In this issue we are going to move on to the next phase of the interior on our project 635csi, or "Bavarian Baller." Here we cover custom upholstery for the front and rear seats. While we want to maintain that classic 635 look, we also want to give it the appearance of custom. To do this, we're going to dress up the front and rear seats with sandstone gray suede inserts, satin black genuine leather and, to give it a sporty appearance, sandstone gray piping trim.
Next Rick will remove the headrest and the left and right recliner mechanism (Note the torque cable that connects at the front lower section of each recliner mechanism). To disconnect, carefully remove the faceplate at the lower section of each recliner mechanism, detach the cable and reinstall the faceplate so that the gears inside don't fall out. Later we'll follow this same process during reassembly.
Now that the seat cover is removed, put locator markings (use chalk or a pen) on the old seat cover where you feel it might be important. These marks will be transferred onto the new material when you begin cutting out the patterns. These locator marks are very helpful when sewing together the new seat cover because they keep all parts aligned and in their proper place.
Unstitch the old seat cover into its individual parts. To do this, most trimmers use a one-sided razor blade-be very careful! Using a razor blade is fast and easy, but caution must be taken when in use and after use. Never throw razor blades in a trash can-use a small canister with a lid, ask someone or call the razor manufacturer for the proper disposal procedure. I know this sounds silly, but I've seen a guy go and search the trash can for a misplaced part only to come out with a bloody thumb and pass out on the floor.
Note: Bucket seats usually have a left and right seat. If this is the case with your project, cut out all the patterns for the front passenger seat bottom first and write "PASS" on the edge of all the new pieces to identify them as the passenger seat pattern. After cutting out the patterns, flip each one over face down and use them to trace out the patterns for the driver's side and mark those "DR" to identify them as the driver's side. This way we won't mix our passenger patterns with the driver's side patterns because if we did, we'd end up with some Quasimodo-looking seats.
This method works well for beginners because the old seat covers are actually teaching you how to make patterns and how a seat cover is constructed. Later you'll develop your own method of pattern making and how to construct a seat cover. For now though we will use this same process of unstitching, marking old seat covers and flipping patterns for the front and rear seats.
Before upholsterer Rick Mena gets started, here are some notes:Have a marker, masking tape, plastic ziplock bags and, if possible, a digital camera. Use the marker and tape to label electrical plugs, seat tracks mechanism, recliner mechanism, etc. Use the plastic bags for your different screws and small parts. Label each bag so you can quickly identify them later. With the digital camera you can take all the pictures you want and use them later for quick reference.
Next Rick will remove the headrest and the left and right recliner mechanism (Note the torque cable that connects at the front lower section of each recliner mechanism). To disconnect, carefully remove the faceplate at the lower section of each recliner mechanism, detach the cable and reinstall the faceplate so that the gears inside don't fall out. Later we'll follow this same process during reassembly.
Now that the seat cover is removed, put locator markings (use chalk or a pen) on the old seat cover where you feel it might be important. These marks will be transferred onto the new material when you begin cutting out the patterns. These locator marks are very helpful when sewing together the new seat cover because they keep all parts aligned and in their proper place.
Unstitch the old seat cover into its individual parts. To do this, most trimmers use a one-sided razor blade-be very careful! Using a razor blade is fast and easy, but caution must be taken when in use and after use. Never throw razor blades in a trash can-use a small canister with a lid, ask someone or call the razor manufacturer for the proper disposal procedure. I know this sounds silly, but I've seen a guy go and search the trash can for a misplaced part only to come out with a bloody thumb and pass out on the floor.
Note: Bucket seats usually have a left and right seat. If this is the case with your project, cut out all the patterns for the front passenger seat bottom first and write "PASS" on the edge of all the new pieces to identify them as the passenger seat pattern. After cutting out the patterns, flip each one over face down and use them to trace out the patterns for the driver's side and mark those "DR" to identify them as the driver's side. This way we won't mix our passenger patterns with the driver's side patterns because if we did, we'd end up with some Quasimodo-looking seats.
This method works well for beginners because the old seat covers are actually teaching you how to make patterns and how a seat cover is constructed. Later you'll develop your own method of pattern making and how to construct a seat cover. For now though we will use this same process of unstitching, marking old seat covers and flipping patterns for the front and rear seats.
Before upholsterer Rick Mena gets started, here are some notes:Have a marker, masking tape, plastic ziplock bags and, if possible, a digital camera. Use the marker and tape to label electrical plugs, seat tracks mechanism, recliner mechanism, etc. Use the plastic bags for your different screws and small parts. Label each bag so you can quickly identify them later. With the digital camera you can take all the pictures you want and use them later for quick reference.
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