Which seat padding preferred?

Emily's Owner · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 12:51 pm Post subject: Which seat padding preferred?

It's time to recover the front seats on the '74, as even my mechanic is complaining about the exposed metal Rolling Eyes

.

So, the question is, do I go with original hair padding, or the newer foam rubber padding for a cushy behind. Opinions?
_________________
Xargaret

ITMC - OG Den Mother

What (and I cannot stress this enough) The Actual Fuck?!

1974 Transporter
2025 Subaru Outback

orangekoi · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 1:06 pm Post subject:

I've tried both routes now, and I prefer the original padding. Feels better, fits better.

Henry

Miguel Arroyo · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 1:09 pm Post subject:

I went with reproduction of the original padding from Wolfsburg West. I chose to clean and repaint the frame. Also make sure you use a good foundation to prevent the springs from cutting into you pad. Some use a piece of blanket material, others carpet. And get quality covers also. Good luck.

penthink · Samba Member Joined: November 23, 2004 Posts: 288

Yeah, that seems to be one of those things that Ratwell is extremely certain of: that the foam is substandard and although at first feel it might seem a bit better, once you get driving it becomes uncomfortable very quickly. He really feels strongly about the "hair pads."

There is a great write-up on his site about restoring the seats: www.ratwell.com. Check it out. http://homepage.mac.com/ratwell/78_Westy/PhotoAlbum27.html

Of course, few people are as detail-oriented and patient. I would be swearing and throwing heavy objects all over my garage about a quarter of the way thru this project.

Good luck!

[email protected] · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 2:57 pm Post subject:

I just replaced the pads in my westy with the original hair pads from Wolfsburg West this past week. Excellent fit and comfort. My original upholstery was fine except for the welting and pads so thats all we replaced.

I haven't been on any long trips yet, but so far their great.
_________________
77 Champagne Edition I
78 Champagne Westy II
67 Squareback
69 Single cab
88 Wolfsburg Vanagon
89 Vanagon Syncro
2001 Golf TDI 354,000 and running strong

Emily's Owner · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 4:27 pm Post subject:

Ah yes, unfortunately the original hair pads in the front seats of the bus are but a distant memory, and the vinyl seat covers are quickly becoming so, it's a good thing the metal hasn't deteriorated so I don't have to stand up and drive (like the old milk trucks)!

I just ordered both from Wolfsburg West, so we'll soon see how handy I am.
_________________
Xargaret

ITMC - OG Den Mother

What (and I cannot stress this enough) The Actual Fuck?!

1974 Transporter
2025 Subaru Outback

Westy Racer · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 7:04 pm Post subject:

Don't forget the hog-ring pliers! Laughing

_________________
If it don't werk, mess with it!
If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway...
74 Westy Custom werk in progress!!

Bus #10 - VW #27 I'm a freak... so are U!

ratwell · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 7:39 pm Post subject:

Does anyone know year did they stopped using hog rings? Mine didn't use them.
_________________
'78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab Sweden
Read the Baywindow FAQ

Westy Racer · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 9:27 pm Post subject:

hmmm good one ratwell. I'd guess that it would depend on where the said seats were upholstered... sometime in the early 70's perhaps.

I've "restuffed" a few seats in my time. I must say, the "hair" does stand the test of time. However, it tends to dry rot in Arizona's heat extremes where I did most of my service werk. Wink

It still outdid foam 5 to 1. *

*Very scientific methods were used in determining this... not.
_________________
If it don't werk, mess with it!
If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway...
74 Westy Custom werk in progress!!

Bus #10 - VW #27 I'm a freak... so are U!

Emily's Owner · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 12:35 am Post subject:

The very nice guy I talked to a WW said that I didn't need the hog ring kit, only if I were doing the back bench seat (and then you only use a few). He did say a large curved upholstery needle and some fishing line will come in handy in case I needed to tack a couple of spots down.

Another thought just occurred, are the driver seat and passenger seat interchangeable on a station wagon style '74? I'm sure the passenger seat is not quite as "used" as the driver seat, and a bit..um..springyer...
_________________
Xargaret

ITMC - OG Den Mother

What (and I cannot stress this enough) The Actual Fuck?!

1974 Transporter
2025 Subaru Outback

jereandjess · Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 7:30 pm Post subject:

I pulled the seats from a 76 westy and they did not have hog rings.

They did not have the piping either. Our 77 seats have the piping between the fabric and the vinyl on the edges.

Of course once they were apart, I could see that a PO got sick of them hanging off and just tore them off. Seems to a common fate for some of the piping out there!

~Jeremy

Elwood-Bluesvan · Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 9:21 pm Post subject:

Great topic I will watch to see how it works out for you. My rust is taken priority now but seats are next. In my 69 walk-thru the seats are very diff so can,t help there and I will have to repace or repair frames. Hope you post pics of your project. Also in past topics it was mentioned that the coconut fiber pads were not avilable from WW for all years??? did you have a problem with that? and is it best to call about this? Sorry if this bugs you, but I'm a newbie to internet ordering and would really appreciate your opinion. btw- I had to use Hog pliers long ago on a 55 oval- forgot what they were and sold them at yard sale last summer for ten bucks , a wall decoration no doubt! 8)
_________________
'69 westie weekender-1600 sp
" My main Man "

Looking for og steering box

jereandjess · Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 10:04 am Post subject:

Do the horsehair pads from Wolfsburg West come with anything to put between the newly refreshed painted springs/frame and the new horsehair? The batting is pretty beaten up on our seats, so I am going to go to a fabric store and see what we can find. My horsehair should be here next week and I just want to be able to put them together.

Ratwell, in your pictures there is a black fabric of some sort that you put between your horsehair and springs. Does that come from Wolfsburg?

Last question for everyone.....

How do you wash the seat covers on the westy plaid? The seat back I figure could go through a gentle cycle, but the bottom has a paper trim that holds the cover to the seat frame. I figure we can't wash that. Is my only option to take all the stitching out and wash the fabric and re-sew the vinyl to the fabric?

Any suggestions/opinions welcome!

Thanks in advance.

~Jeremy

breadbox · Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 12:43 pm Post subject:

I have a 78 station wagon and a 77 westy. I swapped the driver and passanger seats with no problems.

veedriver · Samba Member Joined: October 31, 2004 Posts: 20

I suggest Blue Coral auto upholstery cleaner from your F.L.A.P.S. Did a great job on carpet, too. Just be careful what you scrub it with. Plastic brushes can pull the fabric and leave it fuzzy!

Emily's Owner · Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 12:54 pm Post subject:

tristessa · Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 1:49 pm Post subject:

I can't speak for Busses, but I know the front seats in my '65 Bug didn't have any hogrings in them. Just those evil triangular spikes everywhere to make me bleed..


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Premium Membership \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Bay Window Bus	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1