edged to have a rounded finish.

Free self promoted plug: (lol seats i did for my uncles shop)
http://muibubbles-design.com/index.php?/competitions/salon-chairs/

I think something this simple is a great way to gain experience in the upholstery field.
tools? not much only two i HIGHLY recomend
-Pneumatic staple gun (hand one wont cut it, doesnt penetrate fabric and wood that well-you'll end up hammering them after and some dont drive straight in.
-staple remover- http://www.google.com/imgres?q=stap...=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=109&ty=52&biw=1247&bih=616 (this bad boy is awesome and helped save time)
-everything else is basic like screwdrivers hammers and pliers. Other stuff is when you get deeper into more complex stuff. then Sewing machine and other specialty items

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

depends what you want to do.. are you rebuilding the seat from scratch? im no expert but ive done a few basic cushions...

chair cushions are easy and i think are the best first project. all youre really doing is stretching the fabric around the seat and stapling it to itself. at the corners fold over the edged to have a rounded finish.

Free self promoted plug: (lol seats i did for my uncles shop)
http://muibubbles-design.com/index.php?/competitions/salon-chairs/

I think something this simple is a great way to gain experience in the upholstery field.
tools? not much only two i HIGHLY recomend
-Pneumatic staple gun (hand one wont cut it, doesnt penetrate fabric and wood that well-you'll end up hammering them after and some dont drive straight in.
-staple remover- http://www.google.com/imgres?q=stap...=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=109&ty=52&biw=1247&bih=616 (this bad boy is awesome and helped save time)
-everything else is basic like screwdrivers hammers and pliers. Other stuff is when you get deeper into more complex stuff. then Sewing machine and other specialty items

Awesome, that looks like a good place to start. Sooo do you think i could talk you into maybe doing a full how to/ walk through write up with lots of detailed pictures for the next one you do (start to finish?)

I know it really takes time to take the pics, edit and post them etc but it sure would be nice if you could. I like hearing how people START soi can kinda wrap my head around where to begin and then go from there

 

[muibubbles]

Awesome, that looks like a good place to start. Sooo do you think i could talk you into maybe doing a full how to/ walk through write up with lots of detailed pictures for the next one you do (start to finish?)

I know it really takes time to take the pics, edit and post them etc but it sure would be nice if you could. I like hearing how people START soi can kinda wrap my head around where to begin and then go from there

LOL, you must have mistaken me for someone who knows what theyre doing lol... I'm self taught and can do only VERY basic stuff. Im not sure when my next project will be but ill try and remember next time and maybe ill do a DIY lol..

 

[CaseyJoes.]

Have any books that you came across (titles?) in particular that you found most helpful and explained from the ground up? I wouldn't mind a good mechanics book to read also to kind of get an idea more so of how cars work...ive read some and always am reading on places like this but wouldn't mind something more as well

The book we used in my automotive upholstery class was "How to Restore Automotive Upholstery"- by John Martin Lee. Lots of good info in that book and it wasent expensive.

As for automotive mechanicals, I would reccomend getting "Stockel Auto Service and Reapir" copyright on mine is 1969. It covers every automotive system that was in use back then, as well as chapters on basic hand tools, precision measuring, fasteners/torque wrenches, jacks lifts pullers, soldering/brazing/welding info. Just overall a HUGE wealth of information that still applies. If you read, understand, and retain the information in that book you will know more than 99% of the population about those types of things. Even better, this book can be found quite cheap on ebay.

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

LOL, you must have mistaken me for someone who knows what theyre doing lol... I'm self taught and can do only VERY basic stuff. Im not sure when my next project will be but ill try and remember next time and maybe ill do a DIY lol..

Everything i know is either self taught or taught by someone who was also self taught lol...'schooling' has done very little for me...not to say its worthless, i just think the structure and system of our schooling is pretty poor unless you luck up with a very open minded teacher...but what do i know...i live in Az where last i checked we ranked last in the nation for schooling (and considering we're pretty low on the totem pole for world rankings that makes us the worst of the not so good lol)

Thank you though and i fyou do do the write up, send me a link

The book we used in my automotive upholstery class was "How to Restore Automotive Upholstery"- by John Martin Lee. Lots of good info in that book and it wasent expensive.

