How To Reupholster Seats

Hog ring the front first, then the rear. Back hog rings go in last because, if you're going to have any flaws, this is where you want them.

Again, don't be afraid to redo areas that need attention. Bust those hog rings and try again. Pull wrinkles out with heat.

Where the seat back tends to differ in approach is starting your hog ringing at the center and working outward. Use heat as necessary.

Moving to the front bucket seats, begin by removing the two seat tracks, which are retained with four Phillip-head machine screws designed specifically for this application so they'll clear the tracks. Clean, inspect, and lube the tracks with white lithium grease. Don't overdo it. Check cable and adjustment turnbuckle for integrity.

Seat back covers, retained with wire clips, are removed next.

Seat backs are removed using a pry bar or large common screwdriver to pry off the pivot arm. Makes you wonder why Ford used a cotter pin to retain this arm.

You can take a couple of different approaches to seat upholstery removal. You can use a razor knife and cut the upholstery free. Or you can cut the hog rings and take a more civilized approach.

Lancaster Auto Interiors uses a super tough fabric to replace Ford's original burlap. However, did you know you can buy burlap from California Mustang for an original feel and appearance? But unless someone has the capability of looking underneath installed bucket seats, no one will know it's there but you.

The new foam is positioned carefully because it is very unforgiving of error. You must firmly seat the foam onto your seat frame. To ease vinyl installation, spray the foam with silicone for lubrication. Good advice is to heat the vinyl beforehand by laying it in the sun or warming in front of a heater.

Listing wire is installed in the vinyl to serve as the anchor point for the upholstery. Again, use heavy coat hanger wire if listing cannot be found.

Foam preparation is mandatory because it is so stiff. Use a razor knife to penetrate the foam so you can hog-ring the listing.

Cut in small slits without damaging the foam. Begin with the forward tie-down point and work outward.