1959 Beetle Upholstery make over

[tomsbuggered]

When I bought the "59 three years ago, the upholstery was in good shape but couldn't get used to the smell of it !

I decided to upholster the bug this winter, so have started. Before the purists jump in, I am going with a cost effective two tone vinyl. Not original I know but affordable.

Managed to strip seats from car before the cold weather really hit; need to paint the frames before I can install the seat covers. I'll have the covers done by spring, then paint the frames.

Buckets first:

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June 1956 VW Oval Beetle

[67rustavenger]

[Zylinderkopf]

If you need help, there are excellent videos from Jbugs, WW, and from Chris vallone with detailed instructions. Here is the one from Chris
https://youtu.be/-gQmuj1xkys
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1963 Beetle
1966 Beetle 1300
1970 Karmann Ghia Coupe
1971 Super Beetle
1974 Thing


"A lot of people never use their initiative because no one told them to."

[tomsbuggered]

Thanks guys. The sewing is going quicker than I thought as we are having cold weather so I've been at it a lot.

I have watched a couple videos on install, and have been "fitting up" on the frames as I go along.

Tom
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June 1956 VW Oval Beetle

[Eric&Barb]

1958 and 1959 should have two tone seat upholstery. Which colors did you have? Or better yet an image of the old. Just in case, we have been looking for original grey/green upholstery.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[tomsbuggered]

The original door panels were red/grey , the PO had painted them the body color, as well as doing the seats in a red/burgundy ?

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June 1956 VW Oval Beetle

[Eric&Barb]

Seat upholstery was definitely not stock.

Door panels are post-1960.

DPO of our 58 started to install black velour seat upholstery and door panels.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[Eric&Barb]

Just FYI this is what garnet red beetle would have for interior.

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In Stereo, Where Available!

[tomsbuggered]

I've pretty much got the option of any door panel style I want as I will be upholstering them myself. I'll probably use the door panel style that are on the car, as it will complement the 12" two door seat covers.

Either way , it is going to be nice not having to put up with the musty, grungy smell of the old upholstery !

Tom
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June 1956 VW Oval Beetle

[tomsbuggered]

Been having above zero weather the last couple days (plus 10 C / 50 F today) I was able to finish rattle can paint on seat frames.

I am ready to install the covers I made, so way ahead on the project.

What is the secret to removing the seat adjuster knobs, which are friction fit for the '59 ?

Pics to follow, as I progress.

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June 1956 VW Oval Beetle

[Eric&Barb]

Just like any rusty bolt, use a good penetrating oil, and try to wiggle one way and the other till the knob starts to shift. Might take days or even weeks to get it to move. One of those rubber jar opener pads helps to get a good hand grip.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[tomsbuggered]

Was able to get one knob off seat adjuster arm, based on advice here. Will remove the other as well then clean up or replace.

I finished the bucket covers and installed them. I'm 80% happy with fitment, but overall if they stand up to use then for now I will be satisfied.

I will be working on installing the covers on the rear bench this weekend. Sewing on the door panel covers as well.
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June 1956 VW Oval Beetle

[tomsbuggered]

Went to + 7 C yesterday which is unseasonal weather. I put the battery in the VW and parked in the driveway to work on carpet and upholstery install.

Good to clear some of the seat covers out of my basement. I have finished all the sewing, working on covering the armrests. They look pretty good from 6 feet, and the smell is gone from the bug! Wind came up later but got a good start.

One question: are there supposed to be inserts in the body that accept the clips that hold door panels in place ?
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June 1956 VW Oval Beetle

[57BLITZ]

[Alex6373]

Love your choice of colours on the seats well done

[tomsbuggered]

[quote= Which colors did you have? Or better yet an image of the old. Just in case, we have been looking for original grey/green upholstery.[/quote]

I pulled the covers off the front panels yesterday, they were painted over by the PO. They were grey/green but not sure they would be useable, as they would require removing the paint from them.

I added an armrest to the driver side panel, need to fabricate a bracket for it to fit to the door. I won't get to install the panels until spring. I need to do some work on the rubber seals, and door handles prior to install.

Covering the armrests was a small challenge, but the web is a valuable tool !

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June 1956 VW Oval Beetle

[tomsbuggered]

I finally got the upholstery installed in my '59 Beetle. I did all the sewing myself, so it is not perfect but it is an improvement over what it was.

I installed an armrest on the driver side which required fabbng a bracket. It turned out like factory. The interior smell is gone, and its so bright !

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June 1956 VW Oval Beetle

[Bug-nut]

Man that is an awesome job and looks amazing! You did SOOO much better than I could've done lol
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1959 Fjord Blue Volkswagen Beetle
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6...highlight=

1962 Austin-Healey Sprite

[wcfvw69]

Pat yourself on the back. It looks really good!
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[tomsbuggered]

Interior pretty much done as far as I'm going to take it.

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June 1956 VW Oval Beetle