As for automotive mechanicals, I would reccomend getting "Stockel Auto Service and Reapir" copyright on mine is 1969. It covers every automotive system that was in use back then, as well as chapters on basic hand tools, precision measuring, fasteners/torque wrenches, jacks lifts pullers, soldering/brazing/welding info. Just overall a HUGE wealth of information that still applies. If you read, understand, and retain the information in that book you will know more than 99% of the population about those types of things. Even better, this book can be found quite cheap on ebay.

Awesome, thats really cool. I really like the idea of knowing the OLD SCHOOL of mechanics. I know too many mechanics who seem to only know how to replace things, not actually FIX things...pull out an old part, put a new one in, they're great...as long as their computer program tells them what to do...but use common sense and knowledge of how a system actually WORKS, not likely. I wouldnt mind eventually getting into the more 'modern' mechanics, but i want to learn the old school nut and bolt mechanics first...so thanks a ton for the book info

 

[CaseyJoes.]

No problem. That book in a 1970 edition and earlier should just cover the straight mechanical information you desire. Books much after that will start to detail the emmissions type equipment and even later will probably start to cover some computer controlled/related things. Plus in the earlier editions its really cool to look at as the pictures in it show alot of old school engines & tools.

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

No problem. That book in a 1970 edition and earlier should just cover the straight mechanical information you desire. Books much after that will start to detail the emmissions type equipment and even later will probably start to cover some computer controlled/related things. Plus in the earlier editions its really cool to look at as the pictures in it show alot of old school engines & tools.

So i did an ebay search on the book title and this is what pulled up http://www.ebay.com/sch/Books-/267/...nkwusc=Stockel+Auto+Service+and+Reapir&_rdc=1

Quite a few versions lol..which one should i go with?

 

[CaseyJoes.]

I would go with this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/STOCKEL-AUT...235?pt=US_Nonfiction_Book&hash=item3a6a854dab

Same edition that I own. That will have what your looking for. Auction even has a couple pictures that show some of the inside pages.

 

[BWS]

There ain't very many regrets in my career....well if you throw out a few drunk N disorderly's....but

If I had to do it all over again,would buy a decent "starter" comm sewing machine.Pay my dues.....w/time and plenty of practice....then move up to a "keeper" machine.Not in a "trying to make money" sort of way.But just keeping it in-house.The very best of luck!It'll take time,a little money and lots of practice......but if you keep with it.One day,might be 10 years from now,you'll be in a place that will make you glad you took the effort.BW

 

[Milton Shaw]

For most of the sewing stuff you need a commercial walking foot upholstery sewing machine. A lot of original upholstery you have sewing foam sewn or bonded to the fabric/vinyl/leather. By the time you get to corner with it coming together in four pieces you are sewing thru a lot of layers of stuff. The sewing foam comes in 3/8 or 1/2 and has mesh bonded to one side and when you sew it to the fabric you get the raised panel look. I have done several cars over the years and its rough on the hands and fingers but is doable with a little effort. Take the old stuff off and take it apart to use as patterns for the new. A seat cover is not sewn the way the original upholstery is done, its basically just fabric no foam involved.

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

I would go with this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/STOCKEL-AUT...235?pt=US_Nonfiction_Book&hash=item3a6a854dab

Same edition that I own. That will have what your looking for. Auction even has a couple pictures that show some of the inside pages.

Thanks, i think ill pick it up and get to reading

There ain't very many regrets in my career....well if you throw out a few drunk N disorderly's....but

If I had to do it all over again,would buy a decent "starter" comm sewing machine.Pay my dues.....w/time and plenty of practice....then move up to a "keeper" machine.Not in a "trying to make money" sort of way.But just keeping it in-house.The very best of luck!It'll take time,a little money and lots of practice......but if you keep with it.One day,might be 10 years from now,you'll be in a place that will make you glad you took the effort.BW

Sounds like good advice. Do you have any links at all to good starter machines? Ive never sewed anything in my LIFE lol, but im pretty crafty/creative and have agood touch for things (probably cause im a musician more than anything).

