72 Spitfire interior refresh

[Simons3]

Now my car is mechanically sorted (bar waiting delivery of richer needles and solid butterflies to finish up) i thought i would turn my attention to the seats and plastics.

My drivers seat base is fubar. The passenger base is quite good and gives me a good reference as a starting point.

Lets start with some pics

Basket out and first coat of hammerite all in one smooth black.

Same for the tilt mechanism.

Here is the existing backrest foam and cover

The seat frame with its first coat after sanding back resting on the seat base.

I plan on leaving the sliders in place and will give the runners a light lube.

This is what it looks like under the drivers....ouch

I'll get Henry on that.

Will try to get some pics of the recovering process. I will be using Owens instructions as he supplied the kit for me. If it gets too technical (fiddly) i may employ a specialist.

If anyone wants to pipe in with advice, it will be much appreciated.

[dougbgt6]

Presumably by Owen’s kit you mean the seat foams? I found it easy enough  only referring back to the instructions occasionally. Use tie wraps instead of hog rings, but I think Owen supplies the ties.

Others have shaped the foams a little with a Stanley knife, but I didn’t see the need.

My covers were OK on the new foams at first, I put them through the washing machine, but I have recently replaced them with some of Owen’s which are excellent.

Doug

[Simons3]

Yes Doug, but i bought the whole shebang.

All 4 covers smooth finish, 4 foams, doorcards, rear 1/4 cards, wheelarch retrim and the big rear card.

Comes with new rubber slats, some clips and a big bag of tie wraps.

Have to say the covers look great.

[Badwolf]

Another vote for Owen's stuff from me. I have been trying to order some of his leather interior for some time, but I think he's probably too busy at the moment, or having trouble with supply.

[Simons3]

I waited about 7-8 weeks for mine. All packaged really well i must say. He does do leather as he offered me that option, but didn't bother asking lead times as i wanted the smooth grain plastic.

So the drivers seat is done bar the tilt lever as i had to butcher the two screws to get them out. Will pop into the hardware store tomorrow to source replacements.

Glued rear cushion to frame with new lats

The calico slot is between lats 2 and 3.

Add some plastic to aid fitment.

Then on with the cover.

Clip down the calico, rear and two sides and Bobs yer uncle.

Next was the base.

Glue the ribbed part of cover where marked and glue the two foams together. Leave to set.

Work the cover over.

seat in basket with new hardboard and ziptie frenzy time. I didn't bother with the hessian i ordered. Time will tell on that decision.

This is the finished base.

And this is the seat finished.

i will get it into the car tomorrow then i intend to service the door furniture and fit my new doorcard.

Plus the inner/outer strips, which have seen better days.

[Badwolf]

Did my seats in leather last year. Lovely stuff, that's why I want to trim the rest to match. Just can't get any response. Will try phoning but I know what its like to be interupted in the middle of a job so prefer to message.