Part Three: Re-Cover 1. Before...
Part Three: Re-Cover
1. Before the new covers can be installed, the wires that the hog rings grabbed must be transferred to the new covers. Everything else (like the hook-and-loop and plastic J-hooks) is already sewn to the cover.
2. Now the headrest area of...
2. Now the headrest area of the cover is turned right side in, while the rest of the cover is still inside out. The cover is then slid down over the foam, and some new hog rings are installed. This technician happens to have a very bitchen set of pneumatic hog-ring pliers, but you can use a basic set for your job. They are available at most upholstery supply houses or restoration companies like Eastwood.
3. The cover is now rolled...
3. The cover is now rolled down the backrest, and then the hook-and-loop stuff is pushed into place. That's the best way to install a cover. Please save yourself the time and frustration and just trust us.
4. The cushion cover is a...
4. The cushion cover is a little different, but the procedure is pretty much the same. Turn it inside out and attach the hog rings, then fold the sides over.
5. There are a few items that...
5. There are a few items that protrude through the cover like this lumbar adjustment knob. Only after the cover is installed should the hole be cut because material stretches and it'll be next to impossible to get it in the right spot with the cover off. With all of the little knobs and handles in place, the cushion and backrest are joined back together and the whole seat assembly is reinstalled in the truck. Because of space limitations, we can't show the rear seat being done but the procedures are the same.
Part Four: The Door Panels...
Part Four: The Door Panels
1. The door panels also feature some amount of material on them and thus need to be covered as well. The inserts in question are attached to the door with melted, plastic-type rivets whose heads need to be cut off. The trimmer at Roadwire used a hammer and chisel to quickly pop off the globs of melted plastic.
2. Covering the insert takes...
2. Covering the insert takes more skill than installing the seat covers, but the key is to glue both the material and the insert. Once the glue is ready, you should stick the lowest parts first and then pull toward the edge, smoothing down the material with your hand as you go.
3. Once the insert is covered,...
3. Once the insert is covered, some very short screws can be used to re-attach the insert.
4. The process was repeated...
4. The process was repeated three more times to complete the interior job.
The Final Word
Here is a side-by-side comparison so you can see the huge difference in style. Galen ordered his leather seats with yellow detail stitching and brought in his own hound's-tooth material for the inserts to get the look he wanted. The new covers feel, smell, and look great in the truck. They may seem a little loose, but since leather tends to shrink up to 5 percent Roadwire made them just a bit on the large side.
If you're interested in adding leather to your '86-or-newer truck, check out the company's website for all of the colors and options available.