For most of the sewing stuff you need a commercial walking foot upholstery sewing machine. A lot of original upholstery you have sewing foam sewn or bonded to the fabric/vinyl/leather. By the time you get to corner with it coming together in four pieces you are sewing thru a lot of layers of stuff. The sewing foam comes in 3/8 or 1/2 and has mesh bonded to one side and when you sew it to the fabric you get the raised panel look. I have done several cars over the years and its rough on the hands and fingers but is doable with a little effort. Take the old stuff off and take it apart to use as patterns for the new. A seat cover is not sewn the way the original upholstery is done, its basically just fabric no foam involved.

Ok i think i understood that, probably will understand more so after i rip my first seat apart and see what the layout of it looks like

 

[mtwaterguy]

If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to help out. I started my 5 year apprenticeship in 1972 working in a family upholstery shop. Still have all the supplies and continue to work in the field occasionally, Mike.

 

[GreyOwl]

One thing I have not seen mentioned yet, is the wood foundation for the seats and backs. In the last 40 some years of doing boat and car seats, I can probably count on one hand the number of seats that did not require complete replacing of the wood beneath the covers and foam.

Once the cover integrity is compromised, the foam layer just soaks up moisture from the lake, rain, and whatever, which slowly rots the (usually) plywood base. Also the aluminum hinges and other parts have often corroded so badly they are totally unusable.

You need to assess the solidity of everything before you even start in order to decide whether you want to jump into this or open the checkbook.

Not to discourage you, but you said you didn't have a lot of room to begin with but you will have parts all over the place. Don't take everything apart at once, and if you have right and left components, use the best side and make mirror image parts as you go. That way you have one still together to help you remember how it went.

Sorry for being so long, but I have turned down many jobs just because all they had was a pile of pieces in the back of their pickup and not a clue how they went together.

Go slow and take lots of pictures.

Charles

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

One thing I have not seen mentioned yet, is the wood foundation for the seats and backs. In the last 40 some years of doing boat and car seats, I can probably count on one hand the number of seats that did not require complete replacing of the wood beneath the covers and foam.

Once the cover integrity is compromised, the foam layer just soaks up moisture from the lake, rain, and whatever, which slowly rots the (usually) plywood base. Also the aluminum hinges and other parts have often corroded so badly they are totally unusable.

You need to assess the solidity of everything before you even start in order to decide whether you want to jump into this or open the checkbook.

Not to discourage you, but you said you didn't have a lot of room to begin with but you will have parts all over the place. Don't take everything apart at once, and if you have right and left components, use the best side and make mirror image parts as you go. That way you have one still together to help you remember how it went.

Sorry for being so long, but I have turned down many jobs just because all they had was a pile of pieces in the back of their pickup and not a clue how they went together.

Go slow and take lots of pictures.

Charles

No need to be sorry, very good and sound advice. Like i said im just now considering getting into this so any advice or tips are much appreciated. Even if i dont try doing it NOW, i will still remember advice such as what you listed for when i DO try it out

 

[Mmfh]

I've done a couple of boats, but I was able to borrow my buddies sewing machine.

If you can get your hands on a heavy duty machine for sewing the rest just takes some practice, especially if you are redoing and not starting from scratch.

Carefully take apart the old material and make new pieces exactly the same or just a tag bit larger. Sew it all together, reinstall with new foam.

No way without the heavy sewing machine.

Mm

 

[muibubbles]

Some what relevant.. i started recovering my door panels on my car.. first attempt and learning a lot of "what not to do's" i think the second time around will be MUCH better

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=970820

 

[Need4racin]

Get the boat, you'll learn as you do it. Best way to learn something is to, just do it.

Heh I read your detail write ups on meguiarsonline too. haha Small internet.

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

Some what relevant.. i started recovering my door panels on my car.. first attempt and learning a lot of "what not to do's" i think the second time around will be MUCH better

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=970820

First times are great for that aren't they? SOOO much easier the next time you do it...after about 100x's it becomes fluent

Get the boat, you'll learn as you do it. Best way to learn something is to, just do it.

Heh I read your detail write ups on meguiarsonline too. haha Small internet.

lol i know right? Glad it got some views over there...i havent been getting any feedback from posts on MOL lately...just seems to have gotten slow over there, but maybe thats just my experience?