Re: BigKev's 1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Sedan

Posted by BigKev On 2010/6/12 15:03:35

Went to the local mom and pop hardware store up the street and they had small hog rings and cheap hog ring pliers that will work for securing the seat covers.

So back to the garage to get those covers done. There was too much old fabric and jammed in the crack between the seat bottom and seat back, so I removed the bolts to separate the back of the seat from the bottom. That when I discovered about 3 lbs of rat droppings. At that point the seat fabric all most non-existant and all the foam, batting and burlap deteriorated so badly, I just decided to strip the seat to the frame. I just couldn't bear to sit of that old seat material after seeing how bad it was.

The frame is in good shape with just some minor surface rust in a couple of spots. I will give it a coat of gray paint before rebuilding it. Were the seat springs originally painted yellow? I noticed traces of yellow paint on them, while the frame is for sure gray.

I need to go pick up some new burlap, seat foam, batting, and a couple of cans of spray adhesive.

The seat back is it far better shape with 80% of the fabric still there and suitable for patterns. The seat bottom had only about 15% of the fabric still in tack.

Just a note for others. Take your seats apart outside. That old foam literally turns to dust when you start removing it. It took me the better part of an hour to clean all the mess from the garage floor.