Upholstery - To glue or not to glue that is the question

[Rabid]

I'm down to just reupholstering the seat. I have every thing but the glue. Do I need it or cani get by. The original seat was glued but the vinyl shrank and messed it up. It might work better with out it.

Mike

 

[racerxxx]

I wrapped this for a guy over the summer for his GTX, no glue involved.

 

[mikidymac]

I would say absolutely no glue.
Otherwise you will never get the wrinkles and creases out.
If the old cover is ok leave it on. If it is shot remove and cover it with heavy plastic first. You don't want the foam to get saturated with water.

 

[Rabid]

Man that looks great! I hope mine comes out like that. I will post some pics soon. The original vinyl made me think that the foam was jacked up. I scraped the vinyl off and the foam came back to the original form.

 

[racerxxx]

Man that looks great! I hope mine comes out like that. I will post some pics soon. The original vinyl made me think that the foam was jacked up. I scraped the vinyl off and the foam came back to the original form.

Thanks, the guy loved it. Just take your time, place a few staples further in to get it situated while making sure it's aligned, then once you get it where you want it, do a staple here and there in the correct location I have some original pics of the cover in case you need to see where to place the staples, you don't want to see them from the outside. The go back with a new straight edge blade and cut off the excess. It takes some stretching to get it smooth, but it is very doable. I used a Harbor freight staple gun Item # 68029 and stainless steel staples from Home Depot 3/8 T50 arrow brand staples.

 

[Rabid]

Here is some pics of the foam before I get started. I will have to get to it the next set off work.

Lesson learned ... No such thing as a free jet ski

 

[1of500]

Here is some pics of the foam before I get started. I will have to get to it the next set off work.

Lesson learned ... No such thing as a free jet ski

Personally I would buy new foam

 

[jjsinaz]

Wow Dan, that seat look great
i have that harbor freight staple gun too and it works great. I have a question. Those two little plastic (or rubber) things on the front corners of the front seat; can you still get those ? Mine are there but they are real nasty looking and I'd like to replace them when I do the seat. Also, doesn't somebody have a black Friday deal on those black tip seat covers every year?

Also, Micki, are you saying to just put the new seat cover over the old one instead of removing the old one?

 

[mikidymac]

If your old one is decent put the new cover over it. If it is too far gone you need plastic over the foam.
The rubber tips are no longer available.
That foam is fine mine was much worse and the JetTrim cover looks flawless.
Blacktip has a Black Friday sale but their covers are nothing special.
JetTrim and M Line are so much better.

 

[racerxxx]

Wow Dan, that seat look great
i have that harbor freight staple gun too and it works great. I have a question. Those two little plastic (or rubber) things on the front corners of the front seat; can you still get those ? Mine are there but they are real nasty looking and I'd like to replace them when I do the seat. Also, doesn't somebody have a black Friday deal on those black tip seat covers every year?

Also, Micki, are you saying to just put the new seat cover over the old one instead of removing the old one?

These corner pieces were getting a little nasty too. I cleaned them with lacquer thinner and made them like new again. I don't think they're available anymore. watercraftsuperstore has them on sale on BF. This was a fair cover, looks great good price point in season, but seemed a little thin too me. Hydroturf makes a similar cover, perhaps that is a little nicer material, I don't know for sure. As Mik said, jet trim or Mline is better option.

 

[hotrodssnova]

I'm getting a cover from jet trim today for a 96 gsx. They did my 96 xp and it was perfect. Top notch work. I have used the black tip covers, and it was ok, but I will be using jet trim from here on out.
I didn't use glue on any of the seats I have done.

 

[Frank_Hassa]

I had an automotive upholsterer do my seats. What about using silicon sealant at the edge of the vinyl underneath the seat wear the staples are, to seal off the edge and prevent water from getting in, under the vinyl?

 

[racerxxx]

I had an automotive upholsterer do my seats. What about using silicon sealant at the edge of the vinyl underneath the seat wear the staples are, to seal off the edge and prevent water from getting in, under the vinyl?

Also prevents water from getting out. Stretch, staple, ride.

 

[Frank_Hassa]

Also prevents water from getting out. Stretch, staple, ride.

I had that thought too. Are the folks doing their own vinyl laypersons, professionals or somewhere in between?

 

[hotrodssnova]

I do all my own work as far as intalling the vinyl. I just buy the cover, and put it on. I am by no means a professional. I clean sewers for a living, skis are a hobby/addiction.

 

[mikidymac]

It's not that hard especially with the fitted covers. The flat sheets of vinyl are more difficult.
You don't need to be a professional just work slow and steady.

 

[Rabid]

Here is the final product. I pulled tight the vinyl across the base of the rise first then pulled the front tight. The final pull was to the rear. The back corners were a hassle but doable. I did it out in the sun too get it to stretch.

 

[jjsinaz]

Nice job, looks good man!

 

[jjsinaz]

Hey racerxxx

I am getting ready to install my new seat cover on the front seat. Question - where did you start? I'm thinking the front of the seat at the "horseshoe" and get that all lineed up and stapled down and then go from there. Does that sound like a reasonable approach or would yu suggest something else?

 

[wfo speedracer]

I usually start at the front and put a couple of staples, then staple a few at the back and start working the sides, don't be afraid to pull some staples out and restaple.

 

[MikeM8560]

I line it in place then pull down in thr saddle tight them front to back and the rest that how I addresstheese early seadoo seats

 

[MikeM8560]

I go side to side in the saddle then front to back that how I did theese older seadoos

 

[racerxxx]

Just saw this, I think I stated in the back then the front then the sides. I staple as far in as possible so I cab adjust add necessary then I finish staple in the original location. The logo needs to be even on the sides, keep that in mind.

 

[jjsinaz]

Thank you all for the tips. I'll let you know how I make out. First time doing a seat.

 

[garrettb]

What kind of staple gun do you guys use? I have a Bostitch spring loaded one, but was thinking about investing in a pneumatic one. Is that overkill? I haven't taken any old staples out to see what length they use, but it seems like a pneumatic gun would be easier.