PDA

View Full Version : Seat repair problem


Joe Walsh
10-05-2010, 07:14 PM
Hi guys,
I recently bought a very clean, used 1999 Ford Ranger XLT. (72,500 miles!)

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/JoeJWalsh/IMG_2322.jpg
http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/JoeJWalsh/IMG_2323.jpg
http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/JoeJWalsh/IMG_2321.jpg

The '99 Rangers had 'OK' seats, but the 2005 and newer Rangers had much better seats. They are 4" taller to the top of the headrest!
(I'm 6'3" tall and my head sticks up above the '99 OEM seat headrest....:()

Today, I found a set of 2005 seats from the junkyard:

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/JoeJWalsh/IMG_2508-1.jpg

While cleaning them up, I noticed that the driver's side 'kidney' bolster was mashed out of shape.
So, being a gearhead, I immediately disassembled the seat to find this:

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/JoeJWalsh/IMG_2510.jpg
http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/JoeJWalsh/IMG_2513.jpg
http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/JoeJWalsh/IMG_2514.jpg

Funny thing is, the seat bottom bolster, which usually gets mashed first.....is in great shape.
The previous owner must have dragged his upper body across the bolster as he fell out of the truck everyday.

Any upholstery experts here that can tell me what kind of flexible glue would repair the torn foam on the side bolster....
without melting the foam?
ImpalaSlayer
10-05-2010, 07:37 PM
thats a nice looking ranger Joe. sorry, cant help.
a_d_a_m
10-05-2010, 07:41 PM
The Polack Mechanic in me (I'm Polish, I'm allowed to call myself that) would try wrapping it with duct tape first...
Joe Walsh
10-05-2010, 07:53 PM
The Polack Mechanic in me (I'm Polish, I'm allowed to call myself that) would try wrapping it with duct tape first...

LOL....That's one of the first things that I thought about doing!
My only fear is the hot interior temps during the summer would make the duct tape glue get 'gooey' and fall apart.
Matt In Detroit
10-06-2010, 04:03 AM
Just replace the seat bun, or you might try some contact cement to put it back together. Either way, some new 1/2 foam over the area would make up for the compressed foam and make the cover fit good again. Throw the cover in the washer before you reassemble to get it nice and clean.
Mr. Man
10-06-2010, 07:07 PM
Ford has seat foam replacement kits.
Krytin
10-07-2010, 07:09 AM
RTV silicone to glue the tear back together.
Tape it "closed" while the RTV is setting up.

PS - put a piece of balistic nylon cloth between the seat frame and the cushion - glued on the cushion side only bridging the tear. This will help keep the frame from pushing back up through the original tear.
SC Cheesehead
10-07-2010, 08:10 AM
Just replace the seat bun, or you might try some contact cement to put it back together. Either way, some new 1/2 foam over the area would make up for the compressed foam and make the cover fit good again. Throw the cover in the washer before you reassemble to get it nice and clean.

+1 on the contact cement. Lightly coat both sides of the tear, wait a couple of minutes for the cement to get tacky, then push the two together and hold for 60 seconds or so. Will bond tightly, but will still be flexible.

BTW, nice truck. I had a 2000 XLT and loved it.