The Upholstery Forum

Every seat I have taken apart that is factory old or newer had at least 1/4" of foam adhered to it. I have vinyl and 1/2" scrim for my inserts. If I were using the original pattern this seat would not fit the same with just the thin vinyl. What does a guy do in a case like this?

Hey BigRig, just a guess because I'm no expert by any stretch but could it possibly have been 1/2 inch but has been compressed so long that it seems as 1/4?

I was wondering the same thing Bondo, it is hard to tell actually.

Thanks for the advice on my project by the way. That would be very wise.

Your welcome and from what I can remember the Petes were Big Diamonds so that project will go really good.

Actually they are squares but you are right about big lol. I will post pictures of what we've got accomplished so far on the truck as soon as I get back home. I am only home about a day and half per week and now that it's warming up I will be doing body and paint work on the nice off days and sewing on inclement ones so to all that may be interested in this project please be patient with me because I'm a one man show but I will have some interior pieces done pretty soon to show y'all. Thanks.

BigRig wrote: ↑Wed Apr 25, 2018 3:08 am Every seat I have taken apart that is factory old or newer had at least 1/4" of foam adhered to it. I have vinyl and 1/2" scrim for my inserts. If I were using the original pattern this seat would not fit the same with just the thin vinyl. What does a guy do in a case like this?

For the most part I have at least 1/4 scrim foam backing every panel on my seat covers. Sometimes Ill use 1/2" on entire plate of the back rest and cushion. Not just the insert. It all depends on the look you going for. The only time I occasionally wont back with foam is on some bucket seats that need a really hard crisp finish. If you going to make a cover with no foam backing the foam underneath need to be perfect. Other wise it will show all the bumps. If you worried about your cover not fitting tight enough then just dont add as much seam allowance when you tracing out you patterns but still sew it at your normal seam allowance. This will tighten up the fit.

Thanks for this very helpful advice John, 1/2" scrim it is on all the cushion and backrest and 1/4 foam on the other panels.

I need to order 1/4" foam. DO I order 1/4 craft type foam for this or 1/4 sew foam? I want to make sure I have the right foam for these applications.

Technically you could save some $$$ using regular foam on the panels that don't have any pleats or designs sewn in them. Ive done this on boat cushions and other things. Where the cover goes on easily and isn't sliding down the entire backrest like on car seats.

But a lot of times I just use sew foam because its what I have around. You just have to make a decision, will the foam risk pulling and ripping out of place when installing the cover. If yes, use sew foam.

Great question. That's some thing Ive always just done but never took the time to think about why.

Thanks John,

This really helps me decide on my purchase and quality workmanship is going to be most important to me so will use what stays put.