The Upholstery Forum

The base of the seat out of my 46 Chevy has a channel in the steel frame with timber inserted into it.
It looks like the original covering was attached to the timber with small tacks, and a more recent recovering used staples.
Now, after 75 years, the timber is brittle and falling apart.
Has anyone come upon this before, and what should I use to replace the timber?

Bob

I have not seen that exactly before but its the same problem with tack strips for headliners. My recommendation would be to cut some ABS strips or wood strips and attache them to the frame. Then you will have a very stable surface to staple your cover to. If your trying to stay 100% OEM then you'll have to try to clear the channel out and attempt to fill it with a similar material.

Another Idea would be to clean out the channel and fill it with construction adhesive. Let dry for 24hrs. It makes really good surface to staple to.

Hope this helps!

Thanks John, the construction adhesive idea sounds good. We have a product here called Liquid Nails. I'll give that a go.

Yep! Liquid nails construction adhesive is what I use.

There is a ton of difference between Liquid Nails and the Loctite PL series of construction adhesives. Also plan on some time and read the labels on the different PL series adhesives, PL200, PL300 etc.
If you really want to get technical call the company and ask them which product is best to be stapled into.
I called them a few years back on some temp change questions, -25F to 110F and which product should be used. They were great in helping.