1961 VW Beetle (65 Pan) - Rear Bench Seat - 122

This is the 122nd video on the 1961 VW Beetle with 65 pan. In this video I install the cover on the rear bench seat and have to fabricate the seat back with some plywood and black vinyl. I also put on a new strap to hold down the seat when folded over.
vw, volkswagen, beetle, bug, bus, transporter, type 1, type 2, split, splitty, engine, motor, 1961, 1965, 1968, 2332, standard, deluxe, paint, primer, wiring, harness

[@marktyler8243]

I wish I'd seen this earlier. I had Wolfsburg West covers put on my seats by someone who advertises as an 'upholsterer' and the bench is waaaay too big to fit into the frame. Oh well, this post will help me when I pull it apart and fix my 66 bench. Thanks!

[@LarsonSplitBus-]

No problem! Every project is different and requires a massive amount of on-the-fly improvisation - good luck!

[@mikehammer4546]

Mike, your doing a fantastic job !

[@LarsonSplitBus-]

I had one disappointment on the rear bench seat back - the 65 bench has these L shaped hooks that rotate, but they clearly do NOT fit on a 1961 body. So I had to cut them off, but I had already made holes in the left and right of the side of the seat back. You don't see it, so I put a piece of black duct tape over the holes - but had I known that that didn't fit a 61, I would not have made holes in the vinyl!!!

[@stephenhenion8304]

It's great to see your dedication on the build... you're getting closer day by day.

[@LarsonSplitBus-]

I am at a tricky phase - need to do headliner and prep for carpets. I need to research how to do the headliner and dedicate this weekend to it…

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man great job on that bench seat! It looks great!👌😎👍

[@LarsonSplitBus-]

Thanks. I have to do a vinyl repair or vinyl tape on the side shoulders of the bench back because I made holes for the L hook that is on the 65 bench, but the 61 body has no space for that rotating hook latch mechanism. Live and learn - wish I had known beforehand…

[@samgarcia5284]

Awesome job!

[@LarsonSplitBus-]

Thanks - unfortunately I did damage the sides of the bench seat back, because the 65 has the L hooks, but they don’t fit a 61 body, to the holes in the seat are there but I had to cut the L hook bar off and pull it out of the bench….

[@samgarcia5284]

@Larson Split Bus - 1966 Regardless, I still think you're doing an excellent job.

[@zimms-world]

Where did you buy that jute padding?

[@LarsonSplitBus-]

Amazon - I think I need another roll too

[@michelemarie1916]

Get a tripod, you're making me dizzy. 🥴

[@LarsonSplitBus-]

Yeah - combo of a better tripod and the GoPro can be on “hyper smooth” mode. Still figuring it out…

[@michelemarie1916]

@@LarsonSplitBus- I didn't mean to be too critical, but your video was seriously making me dizzy. 😄 You actually don't need anything fancy, just try not to pan around so quickly. Slow your camera movements down and zoom out a bit and you should be golden. Thanks for the video btw, I have been contemplating reupholstering the back seat of my bug and your video gave much needed insight.