In the early 1980s, we were grateful for reproduction seat upholstery kits of any kind for our '65-'73 Mustangs. As time passed, more and more colors and styles became available from the Mustang aftermarket. Over time, quality has only improved along with fit and finish. Few aftermarket companies have tried any harder to get it right and offer more options than TMI Products.
When Ron Bramlett and Bill Faull of Mustangs Plus contacted TMI's Dean Satterfield about seat upholstery for our Project Reclaim, they had a definite vision. They wanted it as distinctive as Reclaim is. And they wanted the comfort and good looks of TMI's Sports Seat. So they opted for the familiar '65-'66 Interior Décor Group ("Pony" interior) pattern without the galloping horses.
Dynacorn is well-known for...
Dynacorn is well-known for its reproduction '67-'69 Mustang fastback bodies, but they also reproduce seat frames and tracks for classic Mustangs. Made with outstanding quality and stronger than original equipment, these seatbacks will not break. Pivot pins are stout tool steel.
Dean came up with the pattern, made from simulated leather in medium gray with a blue carbon-fiber inset with the Project Reclaim logo stitched in the vinyl seatback. Then he enlisted the expertise of TMI's Esteben Orodonez and Carlos Aguilar to get the job done. Did you know TMI can do this for you as well? All you have to do is visit your favorite TMI Products dealer, including Mustangs Plus, and tell them what you'd like. Then let TMI Products make your dreams happen.
TMI Products' new perfect-fit...
TMI Products' new perfect-fit seat buns have the listing wire already molded in for improved strength and ease of installation.
Before the seat buns go on,...
Before the seat buns go on, a substitute for burlap goes on with hog rings. TMI uses a heavy-duty fabric designed to act as a buffer between seat buns and seat frame, which prevents deterioration.
Seat buns are secured by pressing...
Seat buns are secured by pressing them firmly into the frame before being secured with hog rings.
Seat bottom upholstery is...
Seat bottom upholstery is aligned and hog ringed to the bun listing and frame.
Alignment is checked and corrected...
Alignment is checked and corrected prior to each hog ring. What makes TMI upholstery unique is the quality. Piping, for example, is extruded cord for durability and good looks. The color will never wear off.
Listing wire is fed into each...
Listing wire is fed into each sleeve, which serves as the structural part of the TMI upholstery. Hog rings secure the upholstery and listing wire.
The upholstery is pulled tight...
The upholstery is pulled tight and centered before the perimeter is rolled over. We like the blue carbon-fiber vinyl, which contrasts nicely with the gray.
Vinyl is rolled over as shown....
Vinyl is rolled over as shown. You may need some heat and silicon spray to make this easier. Heat makes the vinyl pliable. Silicone spray on the foam makes it slippery and easier to maneuver. However, don't get silicone on surfaces you intend to paint.
Once the vinyl is wrapped...
Once the vinyl is wrapped over the seat buns, it is spanked to work out the wrinkles and irregularities.
The seat bottom upholstery...
The seat bottom upholstery is attached along the seat rails as shown with hog rings. Here, listing wire is measured and cut to fit.
Ends are looped for ease of...
Ends are looped for ease of assembly and to protect both your hands and vinyl.
Listing wire and vinyl are...
Listing wire and vinyl are hog ringed to secure the upholstery.
Before assembling the seat...
Before assembling the seat back, first install the headrest support, which is retained with simple self-tapping screws.
As with the seat bottom, heavy-duty...
As with the seat bottom, heavy-duty fabric is applied to the seatback and secured with hog rings as an alternative to burlap.
Seatback foam is installed...
Seatback foam is installed next using hog rings and the listing wire incorporated into the foam.
Upholstery is properly positioned...
Upholstery is properly positioned and hog ringed, then checked for fit.
Listing wire is carefully...
Listing wire is carefully inserted into the upholstery channels like this, then secured with hog rings. Fit is checked with each hog ring.
The perimeter is hog ringed...
The perimeter is hog ringed beginning at the center top and worked around to the bottom.
Upholstery is spanked with...
Upholstery is spanked with an open palm to distribute vinyl and work out wrinkles. Use a heat gun or steam sparingly to massage the vinyl.
We're ready for headrest software,...
We're ready for headrest software, which includes these two inserts. A hole is pricked in the vinyl first, then the insert is pressed into place.
The headrest is installed...
The headrest is installed like this. Adjustment is achieved via release tabs in the inserts.
Seatback installation takes...
Seatback installation takes patience. Protect the upholstery and don't forget the anti-chafe cardboard washers that go between the hinge and seat bottom.
Cotter pins are installed...
Cotter pins are installed last.
Anodized aluminum hockey sticks...
Anodized aluminum hockey sticks are installed on the outboard side. Remember, these pieces call for plastic spacers inside to prevent collapse. Seat hardware kits are available from Mustangs Plus.
Seatback covers are always...
Seatback covers are always challenging to install. Begin by finding the seat back cover clip holes in the frame. You may even have to drill holes for the clips. Take note of clip hole size before drilling.
Seatback stops are next and...
Seatback stops are next and last.
These and other seat trim...
These and other seat trim items are available from Mustangs Plus.