Thread: Project $ 3 K Is Underway

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Don---Looks really great. A word of advice----cut the center out of your seat boards and leave about a 2 3/4" flange of plywood around the edges. Do a cross weave of heavy webbing (like seat belt material) across the hole and glue/nail the ends to the plywood perimeter---then set your seat cushion material on top of that. It makes an amazing difference in seating comfort.---Brian

Thanks guys. Brad, I have to set the body back on one more time before I get too much further, just to make sure everything clears and fits, and will probably do that this week.

You know Brian, I think that is a good idea. It would give a little more "spring" to that area. Do you think the webbing you can buy to redo lawn chairs would be ok to use? You mention seat belt material, but I'm not sure where to get that, short of going to the junkyard and start cutting some belts up.

I like it. Thanks for the suggestion.


Don

Don---I might use the lawn chair stuff, but double it for strength. I have seen a lot of old lawn chairs where this webbing looks pretty damn frail. You might ask at some upholstery shops. I have always used old seat belt material----of course my butt is a lot heavier than yours.

Well, there is no reason I can't hit the junkyard with my trusty razor knife. Since the nearest pick and pull is about 60 miles from here, I think I'll go to Home Depot and see if they have some extra heavy webbing first. I know what you mean about the garden variety rewebbing stuff they sell, it is pretty light duty, but maybe they make several grades.

I can see the concept, how it would allow you to "sink" down just a bit more and provide a little more comfort. Do you think burlap on top would be a good idea to keep the foam from busting through?


Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

Do you think burlap on top would be a good idea to keep the foam from busting through?


Don

That would work, but you should wrap your foam in muslin before upholstering anyway, so that would be enough. Don't use the lawn chair stuff, it stretches too much.

Good points Bob. Looks like I'll be cutting away at the junkyard. Oh, just had a thought (very rare occurance ) I could buy some boat trailer winch straps and cut them up. They also make them for putting over the back of boats to keep them on the trailer when bouncing down the road. Might be a little pricey, but cheaper than gas to drive 120 miles round trip to the junkyard.


Don

Don,

Check this linky:

http://www.rochfordsupply.com/produc..._ProdID_E_3432

Well. Isn't THAT special. Thank you Jack, I didn't realize you could buy just webbing. Monday morning I will be on the phone to them, the price looks good too. Just need to figure out how much to order.

I would guess the plan is to interweave each crisscrossing strand to make it somewhat a unified grid and keep them from shifting around?

Appreciate the info Jack.


Don

My upholstery guy did up some aluminum framed racing seats that we put together a number of years back. Used the webbing stuff all crisscrossed and some sort of high density foam wrapped in muslin then marine grade vinyl for a cover. They're very light and after 4 or 5 years of use still quite comfortable...

I like that idea Brian, going to have to remember that when I get around to the seats.
Brad

Yes, you cross-weave the straps (just like basket weaving at that place we don't want to end up). When you attach the ends to the plywood, either use really, really good staples, or else good long carpet tacks. Your bum won't notice much difference, but after an hour in the car, your tailbone will love you for it!!!

Oh, and fold it over on itself at the end (make a hem) before you tack it down. It holds better that way.

You guys have given me, and everybody else doing this sort of thing some great ideas. Thanks. I also remembered West Marine carries webbing and things like buckles to make up straps for marine use. It's been a while since I worked there, but think I'll stop in next week and see what they have. If not, I'll order it from the other place mentioned.

And, like Brian said, this basket weaving stuff may come in handy when I get to the home. I understand if you do it real good they give you an extra big piece of desert.


Don

Hey Don Bingo night is tuesday at the home.
Brad

Originally Posted by BradC

Hey Don Bingo night is tuesday at the home.
Brad

Be there or be square.