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Topic: Apholstry? (Read 1260 times) previous topic - next topic

Apholstry?

Does anyone know if there is a web site or a buisness that specializes in special apholstry/leather?
My 84 Elan' has leather seats and the two front ones are getting a little worn.
Problem is that it has the T-Bird Emblem Embroidered in the leather seat.
So maybe someone knows a place that could help reupholster the seats with the same color leather and T-Bird Emblem as well.

Thanks to all you Fox Lovers!

Apholstry?

Reply #1 –
If you happen to find someware make mention that I need my FILA seats done.

Apholstry?

Reply #2 –
Unless you find a better set of seats in the salvage yard or happen upon a NOS set (VERY unlikely), you will have to get them custom made. That in itself isn't very difficult. The big problem is when you have a special seat pattern from the factory. Upholstery shops can sometimes get special material, sometimes can't. There is a company that buys up obsolete material and sells them to upholstery shops; you can guess that it's a premium price at that point. Once the material is gone, it's gone. I have tried many different sources to find original Ultrasuede for the '87 20th Anniversary Cougars for other people, and it's a futile attempt. That material is gone for the ages. The best they can do now is use a similar pattern in cloth.

So what I'm saying is, take a good look at your seats and determine if the ALL the material needs repaired/replaced, or just some of it. The way these seats are stitched, a panel can be replaced easily (one of the only bright spots we have). If you indeed need them all redone, then take a trip to an upholstery shop or two, and see what they tell you. Get multiple estimates (replace a few panels, total redo, etc.) so that you know what kind of money you'll have to save up.

Here are some money-saving tips:

- Tell the shop you will remove the seats yourself and bring them in. The shop guys will love you, since your car won't be taking up room, and they'll probably give you a break on price.
- If you have real leather seats, consider man-made leather. Yeah, it's vinyl...so what. Our cars had "leather seating surfaces", meaning the part that your butt and back rest against. The rest of the seats were vinyl. It's not worth the price of cowhide to get real leather, especially at today's inflated prices (thank you, mad cow disease), unless you want bragging rights. Vinyl comes in many more colors, is more durable, and lasts longer.
- There are universal materials that very closely simulate the patterns/materials used in Ford vehicles. They may not be exact but I guarantee they'll be cheaper and available for many years to come. Ask to see samples of those; you may luck out.

Now about the embroidery...a good upholstery shop will either have the means to recreate a logo for embroidery, or subcontract out to a place that can. It's not really all that expensive for the actual stitching. The initial cost for getting a cartridge/pattern made, though, can be a lot. In the overall picture, though, it's not that much more money to have it done. They should be able to trace your logo and reproduce it. If they can't, let me know and I can create a camera-ready logo file for you. I will work with you to make sure it's exactly like what's in your car. That's a start for ya, anyway.

If you'd like to see the seats I had done...


Also had the top material done at the same time...


I've had a LOT of experience in this area and have learned quite a bit. Let me know if this helps you guys.

Apholstry?

Reply #3 –
Thanks Eric
 

Apholstry?

Reply #4 –
Awesome lookin seats and stitching!
Thanks for the help Eric.