Technical The upholstery thread to end all threads

Two questions for the experts, is insta binding a good substitute for those of us with no machine? I really like the look of contrasting binding.
Also, I ordered some vinyl by the yard and it came mailed folded up in a bag, how do I handle the wrinkles where it was folded?

Thanks

 

Insta binding looks cheap and works marginally - doesn't like going around curves, forget about it on inside curves.
Lay the vinyl out and use a hairdryer to ease the wrinkles out. You may not be able to get them to 100% disappear. Next time make sure they roll it vs fold it before ordering.

 

I just got one of the EZE spray guns, and can really see how much simpler it is. I don't spray all that often since I'm not an upholstery shop, and I've gone through a couple of Harbor Freight cheapies getting clogged in the small passages.

Even if the EZE gets clogged, I can see how easy it'll be to clean and get going again. I'll keep my spray guns exclusively for paint and primer from now on..

 

I like the way your carpet is turning out, looks great! Is that a Gennie shifter you're using? Where did you get the trim ring? I'm using a Gennie shifter and am going to need one to fit it. I plan on sewing up my own leather boot.

 

Yes, Gennie - call Nick and I'm sure he'll hook you up with just the ring.
As a word of advice, plan in advance which orientation is best for your screw pattern. I did mine like a +, but it would've been better as an X to avoid things (linkage, wiring, etc.) underneath.

 

Thanks, appreciate the heads up on the orientation too!

 

I don't normally quote myself, but just a heads up. Most of the EZE spray guns are offered with a plastic cup. Albright's Supply in MS has one with a metal cup and lid. I know you can see the glue level in the plastic cup, but I suspect the metal cup might be easier to clean. It might be a tad more durable, but I can't say for sure.

I cleaned mine the other day with some acetone, and it was simple and fast.

And remember: My advice is worth what you paid for it!

 

Xylene works very well for cleanup. If I happen to need the use of a brush, I keep a jar/lid to store the brushed in the Xylene.

 

I don't doubt it, but I literally drive out of State to purchase solvents from Arizona or Nevada that work. The Cal-legal stuff is terrible. Both Naptha and Xylene have been banned here. I can't ever recall seeing Xylene here at all, so I assuming it's been gone quite a while.

Edit: I just checked, and it's NLA in California.

 

Xylene is REALLY bad for you (highly carcinogenic), it can absorb through your skin and vapors are also harmful. It collects in your liver because your body tries to filter it out.

I don't ever clean my EZE spray gun - when Weldwood landau top adhesive dries, it can be easily peeled of - it will not attack the plastic that the cup is made from. Best thing to do is just leave adhesive in the gun (not frozen or in a hot garage). The solvent from the adhesive keeps it soft. If I'm not using mine for awhile, I put a piece of masking tape over the vent and both brass nozzles.

 

Seat done

 

Im not an upholstery guy, but I just made this 40s style interior for my buddy's T.

 

I got talked into doing another hot rod seat. This one’s going in a deuce 5 window. Done in leather.

 

That looks baller! Great work

 

That is *really* nice!
Marcus...

 

That is great work on that seat.

 

I want to make some floor mats with the same carpet I have on my floor...
What do people usually put on the back of the carpet to stiffen it up? Something with those little nubs that keep it from moving around would be great. I'm planning on binding the edge with the vinyl I used to make the seats.
Have any suggestions?

 

I get this from yourautotrim. Works great.

 

Wow! I’ve been looking for a thread like this. I will be teaching myself how to do upholstery since I can’t afford what shops are asking. Have my machine and after my vacation I’ll be cleaning up the garage and setting it up to start to practice. My machine is a Mitzi LU401-25BTC. I don’t have a manual but am sure either my friend I got it from will help me out learning it.

 

Really great work there. Love how you have your sewing table set up.

 

I'm buying old Datsun pickup seats on the cheap, and redoing them for practice. I sell them really cheap so I can move onto the next. Here's the third one I've done. I'm not too sure if I'll ever get good at it, but I enjoy the challenge, and it keeps me busy.


It's a bland color, but the grey can go with almost any interior color. They usually sell quickly.

 

Put a layer of batting in there and sit it out in the sun - all those ripples and wrinkles will magically disappear. I was disappointed with mine until I did so.

 

For some reason my post is in the quote. Enlarge the quote.

 

Thanks for the tip! That's a good one to remember.

 

This thread is similar to one on painting. You take ugly and make it in to something to be proud of. Isn't that the basis of hot rodding? Doesn't matter about your skill level, it's about improving.