Reupholster or Replace?

[G-Cat]

This truck deserves AC

 

[Manhattan]

It's on the list - really! Dugan (ACC) and I were poking around under the hood of another customer's 84-88 truck.... Dugan: "Yeah, we just need that... and that... and that. Easy. Let's just keep our eye out for the donor." I say I'm not in a hurry... 'cause it was 24 degrees here today. But I know this summer, the AC will be more important than the winch, lockers, stereo...

 

[IslandJ]

@Jasonredwood what material is that? It looks like what we're seeing in new(er) cars - a breathable synthetic kinda material. The only thing I'm opposed to is old school vinyl.... Atlanta summers and no AC

Definitely a vinyl. I had to double check by looking at the underside.

 

[yotadude520]

It's on the list - really! Dugan (ACC) and I were poking around under the hood of another customer's 84-88 truck.... Dugan: "Yeah, we just need that... and that... and that. Easy. Let's just keep our eye out for the donor." I say I'm not in a hurry... 'cause it was 24 degrees here today. But I know this summer, the AC will be more important than the winch, lockers, stereo...

You can check my A/C thread so you know everything you'll need!

 

[Manhattan]

You can check my A/C thread so you know everything you'll need!

That thread is GOLD even for a Toyota shop!

 

[joseywales]

For your truck Manhattan I would definitely be reupholstering. You’re doing such an amazing job of keeping it pleasing to the eye. Aftermarket seats just look wrong in these trucks. I got really lucky with the seats in my 4Runner. They are in amazing shape and are the SR5 seats. Very comfy!

 

[Manhattan]

Thanks @joseywales! I just got another quote for $750 plus materials... getting there! And I agree - aftermarket seats and seats from much newer cars/trucks just don't look right (to me) in these trucks.

 

[joseywales]

Happy to help keep you on the straight and narrow!

 

[Manhattan]

I'm taking the seats to a shop for an estimate early next week. But I had an idea that may help keep the cost down... I may disassemble the seats into the four main pieces, i.e. two bottoms, to backs. No tracks, etc.

Is this as simple as I'm hoping it is - and not something that's better done when the seats are in the process of being un/recovered? It looks like there are two bolts per side that hold the seat bottom to the bracket/track and one bolt per side that holds the seat back - which isn't as easy to access.

Anyone pulled this type of seat apart?

 

[KLF]

I'm taking the seats to a shop for an estimate early next week. But I had an idea that may help keep the cost down... I may disassemble the seats into the four main pieces, i.e. two bottoms, to backs. No tracks, etc.

Is this as simple as I'm hoping it is - and not something that's better done when the seats are in the process of being un/recovered? It looks like there are two bolts per side that hold the seat bottom to the bracket/track and one bolt per side that holds the seat back - which isn't as easy to access.

Anyone pulled this type of seat apart?

I doubt it will save much on the overall cost, if any. The bottoms are as easy as you think, 2 bolts per side, and it lifts off. But the back, the first step is "remove the cover", which is where the hard part starts. Cutting hog rings, etc. But they'll be very fast at it, since they've done it so many times.

 

[Manhattan]

Copy that. I'll just pull the seats - leave them in tact - and bring them out of the truck. Thanks @KLF

 

[jjs2955]

I have similar bucket seats in my 86 SR5 truck. My driver's seat is worn and has minor tear. Passenger seat is like new as few people have ridden in that seat. I have always use seat covers on my seats so they are very clean. There are some really nice seat covers for a couple hundred bucks that look like normal upholstery. I use Mid range as it's still just a truck. You can get most any material, even leather. I'd suggest if the foam is still good to install a premium set of seat covers. Shampoo the seats first. If they wear out you can replace them. You can remove them for a thorough cleaning. A good set will fit snug and look really good.

 

[Manhattan]

Just dropped the seats at the upholstery shop. When the stock interior has 12 shades of tan, beige, brown... "matching" is pretty easy. I went with a dark brown - more like the rest of Bluebird (ish) brown instead of the milky beige for the vinyl sides and backs... and found a sweet brown and tan herringbone fabric for the fronts. The seats won't match an '84 Pickup but will definitely have a '70s/'80s vintage vibe.

 

[IslandJ]

Love the herringbone look, cant wait to see this.
I just picked up some MR2 seats from an 80's model Im gong to fit in the 4runner when I get it back from the shop.
I plan on doing a herringbone or plaid of some sorts on the front and rear seats.