MTFCA Forum

I’ve done an upholstery job on a classic Ford truck without any problems using a kit. I need to do my 15 Runabout now. Is this project a lot more difficult than the job I did on my truck? It looks way more complicated. If so can I get a rating of difficulty? 1 to 10. 10 being very difficult. I want to do a “nice” job but this is a driver not a show car. Also any tips?

Thanks in advance.
Brian

Brian,

If I can do it anyone can do it! I can't even get Velcro to stick together. Just take your time. I bought a kit from one of the vendors.

What vendor????

Buy the kit for an open type car. Enclosed, like above is simpler. I would probably not buy an enclosed car kit with your experience level. I think mine was from Classic.
I have done quite a few re-upholstery jobs back in the day. For the $$, its not worth sewing up from scratch.
All the wood must be top notch. The seat cushion cover attaches to a channel in the spring base. If you cant get that channel open, its rusty, etc, Its not that expensive to replace with a new one. I lean this way.

This is all reassuring news. I do have a couple of pieces of wood to replace. Tack rail on back for sure.

About replacing wood, if it's rotten, broken or "punky", definitely. If it's solid, but problematic for a new install because it looks like Swiss cheese from old tack holes, push round toothpicks into the holes with a drop of wood glue; when dry, cut off the excess with side-cutters and sand smooth. Well worth the extra time.

HAH,

Sent a PM

Denny

And if the holes in the wood are a bit larger use wooden match sticks with wood glue.

The diamond tufted seat cushion is the hardest part. If you would like a kit or partial kit feel free to email me at mike@classtiqueupholstery.com

Mike
Www.classtiqueupholstery.com

Brian, I have done a classic car, closed model T and open model T, and open T is by far the most difficult. On your scale of 1-10, I give it a 10. The wrap around seat back is what makes it so difficult. Getting the buttons the right height and the upholstery to smoothy wrap around to the side and arm rests is a process requiring removing and trying again repeatedly. Do not drive your tacks home until you have everything where you want it. If you do it right you should not be able to tell where the seat back rest springs end and the sides begin. Upholstery and top on an open car is 50 % of the cars appearance, dont go cheap or get some local guy to try his hand at model t upholstery for the first time. Upholstery and top is worth a quality job. If you want to do it yourself get the best quality kit money can buy...or pay the kit maker to install it. The picture is my unrestored 1924 runabout, not the same as a 15, but the seat back is similar.

Upholstery Mike wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 30, 2021 12:01 pm

The diamond tufted seat cushion is the hardest part. If you would like a kit or partial kit feel free to email me at mike@classtiqueupholstery.com

Mike
Www.classtiqueupholstery.com

Brian, if it's not too late, take my advice. HAVE MIKE DO THE SEAT BOTTOM!! You won't regret the little bita extra expense.
I did have Elizabeth do both seat backs on my '13, cause I just didn't have the gumption, but for a runabout, a DIY'er should be
able to do a good job on his own if he takes his time. That's my problem... "ADHD"....focus is an issue!!