DIY: MGB Reupholstery Kit Instructions
The MGB is a classic sports car originally released in the 1960s. Since the MGB is an older car, the upholstery on the seats is often worn and needs to be replaced. MGB upholstery kits are available, which contain most of the materials needed to reupholster the seats. The kits are available in different fabrics and colors. Choose the kit that best fits your MGB and reupholster the seats to have them looking like new.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Utility knife
- Philips head screwdriver
- Steel wool (optional)
- Clean rag (optional)
- Paint (optional)
- Paint brush (optional)
- Duct tape
- Seat padding
- Contact cement
- Plastic sheets
Instructions
-
-
1
Pull the headrest up and out of the chair back to remove it. Cut the upholstery with a utility knife and remove it from the headrest. Remove and reserve the screws from the cardboard back. Remove the cardboard back and reserve. Reserve the padding.
-
2
Pull the seat adjuster handle up and push the back of the chair down to fold it. Remove the screw on the seat adjuster handle with a Philips head screwdriver. Remove the handle. Remove the two side screws near the rear of the seat with a Philips head screwdriver. Reserve the screws.
-
-
3
Pry off the steel spring clips on the rear of the seat with a screwdriver. Reinstall the seat adjuster handle (this is only temporary). Pull the handle up to open the seat. Pull the upholstery up and over the seat back to remove it. Remove and reserve the screws from the cardboard back. Remove the cardboard back and reserve it. Reserve the padding. Remove the adjuster handle.
-
4
Pry off the steel spring clips on the underside of the seat with a screwdriver. Lift the seat bottom away from the frame. Pull the upholstery off of the seat bottom. Remove and reserve the screws from the cardboard. Remove the cardboard and reserve it. Reserve the padding.
-
5
Rub the seat frame with steel wool to remove any rust. Wipe it with a clean rag that has been dipped in warm water. Let it dry. Paint the steel frame with the color of your choice. If the frame is in good condition, you may skip this step.
-
6
Attach the seat bottom, seat back and head rest supports (the cardboard pieces) with the reserved screws. Apply duct tape to the cardboard and tape it to the frame.
-
7
Cut new seat padding to the same size as the original padding with a utility knife. Brush contact cement onto the cardboard of the seat back and press the correct piece of padding on top of it. Wrap duct tape around the middle of the padding and the frame. Wrap it tight to create an indent, which forms the curve for the seat back. Repeat with the seat bottom and headrest, but do not tighten the duct tape to create a curve.
-
8
Attach plastic sheets to the sides of the padding to make it easier to slide the new upholstery into place.
-
9
Slide the new upholstery from the upholstery kit onto the top of the seat back. Pull the upholstery down until it is in place. You will have to pull hard; it is a snug fit. Repeat with the headrest and seat bottom.
-
10
Attach the steel spring clips to their original positions to secure the upholstery on each part of the seat.
-
11
Reinstall all of the screws and the seat adjuster handle.
-
1
