Topic: 350/4 seat cover

[Trevor from Warragul]

Hi.  My seat cover is starting to show signs of splitting.  I checked with David Silver & they don't carry a 350/4 seat cover...  anyone know of a supplier who has one that matches the original?  Thanks.

[nickjtc]

If you have problems finding one go and see your local upholsterer who should be able to do a reasonable match. It will probably be a bit more expensive, but at least you will be in direct contact with the maker....

[number13]

These guys appear to do some very nice work, but an
upholsterer might be cheaper if you don' need a lot
of restoration.

http://www.coolretrobikes.com/seatrestoration.htm

[nickjtc]

I just picked up Sophie's seat yesterday. If you look at my avatar you'll see that it used to be stepped. I wanted the look of the older bikes so had Peter reshape the foam, put in a firmer foam layer, re-cover it and do some light grey piping to match the bike.

I de-rusted the pan and re-sprayed it myself to save some $$$.

[keiths]

I've been looking at this one.  Has anyone tried cmsnl?  It looks perfect.
http://www.cmsnl.com/products/repro-seat-assy_77200333000ap/
I've already sunk too much money into old seats from Ebay and various mail order covers but nothing looks as good as my original.

[Trevor from Warragul]

I found this:

http://cgi.ebay.ca:80/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150064624284&sspagename=ADME:B:AAQ:CA:1

I queried him & got this reply:

HI THANKS FOR YOUR EMAIL,  I HAVE A COVER THAT SHOULD FIT YOUR CB350F,  BUT MOUNTING THE SEAT COVER ON A
CB350F IS MUCH HARDER THAN THE OTHER CB350.  THAT IS WHY IN MY EBAY ADD I DO NOT LIST IT FOR THE CB350F,  THE
REASON IT IS MORE DIFFICULT IS BECAUSE HONDA HAS MOLDED THE PLASTIC CHROME STRIP INTO THE SEAT COVER AND
THE CHROME STRIP IS WHAT HOLDS THE SEAT COVER ON. BELOW IS INSTRUCTION ON HOW TO INSTALL THAT TYPE OF
SEAT COVER.
 
HOW TO INSTALL MOLDED PLASTIC CHROME COVERS

REMOVAL OF OLD COVER

-          First, carefully bend back all metal tabs that are holding the plastic chrome strip and open the teeth that hold the front of the seat cover down.

-         next, carefully remove the cover ensuring that the cover hasn’t weather adhered to the seat foam or has been glued down by the factory

-         now comes the tricky part, using a scalpel or XACTO knife carefully cut the plastic chrome strip from the old cover as close to the ‘chrome’ as possible

-         discard old cover but salvage the plastic chrome strip.

INSTALLATION OF NEW COVER

-          prior to installing the new cover; ensure that the seat pan is oil & grease free,

-          a little electrical tape along the pan edge will help prevent the new cover from being tore during installation

-          align and position your new cover over the seat foam,

-          evenly pull the vinyl to desired smoothness and clamp down with clothes pegs or suitable strong clamps (make sure you leave enough room between the clamp and the seat pan lip to feed the chrome strip through),

-          feed the chrome strip through the clamps and ensure it is centered,

-          gently push the chrome strip into position over the vinyl and secure it with the metal tabs,

-          lastly, stretch the nose of the cover over the metal teeth and gentle tap them down with a tack hammer to secure the cover in place.

In Australian "You bloody little ripper!"

Trevor