I have removed the old material and the backing material (cardboard like) has deteriorated and is a bit bumpy. I'll admit I had covered it once and am now doing it over due to a bumpy result. I figure I have to remove this backing and replace it. What works best and where to buy it is my question? I considered gluing a layer of poster board or something similar to smooth it out. Any suggestions?

Steve
69 Cutlass

 

I was wondering if there was something I could spray on it to harden the surface so I could sand it smooth?
thanks,
Steve

 

I really would be best if you can scrape it off of there and start over. I got that backing you are referring to from an upholstery shop.

 

thanks, I'll check with some shops or a fabric/foam store.
thanks
Steve

 

Clean it off the best you can, blast it if possible, and then prime it.

Use 1/4" "T-Shirt Backed Sew foam" with the backing layer facing out.
https://www.albrightssupply.com/sew-...-pink-clobac4h
I like to use a small 2nd layer on the top flat area where you rest your arm (actually that would be the first layer, then the larger overall piece goes over the top of that one.
Glue it on with contact cement. Then the new cover goes over the top of it, only glue the lip that wraps around.

Looks like i don't have many good pics showing the foam itself... These are the only ones showing the foam glued on before putting the cover on.
The "ugly" pinch cuts on the side where the foam pinches in on itself don't really matter as they won't show or be felt once the cover is on.
The T-shirt backing helps the covers to slip over the foam, which is important when working out any wrinkles.




Here are a couple others done using the same material/process

67 Camaro back seat arm rests... Foam patterned and glued ready to stick, note this is the INSIDE of the foam


67 camaro back seat base metal




67 Camaro finished



64 Mustang convertible...



57 Chevy... These were a PITA due to the shape of the top surface.

 

You got some nice results Rambow. When you say " only glue the lip that wraps around" do you mean just the edges that wrap around the back side and don't glue the large exposed area? I'm off to an upholstery shop to pick some up.

thanks,
Steve

 

Correct, you don't want to glue the large part of the vinyl, or you won't be able to stretch it properly and allowing it to move while working out wrinkles/ripples.
I'll usually just lay the armrest on the inside out cover and then draw a line on the inside of the cover as a guide for where the edge will be, then only apply glue outside that line, and only on the inside of the armrest panel... Paper Binder clips are really handy when doing these.

 

Great to see a home process for recovering these parts. Many thanks.

I think I’ve said it before here, but was told not too long ago that the average upholstery shop owner age in the as 68 (a couple of years ago).

We’re going to need some home processes or some young people getting into this business if these cars are going to carry on.

Chris

 

I took your advice of only glueing the edges and am very happy with the results. Amazing how simple some solutions can be and the difference it can make.

thanks,
Steve

This is what I started with.

The top pic is the final results. I did put a layer of foam down first. The bottom one was what I got my first attempt.

The final results