• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Any tips for doing upholstery?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Great68
  • Start date Start date Jan 19, 2004

Great68

Founding Member
May 16, 2002
691
0
16
Victoria BC
Jan 19, 2004
#1
  • Jan 19, 2004
  • #1
Just bought a new upholstery set today, wanted to know if anyone has any helpful tips for me when I attempt to tackle this project.

Thanks!
 

monk302

Founding Member
Apr 18, 2001
742
2
16
New Jersey
Jan 20, 2004
#2
  • Jan 20, 2004
  • #2
I did mine two summers ago. One of the biggest pains I have encountered, really I wish I had not done it myself. Sure the end product turned out alright, little messed up on the back of the seat, but when you look into the car it looks great. My tips for you. Have a hair dryer, use this to stretch out the vinyl seat covers. I did most of my work when it was 85 plus degrees so I just laid my seats in the sun to make them more pliable. Also, read a few articles on how to do this job before hand to learn the different techniques to finish the job. My personal experience lead me to believe that the bottoms were easier to finish than the back of the seats. As a result I would say do the bottom first to get the technique down, then do the back of the seat. Also go and pick up some burlap from a store that sells it such as Michael's, Linens and Things, or any craft store. This is used to place the foam on and is usually pretty messed up. At this point you may also want to check the frame of the seats for any cracks or developing cracks that may cause you to have to drive down the street with a "gangsta lean." If you can borrow a welder, this would be the best time to sure these areas up. Though I didn't have the gangsta lean, after examining the frame I found one or two cracks that would have definitely broken within a few months. Other than that, I don't know what else to tell you but good luck.
 

68converted

Member
Nov 19, 2003
772
0
16
Colorado
Jan 20, 2004
#3
  • Jan 20, 2004
  • #3
I did mine and it was not that big a deal. I would say that you should get the better hog ring pliers. I got the cheap ones and I "did" get what I paid for. Take a real good mental note as to where the old rings come out, this will help when pushing the new rings through a couple of inches of foam. When you start hog ringing, start at the rounded corners and then check for alignment. Then when you start placing rings, alternate sides. This will keep the fabric from looking warped.

The wire that slides into the seat fabric that the rings loop around will most likely be rusted bad. Get new ones! Take it slow and plan on having some sore hands for a couple of days! The hair dryer is a must! The fabric cools quickly, so keep it warmed every minute or so.

Mustangs Monthly has had numerous articles about the job or you can go to any bookstore and purchase a basic upholstery book from the Auto section. When your done, brag about it to all of your friends! Good luck!
 
C

Clark

Founding Member
Aug 5, 1999
659
0
0
Rowlett,Texas
Jan 20, 2004
#4
  • Jan 20, 2004
  • #4
The advice that has already been given is great, especially the good hog ring pliers I got the padded grip one's and yes they were worth the extra bucks. I did all mine by myself and I recommend that you have someone to help hold or push down when you are trying to get some of those tough rings on.

This time of year I would try and do it somewhere heated and use the hair dryer, do one seat at a time so if you forget how something goes, you can also add strips of thin foam in spots to bring back the fullness. I used spray adhesive on these strips and after I was ready to install spray some silicone on the foam it helps them slide over the foam without grabing.

I took my time with the frames and cleaned and repainted with POR15, Remember this is time consuming and yes your hands will be sore
 
G

GaPonyFarm

New Member
Jan 2, 2004
663
0
0
Columbus, GA
Jan 21, 2004
#5
  • Jan 21, 2004
  • #5
The best way is to pay somebody else to do it!!!!!!!! I did mine last year and agree everything above. In addition, I recommend finding the curved hog ring pliers. Be sure to replace the foam seat pads. I elected to add a little addition top padding and not use the top wire. It doesn't look as original, but its much more comfortable, and I've never been "dinged" at MCA sanctioned car shows. Just remember heat and silicone spray are your friends, the hog ring pliers that come with the kits are your enemy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Front seats and carpet
  • Tom77
  • Sep 30, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
13
Views
486
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 22, 2026
TripleYellow
9
Fox Hazards not working but blinkers do
  • 93fox_c
  • Dec 2, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
176
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Dec 2, 2025
AeroCoupe
WTB 89 Hatchback interior trim - any color
  • Zero_chance
  • Jun 14, 2026
  • Want to Buy
Replies
2
Views
48
Want to Buy Jun 14, 2026
Noobz347
D
Please help with vacuum lines
  • Dawgs000082
  • May 10, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
87
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 10, 2026
Dawgs000082
D
Project Fox Revival (please send help)
  • sleep-e
  • Jan 21, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
228
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 22, 2026
KRUISR
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?