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azbob Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2010 Posts: 714 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2018 7:43 pm Post subject: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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Long story short, I got a bad 2/3 backrest cover for a 67 only and didn't realize it until I was 1/2 way through installing. Front installed correctly, back did not line up, at all. So I need to figure out how to remove the plastic strip from the slot in the seat frame. Its a pretty tight fit and I know there has to be a trick to do this, I'm just not finding one through the ol google machine.
Any one know of tricks to get those plastic strips out of that slot? _________________ Bus Builder |
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NAES Samba Member
Joined: September 10, 2003 Posts: 2120 Location: AREA-52 Southern Killafornia
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Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 6:35 pm Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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I would need some pics to understand what you're talking about. _________________ Barndoor Mafia
Box On Wheels
SBS #00 |
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Z Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2003 Posts: 2517 Location: galveston, tx
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Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2018 7:23 pm Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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I think you could open up the slot gently with a screwdriver, etc., enough to release the anchoring strip from the channel. Even if you have to touch up the seat frame, it should be ok, assuming that your seat frame/channel are in good enough shape to stand some gentle bending. |
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azbob Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2010 Posts: 714 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 11:02 am Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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Here's what I had to send TMI to explain what the problem was. Should show that the front of the seat cover has the plastic installed.
To be honest, I think they still don't understand what the problem is.
Z - I'm not certain I'd want to pry it apart. I guess that may be the option tho. I'm thinking there has to be an industry trick to getting it out w/o damaging the frame, right? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ _________________ Bus Builder |
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campingbox Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2000 Posts: 10196 Location: Petaluma, CA
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Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:50 pm Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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Oops. Looks like they made a mistake.
I’ve taken them apart when I’ve had one side in like that with a pick. It’s a challenge. Relieve some pressure with your hand, then start at one side and work it out with a pick and a putty knife.
It might be easier and cleaner just to leave it in, cut that plastic strip with some dykes, but be careful not to cut the thread, then tie the thread off and move on. |
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azbob Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2010 Posts: 714 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2018 4:20 pm Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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campingbox wrote: |
Oops. Looks like they made a mistake.
I’ve taken them apart when I’ve had one side in like that with a pick. It’s a challenge. Relieve some pressure with your hand, then start at one side and work it out with a pick and a putty knife.
It might be easier and cleaner just to leave it in, cut that plastic strip with some dykes, but be careful not to cut the thread, then tie the thread off and move on. |
I'll give it a try tomorrow. I'd rather not have to cut the thing but if I gotta then I gotta. Seems like a waste to do that though. Thanks! _________________ Bus Builder |
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Douglas Denlinger Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2003 Posts: 1382 Location: Arizona's version of the east coast
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2018 7:41 pm Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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Bob,
I can fix the problem.....is TMI sending you a replacement?
If not it will take me about an hour. _________________ Transporter Restorations
Upholstery Haus
Active 23 Window Samba Collector/Restorer,since 1986 |
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azbob Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2010 Posts: 714 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2018 9:16 pm Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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@Doug - I got the replacement the other day, just looking ideas on how best to remove the defective one w/o cutting it. I think I'll be using a couple O ring picks and hooks. _________________ Bus Builder |
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zozo Samba Member
Joined: October 15, 2005 Posts: 5217 Location: South of Ol' San Antonio
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Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 7:53 am Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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The back on mine was about 2" too long. I'd have had to put a 6" mattress inside to take up the slack. WW wasn't even slightly interested in doing anything about it. C'est la vie. |
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hitest Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008 Posts: 10296 Location: Prime Meridian, ID
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Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 8:24 am Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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You'll need to make a way to support your seat firmly to something and inch by inch, work the cover off while compressing the spring pack. Just like install but in reverse for folks who don't use the "inside out" method of install. Get your work space warm. Keep the material soft. Squeeze each side bolster with one hand and work the material up with the other. Pull up an inch this side, an inch that side, and so on. It will take exactly 35 minutes and you will have the gripping strength of a bulldog when you're done.
