Classic VW BuGs How to Restore and Reupholster Beetle Type 1 Front Seats to 1964

[@jeffsousa399]

This only took 10 minutes!? My upholstery shop charged me for 5 hours of labor!! Man, was I ripped off!! Joking, thanks for the Video Series Chris. Always a big help for us DIY’ers

[@gravelsasquatch6430]

The plastic bag trick is brilliant! Wish I would have known that yrs ago. It would have saved myself and my Dad lots of cussing and fussing. Thanks Chris.

[@heatherraftery1723]

In the process of reupholstering the seats in my 1967 beetle that it had 1964 seats, with grooves instead of teeth. Had NO idea how to get the TMI covers on (with the whole plastic lined tails situation). Thank goodness for this video!!

[@hazza6542]

Just gave this a go this afternoon, if it weren't for your videos I think I would have paid an upholsterer to do it. Top job, my seats look great now!

[@classicvwbugs]

Awesome man!

[@TheJorgSacul]

My current upholstery/seats are in pretty good shape, but this is a real excellent aid for future reference. Very clearly shown and non-verbally explained, thank you! (great music, too)

[@finesoulmaker634]

Very well done! I can't even put my jaw back up, just amazing! I really admire upholsterer, one of the trickiest skill to master, wild scaling and measuring, tack here tack there, cut here cut there, no exact measure, a full skill and practice indeed. Hats off!

[@Bugmason]

Love this video I have a 1963 that's painted what I've been told the new jeep green. It's a ragtop bug, but needs new interior and the original seats need to be reupholstered. Thank you Chris Vallone, if you have a DVD I would love to buy it!

[@californiahandball]

Another great video! Thanks Chris for having these vw video's on youtube!

[@MrKellym8]

just doing mine now 62 Ragtop, the seat covers are in excellent condition, so re-using , 60 yr Old horse hair came out very easy. the Germans hand stitched the under flap of the backrest ( well it looks like it when i took it off) so cut the tread to take the back off. will re-stitch the flap ( 2/3 stitches of thread ) on install . im using the TMI molded foam & cover the springs with Burlap cloth , $12 at home depot

[@a7mad421]

This is honestly one of the best channels I've ever subscribed to. I'm about to start my own project soon and your videos are such confidence boosters. Thank you, Chris!! Do you have a video basically on the rest of the interior? Like insulation, carpeting and padding and what not?

[@JayDubCustoms]

Like that CCR cover music in the background.

[@Openairgarage]

Great video, could you do the back seats as well? I will be doing mine soon and would like to see a video on reupholstering the back seats of a convertible if possible. Thanks, Jeff.

[@tybo0410]

@5:37. How close does the slit in that bar need to be. I have new sewfine tweed and vinyl covers with foam and am having a real difficult time getting the material in there and staying.

[@VallonesRCHobby]

Maybe 1/4" opening

[@CTmoog]

Great Video Chris! I hope to do this to my 67 Karmann Ghia soon. Thanks for sharing!

[@pattysherwood7091]

Love it. Thank you. Can't wait to do this for our 1965 Bug we are restoring. I dream of making a nice quilt for the back seat.

[@vagamusica]

Belo trabalho! Great work! Very good video and edition! Congratulations!

[@dog01b52]

What interior code was that you installed? I'm trying to see what my Dad's 64 Beetle's - 71 Corded Brown Leatherette should look like. Thanks for all of your Videos.

[@classicvwbugs]

Interior code? This was a kit I had custom made from Sewfine.

[@dog01b52]

@@classicvwbugs Ok, thank you for the reply. I thought that, possibly, you had the kit made to look like an OEM interior. VW Germany and Samba says my VW should have (71 Corded Brown Leatherette) for a 1964 Beetle. I have no reference what that interior would look like to verify if my VW has the correct interior. I checked Sewfine after watching your video very nice work, but could not find that interior color. Trying to gather all parts to do a restoration on my Dad's bug. Thanks again.

[@classicvwbugs]

@@dog01b52 give me a shout, I can put a kit together for you 845.290.9900

[@johnteill_]

father and son team.........so damn awesome

[@zzzdogutube]

Chris, Thanks Ron from upstate NY

[@classicvwbugs]

[@armandoreyes2404]

Awesome job!!

[@Tim_York]

Got a 73' Karman Ghia that needs this treatment. Thanks for the info.

[@karhmann]

I hope it's the same procedures for my 71 t3

[@NickDiLello]

Great video, these guys are true craftsmen! :)

[@michelleadrianashernaman2364]

Can i use that same foam for the back portion of the seat that your back leans on?

