Time to re-upholster - Formula 330 SS

[tpenfield]

Question for the audience . . .

Within the curved seat assemblies, there is a cardboard-like material that is used to form the curved section of the backrest where the foam is adhered to. I thought that it might be melamine, but it looks more cardboard than wood. It is only about 1/8” thick.

These sections of cardboard were highly deteriorated and are now in the trash. Just wondering what the material might be exactly and what would be a suitable replacement? :noidea: (that I could get at HD or Lowes).

I figure that the new material has to be thin (1/8”) in order to be able to bend along the curvature of the seat section.

Thoughts??? TIA.

 

[Scott Danforth]

It probably was cardboard

I would get this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Utility...ual-0-106-in-x-48-in-x-96-in-833096/100543684

and treat it with OTWS

 

[Scott Danforth]

or this if you want something a bit sturdier

https://www.homedepot.com/p/11-32-in-or-3-8-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-BC-Sanded-Pine-Plywood-721715/100094072

 

[alldodge]

Could contact TAG at Formula if no one knows

 

[tpenfield]

Could contact TAG at Formula if no one knows

Funny that you mention Formula's TAG (Technical Assistance Group). For a while . . . maybe about 2 years back . . . they seemed to not respond much on older boat inquiries. However, lately, they must have hired more staff and their responses to my questions over the past 6 months have been almost immediate ( within hours :thumb: ). Kudos to Formula for their support of the brand

I think that I will go with something sturdier than a cardboard-based material, such as the 'utility panel', as Scott suggested. Maybe a hardboard panel like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Dimensio...5481/206120948

Treated with OTWS, etc . . .

 

[tpenfield]

A nice thing about winter months in the northern areas is that you can really dry out wood, if you bring it inside into a heated environment.

Here are the remaining wood pieces from the boat seats that look to be 'savable' . . . I sprayed the them all over with bleach, let them soak for a day in the garage, and now will let them dry out inside for a week or so.
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Then it will be some OTWS, like the pieces that I made new.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the fact that the admiral allows you to bring it in the house....... you gotta keep her....

 

[tpenfield]

the fact that the admiral allows you to bring it in the house....... you gotta keep her....

Yes, the Admiral (perhaps mistakenly) said a while back . . . "you can use the dining room for your upholstery work". Of course that limits our holiday gatherings to the kitchen table (6 max). But it all works out in that there is no room to invite in-laws and extended family over . . .

 

[alldodge]

ut it all works out in that there is no room to invite in-laws and extended family over . . .

Have to remember that one :thumb:

 

[fishrdan]

I think that I will go with something sturdier than a cardboard-based material, such as the 'utility panel', as Scott suggested. Maybe a hardboard panel like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Dimensio...5481/206120948

I've bent "tempered" hardboard into an 18" diameter curve after liberally soaking the bent section in hot water. Without soaking in water I bet you can bend it into a the radius of your seat, might have to go slow to let the fibers relax..Tempered hardboard is more moisture resistant than regular hardboard (linseed oil in it), but I would still hit it with OTWS, even though it's not going to take in much....

Bendply (bending plywood) might work better since it's real wood, still have to seal it.

I have bent 3/4 and 1/2 (lumber and plywood) by "kerfing" the back side of the wood. Just don't mess up on cutting the kerfs too deep, or you'll be doing it all over again on a new piece of wood. If I was going to kerf that section for a boat seat, I'd strengthen the kerfed section with a coat of epoxy.

 

[tpenfield]

Quick Update:

No progress on the seats over the past week, as the family & I have been out of the country on vacation.

We are headed back now, so I plan on resuming the seat bases over the weekend.

 

[tpenfield]

Back at it this weekend. Here are some pictures of the seat base backing to straighten out the piece that had a bend . . .
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12 SS bolt/nylock sets did the trick to flatten it out. I'll need to trim the exposed length of the bolts.

 

[tpenfield]

This is the forward backrest section of the u-shape seating . . . repaired.
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This is now all coated with OTWS and sitting out in the gargare to dry.

 

[tpenfield]

Here is the middle section of the U-shape seat, both base and backrest.
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I'll be doing the 3 other base seats sections tomorrow. I learned (via YouTube) a trick to get the vinyl to tighten up a bit after the skin is stapled to the backing.

Boiling hot water poured over a towel that is covering the vinyl. The heat lets the vinyl take shape and tighten up a bit.

 

[alldodge]

Does look good

 

[Scott Danforth]

Looks great Ted

 

[Hutchmike]

Ted it appears that you have figured the upholstery thing out!!!!! Looking very good!!! Keep it up!!

Looking very good indeed. I should re-upholster mine as soon as possible too. And I still have to buy a Harbor Freight Floor Jack for my garage. Too many things to do.

 

[tpenfield]

More seat bases . . .

I got a little bit of 'puckering' in the pink accent going around the corners. The steam took them out a little bit, but they are still noticeable. Not sure I can do much about it now though . . . :noidea:
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The large seat base that goes across the rear remains to be done. Hopefully, I can avoid any puckering on that piece.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you sit on them sipping cocktails and admiring the work you did. your back-side will mash out the puckers after 2 or 3

 

[alldodge]

Others will never see an issue but you always will, try to live with it or drink more