Vinyl Seat Repair

[Mario Boni #36680]

Hi, I've got very nice original black vinyl seats in my 67 coupe which I'd like to avoid replacing because they look very good. The passenger seat bottom has a small split in the vinyl about two inches long right in between two of the pleats. You can't see it unles you spread the pleats apart with your hand. I'm afraid that the split may get worse with time and use. Is it possible to use some kind of adhesive on the split? I was thinking of repairing from the underside. Is it difficult to remove the seat bottom vinyl and then replace it? Any suggestions as to what I might be able to do?
Thank you.

[John W.]

Re: Vinyl Seat Repair

Mario,

Check your local phone book for Vinyl Repair Service. These services specialize in repairing vinyl seats in restaurants and theaters and other commercial uses. I had a local outfit in Indianapolis repair a slit in my dash pad about 20 years ago, and you could still not find it.

They use a heat set process, and have graining tools to match the grain, and match the color as well. They can probably do it right in the car.

John

[Mario Boni #36680]

Re: Vinyl Seat Repair

Thank you John, I'll check my Yellow Pages.

[Jim W.]

Re: Vinyl Seat Repair

Mario, I just got home from the Orlando meet and saw your post. I had the identical problem a few years ago. I took the longer route and removed the seat. I took the seat bottom to a trim shop I used and they removed the cover and put in a blind stitch where the tear had been. In other words, they cinched up the seam a tad and once back in the car, it was hardly noticable if at all. Whatever route you decide, good luck. Jim

[Mario Boni #36680]

Re: Vinyl Seat Repair

Thanks Jim, it would be a shame not save these original seat covers because of a small split.