restoring 1970 camaro seats

I watched a few you tube videos and how to write ups. that helped a lot. even though it wasnt a 70, it was pretty close.

this one helped a lot

 

did like guy suggested let the covers sit in the sun.

 

I had to paint the green, as I was going black, so used the SEM paint and plastic adhesion promoter



I started by lightly hitting the plastic and vinyl with 80 grit sandpaper, it was used so not too abrasive. Also scuffed all areas.



Washed off with the hose, and let sun dry, then hit with air to dry off, then wiped everything down with oil and grease remover, let dry for 20 minutes





instructions said to spray SEM plastic adhesion promoter light coat, then 5 minutes later do a wet coat. So followed instructions did both sides of each.



Instructions said to wait 15 minutes then spray color.

I got 2 full wet coats out of 1 can of color. Still have half a can of adhesion promoter to use on door panels.

 

Started working the covers and cushions

On these you have to work the center section first, then work your way outside. They tell you to turn the covers inside out, to do the inside hog rings. inside the foam there is a wire frame, this is what you are hooking onto, as well as the stitched fabric

I started with the bottoms

My first attempt failed, I had hog ringed the center section, but noticed when I was wrapping the inside out cover back around the foam that the center section was slightly crooked. Which caused the cover to slightly be off. you can see here. I had to cut the hog rings off and start over.








once the center part was secured, I flipped it over and place the frame on top. I put some burlap between the springs and the cushion, bought at hobby store for 5 bucks.

this is kinda a 2 person job, the pull the cover, and push down on the cushion at the same time, but I managed to do it by myself.

There is a plastic trim piece around the border of the cover, that has to be flipped under the lip of the frame. This was a little tricky to do, I used clamps to hold the side I started with as they lept coming off. once I had the plastic piece all the way around, there is no way this thing is coming off, it locks the cover.



pulled the flap tight and hog ringed it


cut a small slit for the post on sides.

 

tops, same deal...











put in latch hardware


Probably the biggest challenge on the tops , was the headrest hole. The foam was not cut out for the headrest. luckily I had the old one to compare location. I had to take a razor to the foam to cut a slit in it. I was pretty upset they didnt mold that into the foam...so easy . to do.




its amazing how different these foam pieces are, with 3d printing and molds, it seems this would be really easy to manufacture Exactly like the original. I cant imagine there being a patent out there still for these. owell.



And pulled tight. I had to do some extra stretching on the bottom right, and add a hog ring to pull it down If this becomes an issue Ill probably take some black spare vinyle and just patch it in, you cant really see this area when the seat is down. Im guessing the covers could be slightly longer.

 

put everything together. Hope to get to the other front seat soon. I had to order more hog rings since I had to cut some. Just ordered on amazon, 300. I got cover for rear seat as well.

Also have some track work to do. I will update this thread when I get more work done.

 

Finished up some details on the seat.

pushed on lock washers, and C-clips I need to paint the plastic covers, I found them in another box, I had looked for them initially, but couldnt find them.


Bought new latch knobs, they are actually good quality from OER.




put latch bar on, this was a little sketchy considering I didn't know exactly where to put the holes. I had to feel around with my finger and kinda of guess. I also guestimated based on old pictures.

The headrest latches still have green on them, I think they were originally green under the chrome and chrome faded
Ill probably see if I can buy some new ones. These screws are interesting too.






Put seat tracks back on, previous owner bored out the front holes, im guessing to allow for easier access to bolts? not sure. I plan on welding these holes up a bit once I get the bolt location , even though you dont see them, I still want them secure. I also need to find a bearing/roller replacement for the tracks, I tried to get the tracks apart, but it didnt want to budge. Ill mess with them later.



I have the springs, but I cannot remember how the springs go on. Need to research this. If anyone has a picture that would be great.

 

Worked on the passenger side seat.

This time I cut out the headrest foam BEFORE putting on the cover, this is much easier, especially not having to worry about cutting too much of the cover.



Flipped the cover back around and pulled tight. These seems to be good covers, but they could have used about an inch more fabric on the bottom , either that of the cushions are too big.


bolted latch up





I doubled up the hog rings, these are not as good as the ones from classic industries. Now I know why they are cheaper.






Still need to get to the details, but at least its together