So I bought the 914Rubber molded plastic backpad pieces and the vinyl upholstery, with the intent of re-doing my backpad. However, I haven't been able to find any how-to videos about it. I've searched this site, and also youtube and lots of googling, too.

Any chance someone might have a link to a good video or two? If so, please post them.

I can probably figure it out by taking my existing backpad apart, but I'd much rather watch someone do it first before I dive head-first into it. These parts were too expensive to risk trashing them without doing some research first.

Thanks!

Hi Bill. I was planning on doing a video for the backpad. I went to Jay Leno's garage and shot his upholstery guy doing one. After watching what was involved, I decided not to edit / finish the video because the work requires a more professional touch. DIY isn't advisable due to the number of angles, probable need for a sewing machine and experience working with the materials. I recommend finding a local pro to take it on....

@iankarr


I wish you would post the un-edited version...

Let us see just what it takes.

Most of us will agree with your decision.

Some of us will try anyway.


You have significantly better access to "qualified" people living where you live.

Many of us are hundreds of miles away from a "local pro".

90% of the "local pros" I've met are NOT competent.

You have what I consider "GOLD".

You have video of a "Wizard" doing a 914 back pad.

Finding the Wizard IS the hard part...

It does NOT have to be edited!

I PREFER it RAW!

Sometimes the "off comments" are the game changers.
You also get to see the Wizard's "style and mannerism" which is easily lost/altered during editing.

@iankarr

I want to +1 @technicalninja 's request. Please post the video so I can see what's involved.

Not only do I have a sewing machine, I even know how to use it. But, once I can see what's involved, I can make an informed decision about trying it myself or taking it somewhere.

30+ years ago, I bought a kit from Auto Atlanta. All I did was slip it over the foam and staple it down. Looks good enough to me.

I'd be interested in the professional video. I've done a backpad with new vinyl. I didn't find it super difficult but my backing cardboard material was pretty shot and had to do a lot of repair work. If I was doing one today, I'd use the new plastic backing kits (914rubber) as a starting point - like you're doing. The old fiberglass backers weren't great for holding stables (at all)

I have attempted to restore mine and have it looking pretty good but could never get it to sit flush. I working on the mounting brackets to better secure them but I'm still using the original backpad with some minor updates.

@iankarr - I have lived off your videos for the past 2 + years! Thank you!!!!

@BillC - I'm not a pro by any means but learn as I go. I see you're in MD, I'm in NOVA, so if we can put are heads together, I'm sure we can figure it out.

My mom, who was an antique/nice stuff hoarder has an industrial sewing machine that will come to me.

Pup is made in Germany, bout 40 years old, nearly new, and can sew carpets and leather.

Billy BAD-ASS small sewing machine. Weighs 80+ lbs.

Its normal "niche" is automotive upholstery shop...

Used the critter is worth 1K!

So, at least I have an applicable sewing machine.

I want that video!

Just a point of reference:

I tried doing my own backpad with 914Rubber vinyl. Turned out bad; but decided to live with it for a while.

Finally got sick looking at my poor craftsmanship and decided to pay a pro. Got a 95+% job for $650 (Jan 2025 SoCal pricing) including all material and labor. He was also able to reuse my old particle board backing.

I tried to recover mine myself and it went so-so. The center piece turned out decent, easier to stretch and attach to the back. Where I flopped was gluing to the large flat back areas.

Fast forward two years later and I dropped the backpad off at a shop to get fixed.

Redoing the backpad has always been a stumbling block with 914 ownership, unlike the seats, which are easier. 914Rubber or some other competent outfit should come up with a one-piece replacement, constructed in the vein of a rubber dash replacement. Pricey, no doubt, but would solve a lot of misery.

Osnabruck914

Hi Guys. Lemme check my archives. As I recall, about halfway through I realized this wouldn’t make a good DIY and I’m not sure I shot the rest. I can post a link to the raw footage of whatever I have, but it’s not for the faint of heart

I found that the original backpad screws very easily strip out in the soft HDPE shell. Use larger diameter screws with a wide pitch for better results. Even with that, be careful to not over drive them.

I used slightly bigger and longer screws to hold down my 3.6 ECU behind the drivers seat and the DME Relay behind the passenger seat.

Good advice, Jeff! That's the biggest problem with my backpad. One of the screws at the top that joins the middle to the driver side section is stripped out. Makes it look a little wonky. I'll try a wider pitch screw.

My attempt was okay and lasted about a year before the not so good glue I used stopped working.

If there was a decent how-to video, might be tempted to try again. For now, it's at a shop hopefully getting fixed up.

I would first stiffen up that original backing material. I coated it several times with some poly. But now I think that I should have used some wood hardner used to harden up rotten wood. It is used for historical wood restoration. I 'll post a picture when I dig some out.