Diy no sew upholstery thread

[Retired]

I wanted to create a thread exclusively for those that can't sew, or don't want to. I've seem some really good looking work done without sewing panels together.

I wanted to spruce up the old rod and didn't have a sewing machine or alot of fancy special tools needed to do some of the great work I've seen on this forum.

I'm using a simple cut, glue and screw.

I started off looking at the old panel. I made a pattern with all the clip holes. I studied how the original panel was made to try to recreate the same template.

I used a cheap 4'X8' piece of 1/4" paneling at a local building supply for my paneling material. I started by making cardboard templates first.

I transferred the pattern to my paneling. Cutout all my holes.

Next I bought a few cans of upholstry spray glue I found at Wallmart. Says it can be used in high heat enviorments.

I used 1/4" closed cell foam for padding. Nice and thick feeling. I chose a lighter color grey with a dark charcoal inserts.

I'm going to post a few pictures as I go along.

I would really like this thread to stay on a simple level and not get into complex methods. If it's "no sew" by all means show it off.

I hope this allows others to see that simple upholstry can still be accomplished without alot of tools but with a bit of imagination.

[1951 vicky]

Looks like a pro did your trunk . Nice job .

[Retired]

Door panels are a bit tougher because of the panel mounting clips must line up on the door. Prefit your panel before you start covering it to make sure the panel fits securely to the door. I used original panel clips. There are many universal ones out there if you can't find original types.

Before glueing my foam to the board, I cutout foam where the inserts would go. They are secured to thru the back with 1/4 screws. The screw are just long enough to screw both boards together without being felt through the foam padding. The door handle is a 65 mustang handle I had bought for another project. It bolted thru the panel but not into the door to secure it. Again a prefit the panel to the door. All looked good and ready for covering.

The picture shows the passenger side door panel. The passenger side rear panel will be finished with a tip insert like the trunk was done.

Notice the top of the covered panel where padding was left out do the window garnish trim would fit snuggly against it. You need to think ahead on how things fit together so to leave out foam where needed.

Keep in mind this is NOT a professional job. Rather a shade tree front porch work that anyone can do with a few materials. I learn as I go along. I'll add more pictures as I get more pieces covered. Enjoy and DIY and save a ton of cash.

[Retired]

Here a vew of the backside of the door panel showing clip positions and cutouts for window crank and door release handle. There is blue tape over the 1/4" screw heads to show thier location.

[fisheasy]

looking good man!

[Retired]

This picture show where the insert was cutout of the foam before covering it with the light grey vinyl. The insert was cutout after the entire piece of foam was glue to the board. The board was marked and not sprayed with glue on the area to be removed. Later the entire board was covered with glue and vinyl pressed into the cutout before total curing. Inserts where covered and test fitted into the cutouts to make sure enough room. One thing I learned is not the stretch the vinyl while your glueing it on the edges. It will cause a dimple on the edges if you look close on some of pieces. Simply roll it over with the palm of your hand and press it down for a real neat edge. Notice on the left side of the panel where there is no foam. This with simply be covered with vinyl. This is where it butts to the front panel. See this first pictures above. This makes for a nice neat corner.

[Rickomatic]

Very cool thread. I like the idea of doing upholstery myself, even if I have no sewing talent.

[ford2custom]

I just now found this thread the trunk is awesome. Nice work easy to follow for anyone wanting to spruce up his or her ride. If you’re still working on your car keep the pictures coming.

Richard

[jyardgirl]

yes please keep the thread going. giving me some great ideas

[rumrumm]

I did most of my interior myself. I don't sew so an acquaintance of mine who runs an upholstery shop covered the seat, dash, garnish mouldings and console. I did the rest. I used luan for the backing and Allante cream and faux ostrich vinyl for the fabric. Here are photos of the trunk showing the luan backing, foam and finished trunk.

[stovens]

great thread

[rumrumm]

Here are some photos of the door panels and the finished interior.

[ford2custom]

Nice job, looks really good. This should help some people that would like to try it.

Richard

[bluestang67]

Now I will have to say great DIY thread . Pictures of it done don't help figure out what went on , Kudoo's to you .

[Hombre259]

Good thread and nice work however those pictures are so big it's hard to make heads or tails from them. I resized them so that I could see them more in context, and I was right it is a good job.

RS