Backpad Reupholstering Options

[DC_neun_vierzehn]

I've searched and found a lot of 914 World threads on this topic. Most people were disappointed with their DIY results using kits from Auto Atlanta, 914 Rubber, AAA Upholster, etc. Seems like the poor results are not from the kits, but due to the skill level needed for the job (reupholstering the backpad requires more skill than reupholstering the seats). Even Ian Karr (AKA Mr. DIY) said it's a job for the pros in one of the posts.

So my questions are ...

1. I'm going to look locally ... do I need to find a speciality auto auto upholstery shop (one that specializes in classic cars or custom work) or should just about any most be able to do this job well?

2. Should I supply them the materials (e.g., 914 Rubber's vinyl kit and plastic core backing) or let them handle that?

3. What would be a fair price to pay locally (with and without me supplying the materials)? I called Autos International in Escondido, CA per George's recommendation and they quoted me $1,500. That's way beyond my budget.

[worn]

I've searched and found a lot of 914 World threads on this topic. Most people were disappointed with their DIY results using kits from Auto Atlanta, 914 Rubber, AAA Upholster, etc. Seems like the poor results are not from the kits, but due to the skill level needed for the job (reupholstering the backpad requires more skill than reupholstering the seats). Even Ian Karr (AKA Mr. DIY) said it's a job for the pros in one of the posts.

So my questions are ...

1. I'm going to look locally ... do I need to find a speciality auto auto upholstery shop (one that specializes in classic cars or custom work) or should just about any most be able to do this job well?

2. Should I supply them the materials (e.g., 914 Rubber's vinyl kit and plastic core backing) or let them handle that?

3. What would be a fair price to pay locally (with and without me supplying the materials)? I called Autos International in Escondido, CA per George's recommendation and they quoted me $1,500. That's way beyond my budget.

I am going to say this is best done DIY. You buy the fabric by the yard and cut to match the old pieces. You have to pull out the old seams to get the individual pieces. You can mark them on the back to help you remeber how they fit together. Some sewing is required, but I bet any alteration shop could do it if you don't have a machine. Then you glue the fabric to the masonite. I have used fiberglass to reinforce old masonite pressboard and that works well and protects it from water. Dry run the fitting of the fabric to the solid pieces.
I wish that I had:
1. Put a thin laayer of fabric backed foam on the solid board to mask imperfections that telegraph through the vinyl.
2. Used a bit more glue.
It is going to be contact cement and that has the problem of needing to dry just the right amount of time before bringing pieces together. Then they fall in love with each other instantly. To avoid getting it wrong, I put strips of acrdboard between the pieces, position them and then sequentially pull out the cardboard.

If this sounds too dificult, I hope that you find the right place.

[DC_neun_vierzehn]

Still seeking others' input on my original post above. Thanks in advance.

[Shivers]

I had a small shop install a kit for the back pad. This fella did more furniture, but did a good job with what I gave him.

[Root_Werks]

I just went through trying to redo my backpad:

Two years ago bought the 914Rubber kit which is completely fine, fit nice. I tried to install myself. Center piece turned out decent but the two sides not so much. What got me was the large flat glued areas. Fast forward to a few months ago and noticed most of the glue I used wasn't holding.

I dropped mine at a local shop and it's been there for a couple of months. He's that backed up. Mostly does boats, then cars, no furniture.

Had one shop that used to do VW's and Porsche's for me say "No way, not anymore". Hopefully this new guy does a decent job.

I would get a kit. Unless you do this for a living, the amount of time you lob on making pieces isn't worth it. You can try to install yourself, I thought I did.....okay.

-Dan

[mepstein]

Use weldwood contact cement. It doesn’t let go.

[914werke]

I've searched and found a lot of 914 World threads on this topic. Most people were disappointed with their DIY results using kits from Auto Atlanta, 914 Rubber, AAA Upholster, etc. Seems like the poor results are not from the kits, but due to the skill level needed for the job

No. speaking for myself I was also disappointed in the kits. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)
Problems are 1. the kits today use thinner vinyl than the OE stuff. This means that the stitching has to be wider spaced to avoid tearing which shows at the seams when the material has to be stretched for fitment. 2. The colors, texture/grain doesn't match. Sometime not even close!! which means you need to replace EVERYTHING to ensure a consistent look.
The back pad & the seat cushions Are areas Id agree should be handled by a pro but the rest is well withing the realm of the DIY'er.

