Topic: Upholstery thread

[babyfood1217]

*Yes, there are other threads concerning this, but I had a question that hasn't been directly addressed, so...

For those of you who have reupholstered your seats, where have you gotten your materials from?  I guess more specifically, I'm looking for sources, both in the local franchise/commercial category, as well as the mail order/online sort.  The only reason I ask is because I had a friend who recently purchased some material (for a custom seat cover) from a marine catalog, and the vinyl was so stiff, it would have chaffed your hands just putting it on.  There are some things I don't mind without seeing, but others that I would rather feel and experience first-hand to find out whether or not they would work or not.  Seats are one of them, and since I'm gonna do one of mine soon, I figured I'd ask.  I'm looking for local retailers (don't necessarily have to be in my zip code) but rather places an individual can actually go into and feel the fabric and foam, and sit on it and see if it will work (as opposed to looking at a pretty digital image and hoping it will feel good on his or her bottom.)

I would even be willing to organize all the information so it could be used as a reference/resource in the FAQ.

-Chris

p.s. - I may have been drinking a little bit of scotch when I wrote this, but I mean all I AM taking it seriously

[okie]

Try Hancock Fabric Outlet.  They usually stock some very supple marine vinyl.

150 Westgate Mall
Odana Rd & Whitney Way
Madison, WI 53711
Tel: 608-277-7720

[Jinxracing]

Well babyfood, without knowing where you live it's kinda hard to name off places that would even be within driving distance for you. If you live in Southern California there are 4 or 5 marine upholstery shops here in Dana Point as well as a more "normal" upholstery shop. There are also cold Newcastles in the fridge in the garage just in case you're in the neighborhood.  Same goes for anyone else that might be passing through town on their way up (or down) PCH.

[merc2dogs]

 Any fabric store will have a decent selection of vinyl, from a nice soft almost glove leather type to a fairly stiff 'factory seat' type.
 I bought several types to try out on various seats, then found a 'replacement' tonneu cover for a pickup at a local auto store for less than I could buy the fabric, stiff enough that it doesn't develope butt prints and soft enough that it's easy to work.   I like that material because it's tough without too much stretch, isn't slippery, and doesn't get brittle when cold.

Shortly after I built mine with the tonneu, a neighbor wanted to know if I would make a seat for his bike if he supplied the material, when I agreed he brought a full roll of (5'x25' or so) foam backed vinyl intended for car seats, pretty nice stuff, soft and supple.
 He's got a year on that seat and it still looks nice, so I think it will hold up.

Ken.

[bert96]

 I bought my foam there

 http://foamforyou.com/

[Bodi]

When I had my CB77 seat done, they used "snowmobile" upholstery stuff. This is made for weather exposure (car material is not) and it stays flexible to -40 or some ridiculously cold temperature. It's been excellent, anyway.

[Killer Canary]

That stuff's called "Wintersport". I pick it up at fabric and textile stores.

[754]

40 below huh!!

 I remember riding my CB 350 in the winter with a cobra seat. The seats would usually tear a bit on the edges or rub through, and then soak up moisture.. coulda been from snow sitting on it too. Then it would freeze and literally feel like you were sitting on a board!!!   

[babyfood1217]

I didn't post my address because I thought perhaps people from all over would provide input, thus creating a resource that anyone could look at and say, "hey, don't we have one of those shops right down the street?"

Some people did however do some homework as to where I am close to (how did you know okie), but I understand where you are coming from Jinx.  Thanks for pointing that out.

What I was hoping to do was to compile the different sources people recommended, and then compile, either by region or by product, a resource list that could be compiled and viewed by all who were wanting to do such a project.  I thought of this only since I am looking to start my new seat soon (can't start without a pan though) and starting going crazy waiting for my computer to load all the searches for "seat, custom, upholstery, vinyl, foam, etc..." in the search option (not the forums fault, but rather my computer/connection.)