how to get back of seats off to recloth

[dconn042]

Hello. I got an 89 U.S. Marine / Maxum. I am trying to redo the material on the seats. But, I have ran into a problem. I can't figure out how to get the backs of the seats off the boat. Anyone have any ideals. Only thing I can think to do is to cut into the seats and figure out whats holding it on there. To be clear. It is not the bucket seats. Its the bench seats in the stern and bow area. The backrest are what I cant get off.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: how to get back of seats off to recloth

A picture might help. If you have access to the space behind them, they usually screw in from the back.

 

[further]

Re: how to get back of seats off to recloth

I had the same boat. From what I understand in your description you are talking about the combing pads. I have some experience in this as I took mine off and unfortunately the only way is with brute force and a reciprocating saw with a metal blade to cut the screws that are holding the combing pads to the cap. There is no access to the screw heads because the wood backing is screwed into the cap before the upholstery is complete so the only way to get to the screw heads is to tear the vinyl and foam off to expose the wood and screws holding it. Very dumb design! I used a reciprocating saw and carefully (key word here cause you can damage the fiberglass of the cap if not careful) slid it between the back of the combing pad and cap and cut the screws. Going back I would recommend using a clip/hanger type system or some have used heavy duty velcro with success.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: how to get back of seats off to recloth

There a LOT of hidden screws.

They were NOT designed for service-just production.

Agree with above. This is a rip and tear operation.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: how to get back of seats off to recloth

DON'T start ripping and tearing your seat backs off just yet. Try these first:

1) Grab the bottom edge and run your fingers around the bottom perimeter of the cushion. Sometimes there are small tabs screwed into the backs of the cushions and then into the gel coat to hold them in place. This is most common on "slip-on" backs, which rest on Z shaped tabs. If you find the screws, remove them and briskly pull upon the back to release it from the hangers. Some are put on the hangers without the retaining screws. Try pulling up first.

2) Look closely at the bottom edge of the vinyl, just in front of the edge of the plywood. Some manufacturers simply make tiny slits in the vinyl and run the screws thru the plywood & into the boat. The bottom edge is hidden, so most people don't notice.

3) If they are multi colored backs or have areas of vinyl tucked into the creases, open there and look for retaining screws and/or slits in the vinyl.

4) After removing the seats, there may be room to reach your hand up behind the seats. Feel for small nuts and washers (usually 7/16") which are attached to bolts coming from the seat backs.

LAST course of action is to cut open the vinyl and look for attachments. That usually ruins the foam or at least makes for more work gluing it back together.

PM if you need more help.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: how to get back of seats off to recloth

They might be held in with christmas tree clips or bolts with nuts from the back(Fireman's #4). The side panels on my Wellcraft use the christmas tree clips and the bolts with nuts on the back. Some are very difficult to get to. I really doubt you will have to rip it apart.
Scalise Marine - Internet Ship's Store : Christmas Tree Clips, Dual Sided [9999-CLIPXMAS7] - $0.28

 

[bruceb58]

Re: how to get back of seats off to recloth

"I got an 89 U.S. Marine / Maxum"

I absolute guarantee the backs are fastened with screws from the back side in that boat. I'd put a $100 on it, I tore one (1988) apart last summer.

And no access to them?

 

[further]

Re: how to get back of seats off to recloth

"I got an 89 U.S. Marine / Maxum"

I absolute guarantee the backs are fastened with screws from the back side in that boat. I'd put a $100 on it, I tore one (1988) apart last summer.

EDIT: A word of caution. Do not try to just rip them out, it's way to easy to pull the screw heads through the Fiber Glass and crack it meaning you will create a whole bunch of work repairing the FG before putting the seats back.

+1
i also tore one of these apart this past fall.