Repair Seat cover

[Jan_P]

Been thinking about how to repair a stock Seat cover
I would like to keep the stock appearance if Possible
There is a crack ..
If I could find some glue that sticks to the plastic --
I am thinking in terms of taking off the cover
Closing the gap gluing
And then a strip of Reinforcement fibre glass or another plastic strip on the inside
Perhaps Epoxy
Over all three of those stitches (Not titches just look so )

Anyone having experience and / or comments please tell

I do have sewing Machines .Shoemaker Singer and Leather upholster Pfaff Machines
But to be honest I am poor on that part I ll leave it to those that can ...It was surprisingly difficult.

And with stitches it is no longer Stock I Might as well try to make a new cover all together.
Using the one on the picturea as a tempalte.

 

[jpdevol]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/223734845780

I've used those guys on Honda reproduction seat covers; the quality is good

 

[Jan_P]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/223734845780

I've used those guys on Honda reproduction seat covers; the quality is good

Maybe they have something that will fit But Mine is a 1980 XS 650 SE US Custom
with a stepped seat .
Further more Price + shipping + Customs + Tax here it will run in on ca $100

Many years ago I took one saddle to a Shop upholsterer working with furniture
I believe he took $35 --$ 40 without the pattern on top .He s retired now and shop closed
Still have that saddle without holes

 

[GLJ]

Have a read here.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/seat-cover-repair-how-to-diy-a-primer.60298/

 

[Jan_P]

Have a read here.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/seat-cover-repair-how-to-diy-a-primer.60298/

Thank you Sir Looks promising .. Had I not polished the chrome instead the Seat Cover would be off already
And thank you Mr DogB

 

[Jan_P]

Have a read here.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/seat-cover-repair-how-to-diy-a-primer.60298/

Yes that was a very very good write up.
I need to think it over .. Maybe ill take the cover off after all
Can close the gap from the inside
Apply a larger backing piece should it be brittle by age.
Ad take measurements making a template so I will be able to sew up a new one.
Should the repair fail.

What cleaning chemicals are a good Choice
The seat on the picture has not been cleaned . A bit shine is desired

 

[DogBunny]

What cleaning chemicals are a good Choice

I recommend soap and water and a soft bristle brush to get into the grain and a toothbrush for the piping and the fake stitches.

 

[Jan_P]

Took off the cover it was simpler than i thought
There is like hooks .And one don't need to open them that much
Just a flat screwdriver under open a little and then the cover is so flexible that it can be unhooked via stretching the vinyl
With the hands

There was some rust so it was not a bad idea to remove the cover
Grinding not to much creating holes
and painting with a brush .. Black cheap Automotive Paint .But this one gives good results
I did not use primer paint did not have at home .But this will help a while

Picture not so good it was late so the light can have been insufficient
I payed attention to put extra paint at the lower edges Where the metal is folded

On the first picture background is a cover bought on the Cheap Wont Fit

See where this goes --- Plan is to glue it together with vinyl backing . Hoping to press the crack together

I tried to wash with car Shampoo and a special chemical for this purpose -- Not good result.
Will try the soap and better chemicals I want more shine

 

[Mikey]

I may replace my seat cover on my 81 will a seat cover that goes from 78-80 work ?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2548656884...645685073808&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=10
Edit: Or https://www.ebay.com/itm/3645825563...g:2NoAAOSwuYFlVfvU&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAA8IC4YfY

 

[gggGary]

Have a read here.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/seat-cover-repair-how-to-diy-a-primer.60298/

Just repaired a 2" split in madness seat with this kit
https://www.permatex.com/products/s.../permatex-ultra-series-vinyl-repair-solution/

Second or third time I've used the kit, the heat curing vinyl works well even if the leather grain on the included embossing papers aren't quite a match.

Used straight black it's still a touch lighter, will blend with a bit of black lacquer.
used a solder pencil light and quick to add some grain patterns.

 

[Mikey]

now to chose
Thanks !!

 

[nj1639]

Mikey,
Of the two you posted
The first one is for the lower rise side-hinged seat.
The second one is for higher pillioned lift-off seat.

 

[Mikey]

It's a lift of seat
Thanks !!
I wish it was hinged but it's not just my personal preference on seat style

 

[gggGary]

Ps a periodic coat of

Content​

• Beeswax
• Lanolin
• Avocado oil

Or other beeswax or lanolin wipe on leather care product really seems to help keep the vinyl supple.
I pulled a 79 standard seat stashed in a horse feed bag from the SOIR that i had treated before bagging it (several) years ago, decided it wasn't right for this bike, hit it with another shot of Leder Balsam and rebagged it.

 

[Jan_P]

I used that effax On Leather jackets As in animal hide
distinguished product. Very Good
Bought in a shop for Horse Saddles Straps and so
If i remember right the price was not low .But I could buy it locally so no freight
Maybe the best I have ever used for that

 

[Grewth]

I'm just wondering how long any repair is going to last on forty to fifty years old PVC leatherette ?
It's a credit to Yamaha that you can still find original seats with the original covers, but they've got to be on their last legs by now.
I've noticed a few NOS seats which pop up online every now and then, for an absolutely extortionate price (£600+), but the vinyl is still going to be degraded IMHO.
Probably going to split within a year
Would I use black silicone sealer to repair an ancient cracked seat cover, or a Permatex kit ?
You bet I would, but only if I was selling the bike on.
If I were keeping it as a regular rider, I'd buy a reproduction cover and seat foam.

 

[gggGary]

That now 50 year old seat has held up my butt for at least the last 5-8K miles. It finally got one small split right where my thigh pushes it down. No split seams or any other damage yet. I've coated a lot of vinyl seats with leather care products and I'm sold on their ability to keep vinyl soft and going much longer than we have a right to expect. Seats from northern clime kept inside helps, as high heat and sunshine sucks out the plasticizers, making them brittle.