www.jec.org.uk

I have recently purchased a set of seat covers made by Barry Handkinson in 1988 and despite changing hands 4 times, they have never been used.

I am considering buying new foams etc. and fitting these myself. How difficult can it be?

Has anybody tried this? I would be grateful to hear of any advice and tips that may be of assistance.

Bob,

As I have a 3.8 I have never tried it but my friends who have restored their 4.2's tell me its not that hard. A tip is to use and bin liner or similar on the foams this helps the leather cover slide easily over the foam and then you can yank the bin bag out afterwards.

I would renew the foams for what they cost if you are going to Stoneleigh give Jack McCarthy a ring at BAS and he will bring a set up for you.

Dave

Hi Dave,
How are things. Hope the front brakes are still ok. As I live in Cardiff I can pop into BAS and sort out all the foams.

Before I did I just wanted to know if it was reasonably straightforward to do. You can get hundreds of articles on how to rebuild an e type and how to fit the trim but when it comes to the seat covers they just seem to be fitted by trimmers.

Just wanted a project to get me through the long dark winter.

Hi Bob

The bin bag trick is well worth while, I would suggest if you are near to BAS, speak to Steve or Jack, both of them are very friendly and will help out if you get stuck..

In essence unbolt back from base, remove all tacks holding leather to frames on the back rest and tacks/staples on seat base. You may need new rubber bases, check when stripped, but again they are available. build up is reverse of stripping. Don't be generous with the glue on the base foam, just enough to hold vertical pleats in place, this will become apparent when you strip the old off as the foams will be stuck to the leather in these areas.

On occasion I have added extra padding to the seat backs in the shoulder areas to "pad out what appeared to be excess material, all turned out well.

Just give it a go.
Regards
600

Thanks for the info. It all helps. I have been pointed in the direction of YouTube which has an excelledt video showing the seat backs being fitted.