Incidentally, I had the same issue using a '63 short middle seat in a '66. The center support apparently is located differently from year to year. Doug D is right- the center can be "relocated" with a new cut and sewing up the remaining strip. Anyone who can see Doug's repair is too damn close to your bus! _________________
EverettB wrote: |
I wonder what the nut looks like.
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'62 L390 151, '62 L469 117, '63 L380 113, '64 L87 311, '65 L512 265, '65 L31 SO-42, '66 L360 251, '68 L30k 141, '71 L12 113, '74 ORG 181
FU#5 |
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azbob Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2010 Posts: 714 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 9:08 am Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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zozo wrote: |
The back on mine was about 2" too long. I'd have had to put a 6" mattress inside to take up the slack. WW wasn't even slightly interested in doing anything about it. C'est la vie. |
Yeah, absolutely no interest what so ever. One liner responses, no context to the questions they were asking. Wanted a pic of the handle on the middle seat with no explanation why... Ended up having to call TMI to get it handled. Even that required me drawing it out for them... It was almost like it was my fault I ordered a defective seat cover. _________________ Bus Builder |
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azbob Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2010 Posts: 714 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 9:04 am Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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Ended up having to cut the strip. I tried...
Here's how lovely the replacement fits
_________________ Bus Builder |
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zozo Samba Member
Joined: October 15, 2005 Posts: 5217 Location: South of Ol' San Antonio
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Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 9:16 am Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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That looks a whole lot better than mine. Other than the pucker in the center, it looks like it fits fairly well. Also, once it's in the bus, you have to be something of a contortionist to even see that.
I'd like to see more pictures if you get a chance, highlighting the more challenging areas as well as the overall profile. No worries, if it's a PITA. |
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azbob Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2010 Posts: 714 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 9:33 am Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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zozo wrote: |
That looks a whole lot better than mine. Other than the pucker in the center, it looks like it fits fairly well. Also, once it's in the bus, you have to be something of a contortionist to even see that.
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Agree. I had to pull pretty hard to get that strip to line up with the slot. They sewed it to far to the right. Maybe only about 3/4 of an inch but enough to cause a pucker.
zozo wrote: |
I'd like to see more pictures if you get a chance, highlighting the more challenging areas as well as the overall profile. No worries, if it's a PITA. |
I'll take some pics and post this afternoon. The top corner pleats are not symmetrical. Driver's side is loose, folded and sewed (what I feel) incorrectly. I still have to install the grab bar and maybe that will hide it. We'll see. _________________ Bus Builder |
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zozo Samba Member
Joined: October 15, 2005 Posts: 5217 Location: South of Ol' San Antonio
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Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 9:37 am Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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Does anyone have any idea if WW will sell just the backrest cover?
azbob, you've caused me to think about mine being such a mess, and now I want to fix it. Not sure whether to curse you or bless you. LOL |
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azbob Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2010 Posts: 714 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 4:39 pm Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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zozo wrote: |
Does anyone have any idea if WW will sell just the backrest cover?
azbob, you've caused me to think about mine being such a mess, and now I want to fix it. Not sure whether to curse you or bless you. LOL |
I'll go with curse
Here's some pics.
I still need to find the foam arm rest thing. I know I can find a wooden one but then how would I upholster it? Guess I'll figure it out when I get to that point. _________________ Bus Builder |
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zozo Samba Member
Joined: October 15, 2005 Posts: 5217 Location: South of Ol' San Antonio
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Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2018 5:50 am Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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That looks GREAT! I think your grab handles will mount perfectly. Very nice job.
My armrest has little cracks in the vinyl, but I dare not mess with it for fear of making it worse.
Thanks for the pics. They're prodding me into action, albeit with sloth-like enthusiasm.
Last edited by zozo on Wed Oct 24, 2018 11:12 am; edited 1 time in total |
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azbob Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2010 Posts: 714 Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2018 10:41 am Post subject: Re: Preserving cover from a middle seat when removing |
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zozo wrote: |
Does anyone have any idea if WW will sell just the backrest cover? |
I'm pretty sure they wont. WW had to have them make me a replacement even though I bought from WW. 2-4 days delivered when ordered from WW and 3 weeks to get it replaced by TMI. _________________ Bus Builder |
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