Restoring an old Race Seat

56_oval · Post by **56_oval** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 2:53 am

I got this seat recently out of a field in Oklahoma. I have read that they are somewhat rare and that I got a good deal at $85. It is in bad shape, but I think with a little time, I might be able to refoam and recover it. This project will take a while, so if anyone has any ideas or hints, feel free to let me know.

Pretty much the way I got it.

Bending the fist set of tabs back. There are about 15 or so.

After removing the binding from the first set of tabs, you can now see the second set. These look a little more threatening. There are quite a few more of these than the first set.

I tried very hard not to damage the cover too bad as I was taking it off. I plan to use it as a pattern when I make the new one. I would like it to look as close to original as possible.

I am also trying to be careful with the foam.

That's as far as I have gotten today. I'll do more when I have the time.

56_oval · Post by **56_oval** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 4:19 pm

I am a little curious about the shape of the seat. At the rear pf the seat the foam looks like it is sunk in, but the seat doesn't fit tight against the foam. That doesn't seem right. At first I just thought that the seat fabric had just shrunk and made it look that way, but after looking at a couple more seats, they all look that way. It would seem that if there is no foam behind the fabric, that the seams would split if I sat back that far.
Anybody got any older pics of original race seats?

Look at the foam at the back, and compare it to the way the fabric curves.

56_oval · Post by **56_oval** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 12:28 am

I don't know if anyone is paying attention to this thread, but I'll update it either way.
I was working on the cover today and made a little progress.

I messed up getting the threads to line up, but I'm just gonna leave it.

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 3:54 am

Nice looking work there. What is the material for the top, stitched part?

G

clarenceada · Post by **clarenceada** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 8:51 am

56; you never can tell how many are watching by the number of post/comments as they maybe so enthralled that they just forget to say anything---like me. I just recently picked-up a CB305 without the seat and after looking at whats available and the prices for stock seats, I have been thinking of making a cafe racer/sporterized bike with a seat like this (looks to be more comfortable then a traditional cafe racer seat) and with pipes like the one in the picture.

Is the form of the back of the seat made just with foam or is there a fiber glas or plywood insert to give it shape?

Are these seats made from a stock seat pan as the underside of of your seat seems to have two bolts holding down the rear of foam/insert?

Where did you get your material?

BTW i are you into 1956 ford's (by your handle)? The first decent car I had back in the 60's was a 1956 ford two door coupe with 292 Thunderbird V8 (had all of 150hp) it had the first ford heater that actually put out heat, all the old flathead fords would freeze you out.

Thanks for the effort of posting the pictures---I have never tried redoing a seat but with you burning the trail I may give it a go.

Clarence

56_oval wrote:I don't know if anyone is paying attention to this thread, but I'll update it either way.

cyclon36 · Post by **cyclon36** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:24 am

Coming along nicely. Can't wait to see a finished product.

cknight · Post by **cknight** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:16 am

Looking good! Is the insert Alacantra, or?? Thanks, Chase