Bucket seat repair

[Larry_Rarus]

While the seat cover on my 1962 LeMans driver's bucket is in great condition the springs on one side have collapsed. I need to get it repaired. Can anyone recommend a good shop in the New England area that can fix this for me?

[Larry_Rarus]

I was able to get my seat re-sprung by an upholsterer in Pawtucket, RI. The job was done right and for a fair price. Now it feels like a new car (well, almost, sorta) and it no longer feels like I'm going to roll out of the door.

[Larry]

Did they tell you what they did to fix it? I would like to know what is involved.
Thanks,
Larry

[Larry_Rarus]

Unfortunately, no. The gentleman who did the work is a man a few words and he seems to like it that way. He's "old school" (and that's not a bad thing). He did say that the metal piece that the springs are anchored to broke away from the frame. That's all I know.

[Larry]

Ah... an old timer who plods along doing what so few do any more-- high quality work with little talk.

What I have observed in some past experiences is that usually the "innards" are all just coming apart and they just retie everything back together and tight, and repad.

There's nothing worse than continually slidding into the door panel as you drive.

A lot of people don't realize the "wear" that a car suffers sometimes, especially in the drivers only side. Ever notice how some cars will sag on the driver's side? Over years, just having a car mostly occupied by the single driver can take a toll.

A little humor about bucket seats. When they were first coming out, my Dad brought a car home with buckets to test drive. My old German Aunt who lived next door sat in one of them. Naturally as most old German Aunts go, she was no skinny-Minnie. As she struggled to get back out she remarked "Ach, those bucket seats are OK, but everybody has a different size bucket."

[gilby]

Has anyone tried to recover seats with a kit from Year One or OPD??

[Larry]

I have never personally tried these companies kits, but know friends who have used the Year One GTO (1965) sets and were pleased. However, they took them to a professional upholstery shop to do the install.

Anyone can learn upholstery work, and I have MADE and installed entire interiors, but it is very time consuming and hard to do. The shops know the "tricks". Just make sure their "tricks" aren't "short cuts". Pick a reputable shop.

Also, ask lots of questions about the kits. Make sure that it is as original as can be. Ask a question to the sales person like: "Do you or your company know of any variations in the product you are selling that is not 100% original?"

Harry Samual has told me horror stories over the years of what some manufacturers conside to be "like original".

Remember, OPG and Year One give our PontiacRegistry.com members a discount. Check under the "Affiliates- Member Discounts".

[gilby]

OK Thanks! I'm picking up my "new" 71 Lemans convertible today!! I'll be posting pics soon!