Bow back cushions, How to remove?

[vipproject]

1989 VIP Vision. I am in the process of redoing the upholstery on this boat. I am having a difficult time removing the bow back cushions. Has anyone one done this on this or other similar VIP boat? <br /><br />Thaks

 

[Lou C]

Re: Bow back cushions, How to remove?

I did mine on my 88 Four Winns, usually there it a threaded rod that is attached to the wood backing piece. The threaded rod goes thru the fiberglass and is held with a washer and nut. To remove the bow back cushions I had to go up under the dash to get at the nuts. If you are talking about the side cushions, they are harder to reach, you have to open the bottom cushions storage area and reach under the fiberglass frame to get at the nuts. My side cushions were fine so I left em alone. It cost enough just to do the bottom, back and front ones!

 

[djvan]

Re: Bow back cushions, How to remove?

On my four winns they were screwed in from behind(through the fiberglass into the back of the cushion). Must have been done before top and bottom of boat were put together. If the backs are rotten at all just try to pull gently (but firmly) out and pry them off the screws, if they aren't rotted this might be a little difficult. I then used vice grips to turn the screws back in, once I could no longer grip the screw part of the screw, I tapped them with a hammer and they dropped into the void behind the seat back. <br /><br />To re install I simply put screw through the seat backs between the colors. (my seats have diagonal contrasting stripes, so there is a spot where the two colors come together. Carefully I used a cordless drill with screwdriver bit to put a screw through the plywood and into the fiberglass. No need to try to use the old holes.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[vipproject]

Re: Bow back cushions, How to remove?

As you mentioned, the 2 front ones off with no problem. It's the 2 side ones I have an issue with. I tried feeling for the bolts and can't seem to find them. It's possible they are somehere under the foam. I tried to pry the panels but the wood is pretty solid. Ultimetly, I can just cut the vinyl and get at them that way (since I am having those pieces redone anyway). I guess the fun is putting them back (invisibly). Djvan, how many screws did you put in to make it stirdy?<br /><br />Thanks for the help, I thought there might be an easy way.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Bow back cushions, How to remove?

Question:<br /><br />I have done some work on the upholstery also. What are you using for material and procedures?<br /><br />Just want to get ideas from others and see what they are doing?

 

[djvan]

Re: Bow back cushions, How to remove?

I used two screws every 18" or so. Really just needs to hold the backs in position, as they are fully supported by the fiberglass that is behind them. I used exterior grade deck screws (the green kind). I don't know if these are good or bad in this application. I did this 2 years ago and they haven't caused any trouble yet. <br /><br />See if you can pry the seat back out and cut the screws of with a hack saw blade.<br /><br />About cutting the vinyl, I can't see what this would hurt. Just try not to cut the cushion part if you intend to reuse them.<br /><br />DougV>