[Geezer914]

I covered the back panel with black perlon carpet.

[Shredhead]

I started trying to do it myself using the 914Rubber kit and it just didn't look good. Took it to a specialty shop and they said nope, don't touch something like that. Found another and they agreed to do it. I think it was around $400. Turned out great.

[Root_Werks]

I started trying to do it myself using the 914Rubber kit and it just didn't look good. Took it to a specialty shop and they said nope, don't touch something like that. Found another and they agreed to do it. I think it was around $400. Turned out great.

Funny, pretty much my exact story including one shop saying "nope". Hopefully the current shop finishes up soon.

[StratPlayer]

I would try PMB to get that backpad redone. Did an excellent job on mine

[76-914]

The main problem that I had with the 914rubber kit is that I needed to move the large outer foam pieces about 7mm because the upholstery wasn't cut exactly right. At best it was a hat trick but came out looking great. I think I took a bunch of pics. Let me find the link........here is the link with a few pics. I probably have a bunch on my camera that I didn't post. LMK if you need them. M ore importantly I show the hole spacing if you go the foam back pad route. http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?s=&...t&p=3126821

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

absolutely the skill level. Our kits fit perfectly and if you could see the quality our "girl" Nora accomplishes when she recovers the backpad, you would be WELL pleased!!!

I've searched and found a lot of 914 World threads on this topic. Most people were disappointed with their DIY results using kits from Auto Atlanta, 914 Rubber, AAA Upholster, etc. Seems like the poor results are not from the kits, but due to the skill level needed for the job (reupholstering the backpad requires more skill than reupholstering the seats). Even Ian Karr (AKA Mr. DIY) said it's a job for the pros in one of the posts.

So my questions are ...

1. I'm going to look locally ... do I need to find a speciality auto auto upholstery shop (one that specializes in classic cars or custom work) or should just about any most be able to do this job well?

2. Should I supply them the materials (e.g., 914 Rubber's vinyl kit and plastic core backing) or let them handle that?

3. What would be a fair price to pay locally (with and without me supplying the materials)? I called Autos International in Escondido, CA per George's recommendation and they quoted me $1,500. That's way beyond my budget.

[DC_neun_vierzehn]

Hey George, when I called you last year, you told me Auto Atlanta no longer did backpads (seats only). You recommended Autos International in Escondido, CA. So ... is Auto Atlanta doing backpad reupholstery again?

If so, I'll give you a ring to discuss pricing.

absolutely the skill level. Our kits fit perfectly and if you could see the quality our "girl" Nora accomplishes when she recovers the backpad, you would be WELL pleased!!!

I've searched and found a lot of 914 World threads on this topic. Most people were disappointed with their DIY results using kits from Auto Atlanta, 914 Rubber, AAA Upholster, etc. Seems like the poor results are not from the kits, but due to the skill level needed for the job (reupholstering the backpad requires more skill than reupholstering the seats). Even Ian Karr (AKA Mr. DIY) said it's a job for the pros in one of the posts.

So my questions are ...

1. I'm going to look locally ... do I need to find a speciality auto auto upholstery shop (one that specializes in classic cars or custom work) or should just about any most be able to do this job well?

2. Should I supply them the materials (e.g., 914 Rubber's vinyl kit and plastic core backing) or let them handle that?

3. What would be a fair price to pay locally (with and without me supplying the materials)? I called Autos International in Escondido, CA per George's recommendation and they quoted me $1,500. That's way beyond my budget.

[GeorgeKopf]

I covered the back panel with black perlon carpet.

@Geezer914
How did this turn out? I'm at the point where I have to decide if I'm going to move my padding and vinyl from the old rotten cardboard backing to my new 914rubber plastic backing. I'm thinking that I might like the look of just covering it with black Perlon better than the foam/vinyl covering. Also, how is the engine noise?

Thanks.

George