14 replies to this topic

[Rubbershorts]

Hi everyone. The attached pictures are of the drivers seat from our 93 Rio. We've removed the interior over winter and given it a good steam clean indoors and it's come up really good. The only disappointment is the pictured seat. It's obviously had more use than the other seat so the upholstery is loose. We were hoping the steaming might contract it a bit, but it hasn't really. Anyone have any good advice on how to get this taught again?

Cheers, Daz.

Attached Files

•  instasize_250310203631.jpg   30.94K   2 downloads
•  instasize_250310203615.jpg   40.83K   2 downloads

[68+86auto]

Remove the clips which hold it to the frame along the back. Pull it tight and then reattach the clips.

[Rubbershorts]

Thanks Auto. I think I'm in the area you've suggested, but it isn't clips. It's one piece of C shaped plastic that pops off. I've done this, and pulled the material taught, but it just rotates back round when you sit on it. I reckon I could pad the back out with something to stretch over that may eliminate this. It's also going to need stretching side to side though, and there are clips underneath for this. Is the back rest frame removable from the base? The job would probably be a lot easier if it is. And how would I remove the plastic mechanism covers without ruining them?

Attached Files

•  instasize_250311090722.jpg   27.36K   1 downloads

Edited by Rubbershorts, 11 March 2025 - 09:49 AM.

[68+86auto]

Thanks Auto. I think I'm in the area you've suggested, but it isn't clips. It's one piece of C shaped plastic that pops off. I've done this, and pulled the material taught, but it just rotates back round when you sit on it. I reckon I could pad the back out with something to stretch over that may eliminate this. It's also going to need stretching side to side though, and there are clips underneath for this. Is the back rest frame removable from the base? The job would probably be a lot easier if it is. And how would I remove the plastic mechanism covers without ruining them?

 

Interesting. They are later seats than anything I've worked on.

[Quinlan minor]

How taut is the seat base diaphragm?

Providing it's in good condition, unhook one side and put in a sheet of medium density foam or a folded bath mat, dependent on how firm you want it.

Re-hook and things should be fine.

[Rubbershorts]

I think it's fairly tight. Picture to confirm. The missus bought some foam to try your method but I wasn't sure how or where to stick it. Also, from a video I've seen, should the seat cover be adhered to the foam in some way, and mine has come loose?

Attached Files

•  instasize_250311140233.jpg   48.36K   0 downloads

Edited by Rubbershorts, 11 March 2025 - 02:10 PM.

[Quinlan minor]

I think it's fairly tight. Picture to confirm. The missus bought some foam to try your method but I wasn't sure how or where to stick it. Also, from a video I've seen, should the seat cover be adhered to the foam in some way, and mine has come loose?

Covers are not, generally, glued to the covers, it would tear the foam.

Tuck the foam between the diaphragm and the seat foam and cut a strip of it to fit at the back above the clip. That'll tighten the cover, too.

[Rubbershorts]

How taut is the seat base diaphragm?
Providing it's in good condition, unhook one side and put in a sheet of medium density foam or a folded bath mat, dependent on how firm you want it.
Re-hook and things should be fine.

So having a look at this suggestion. How on earth do you release the springs. They are very tight. Do they unhook from the frame side? I'm worried if I get them out, they may be twice as hard to get back in.

[Quinlan minor]

I usually pull them with self-locking grips. I guess it depends on your arm strength, but I don't find it difficult.

[Rubbershorts]

I was going at it with the pliers, and quite by accident, the front sponge and fabric popped off the frame revealing the other side of the diaphragm. Result! Slid the suggested square of sponge in, along with a strip at the back to help pull it taught, and we now have a seat that I wouldn't have even thought about if it had been like that originally. It's lost a little of the side support when compared to the passenger one as it's now more plump. I'm very happy with it though, and learnt a couple of bits along the way. Thanks for the help Quinlan, really appreciated 👍

Attached Files

•  instasize_250311200610.jpg   35.36K   0 downloads
•  instasize_250311200704.jpg   55.28K   0 downloads
•  instasize_250311200730.jpg   22.33K   0 downloads
•  instasize_250311200634.jpg   34.61K   0 downloads

Edited by Rubbershorts, 11 March 2025 - 08:22 PM.

[roblightbody]

The trouble with steam cleaning, is it can cause havoc with both foam and glues that are used on the seat trims.

[Rubbershorts]

The trouble with steam cleaning, is it can cause havoc with both foam and glues that are used on the seat trims.

Yeah, I've just checked my original post and I did indeed say steamed. That turns out to be a lie, as the wife informs me the cleaner we have is one of those VAX affairs that recycles the water. Just thought I'd make that clear. Good to know steaming isn't necessarily a good thing though.

[Quinlan minor]

Steaming the foam does relax the foam and allow it to regain its original shape.

 

Put "Restoring your foam cushion using a steamer" into YouTube.

 

For some strange reason the Forum is not letting me post the link.

Edited by Quinlan minor, 12 March 2025 - 09:05 PM.

[Rubbershorts]

Steaming the foam does relax the foam and allow it to regain its original shape.
 
Put "Restoring your foam cushion using a steamer" into YouTube.
 
For some strange reason the Forum is not letting me post the link.

Interesting. So obviously the foam retains that new found shape even when the water dries out? Would you say the covers need to be off the seats for this to be applied?

[Quinlan minor]

 

Interesting. So obviously the foam retains that new found shape even when the water dries out? Would you say the covers need to be off the seats for this to be applied?

 

 

All the times I've seen it done have been cover off.

Edited by Quinlan minor, 12 March 2025 - 09:43 PM.