[Heather17]

I am wanting to re-upholster the inside of my car. The problem is I don't really know where to begin or what to do. I have a 1989 Mazda MX-6. It has a sunroof. I would really appreciate if someone could help me out and let me know some steps. Anything will help me out. I really don't wanna pay $1400.00 to get it done professionally.

[4 Jaw Chick]

Hi Heather17, nice to meet ya! Junior Greasewhore at your service.

Before you start a major project like re-upholstering, I'm going to ask the obvious. Have you checked your local junkyards/scrapyards/used parts sources to see if you can pick up replacement seats cheap? Might be less expensive than doing it yourself and sure is a lot less work.

Second, what are you planning to re-upholster with? Fabric, leather or vinyl? Might not be a bad idea to see what your local upholstery shop charges for doing this type of job, maybe cheaper than doing it yourself (although I kinda doubt THAT!), however, sometimes if you're supplying the material it can be cheaper than doing it yourself, and you get a professional job.

Are you replacing the foam in the seats too? What about the door panels, dash and back window ledge? Are you planning to replace the carpeting too?

Lastly, have you ever done any upholstering? If not, better check out a few information sources before beginning this project. It's pretty involved, especially when you're considering doing car seats, lots nooks and crannys....

Let me know what you decide to do......Good Luck.

Chickie

[Heather17]

I plan on replacing everything with cloth/fabric. Yes I have checked all the junkyards and all upholstery shops. It will be to expensive. I really did not want to replace the foam, I really wanted a way around that but if so then I will. I have all kinds of time to do it but I just need instructions. All I want to do is change the color from maroon to black and I would use some kind of paint only the seats really could use the replacement. No I have never done this before but you have to start somewhere. Please help me if you can!!!

Thanks,
Heather

[horvath]

Hey, Heather

If you want to learn all the goodies, here are 2 books that answered all the Q's for me :
Automotive Upholstery Handbook - by Don Taylor
This one covers all the basics involved ... from tools of the trade, to learning to sew ... and shows how to make and install bench seat covers, bucket seats, vinyl tops, Sim-con tops, Landau tops, Convertible tops, headliners, door panels and carpets, and a whole lot more. I like the book below most, but this one is worth having for the explanation of tools and basic sewing skills.

Custom Auto Interiors - by Don Taylor & Ron Mangus
If you want to know the procedure for making your own door panels or specialty interior panels, this book will rock your socks off with all the how-to stuff! From planning your interior, to making patterns, armrests, headliners, carpets, building your own seats and more! This is one book you'll keep reading!

Alan
54 Chevy Pickup

[D M N]

i recomend Automotive Upholstery Handbook - by Don Taylor too i'm in the process of reading it its really help full Katzkin makes seat covers and door panels there kind of expensive around $500 for everything and you can have it professionaly instaled for free or do it yourself carpet and headliner are easy

[horvath]

Hey, DMN

If you like that one, you'll flip over Custom Auto Interiors! ... it shows you how to shape your own door panels like those $500 ones, and a whole lot more.

Alan
54 Chevy Pickup

[D M N]

i'll check that one out when i finish the one i'm one right now

[horvath]

Cool. You started with the right one -- it covers all the tools and basics about getting started.

Alan
54 Chevy Pickup

[D M N]

yea its also really interesting i like reading it, hey heather what mods do you have on your car

[pcesak]

Do a search in Ebay motors for leather seats, or cloth seats. I just almost got a set of infiniti i30 leather seats for $157.00 Front and rear....but figured I'd wait until ready.

Good luck.

Pc

[horvath]

I just went to the junk yard this morning ... saw a pair of leather seats in a new Lincoln ... gorgeous seats! $45 each (for any seats in the yard). Unfortunately, it was a 4-door, so the seats don't fold forward ... but I'm just gonna keep checking -- those seats would be a whole lot of money from a dealer! And it's worth the trouble -- these seats didn't even need cleaning!

Alan
54 Chevy Pickup

[D M N]

i dont think that girl has even checked our post she hasnt responded

[Kevin45]

Like most of them. They go around asking everywhere and then never respond.

Kevin