[@classicvwbugs]

sure 1 " high density foam

[@cgnieves1]

Beautiful job. You make looks simple. Thanks !

[@hippiechickpuravida]

Thanks for the great content....about to start my first, which will just be practice for my second....beetles all the way :)

[@270billycraven]

Do you know the diffrance in rear seat frames I am lookimg all over for rear for a 60

[@VwErik88]

at 4.40 The rear side where the board sits miss my two backs, it does not seem to have been there from the beginning nothing existed during the Old upholstery. What would you recommend, I'll improvise and do something like that you have on your backs? or can I skip it

[@jesse8721]

Great video … again !! @ 6:18 - what is that tool you’re using and do you know if they sell a set/kit of auto upholstery tools ? Also we could just have sandblasted the seat frame with springs attached - right ?

[@classicvwbugs]

hogring pliers. They come in a kit when you buy hogrings from a VW parts supplier like jbugs. And yes you can media blast, for sure.

[@anangelshero0410]

@@classicvwbugs thought about media blasting as soon as I saw the wire brush and sandpaper. If we're already getting parts powder-coated what are your thoughts on doing this to the seat frames as well?

[@classicvwbugs]

@@anangelshero0410 Media blasting the frames? Yeah that is fine. As far as powder coating the frames? Just make sure the whole bottom seat frame is taken apart, you have some moving parts there for the recliner. If it is all together when you powder coat, they could fuse together.

[@Gerk8]

Did VW use an outside vendor for these tops, or did they build them in-house?

[@jays1596]

Does the seat return spring restrict the seat from going all the way back? I'm 6 ft tall and was wondering if I removed the spring if it'll allow me to slide the seat back further?

[@classicvwbugs]

no it is actually on the floor rail, there is a stop.

[@Stackoman]

I like the seat upholstery where can i buy it from?

[@michelleadrianashernaman2364]

Do you have a video on how the installation of the seat pad cardboard foundation is performed?

[@classicvwbugs]

For the backrest?

[@michelleadrianashernaman2364]

@@classicvwbugs yes for the back rests. I just received my 2 I kind of have an idea but will I have to put self tapping screws into the frame to hold them on? I've never done anything like this so from the KZbin videos I've seen that's one of the solutions I found but not sure if putting holes in the frame is the best idea.

[@classicvwbugs]

@@michelleadrianashernaman2364 check my channel for seat upholstery installation, I have another video by wolfsburgwest on that.

[@michelleadrianashernaman2364]

​@@classicvwbugs oh great headed there now thanks so much for your time🌞

[@schnike0073]

very nice beautiful colour

[@randyochoa1757]

Hey Chris I’m in between buying the seat pad set but I’m debating between jbugs or Wolfsburg. Any recommendations on when you think is my best option

[@randyochoa1757]

*Where

[@VallonesRCHobby]

@@randyochoa1757 Personally I like the foam better, I get it from cip1.com they sell high density foam like jbugs.

[@AbeAleman]

Beautiful work!

[@carizqota4565]

Excelente trabajo.

[@arend6462]

Hey Chris, I have a question about later year beetle seats. I wanted to reupholster a set of 74 seats with original upholstery from another set of 74 seats but when I was removing the old worn upholstery I had to undo a hinge bolt that holds the back support to the seat but that bold doesn't want to go back in at al. I can't seem to get it to catch the thread inside the hole it needs to go in. Do you have any idea how I can fix this? Cheers, Arend.

[@BeetleJuice1980]

great as always chris! please give us a link about that "upholstery pliers" thing you use for the clips in 6:17 .

[@classicvwbugs]

If you buy say through jbugs, cip1, or any VW parts supplier, you should be able to find the Hogrings and pliers with them. Just do a search.

[@botifigus]

Konstantinos Nanopoulos Aircooled.net has the upholstery pliers and hog rings. It's a great VW site. No frills and the folks know their VW stuff.

[@BeetleJuice1980]

botifigus thanks mate!

[@botifigus]

You're welcome.

[@rx7what]

How do you get the plastic out? Don’t want my seats sounding like plastic bags.

[@classicvwbugs]

You don't. it stays. Just find thin plastic, you won't hear it.

[@val.quibod.remonde6902]

Hey Chris i got a problem about the seats of my super beetle 1978 that the wires on the back seats are totally broken and rusted > Can i order that parts to you together with basket wave upholtery both driver and passenger ....

[@TRBLMAKR777]

Where you get these covers from?

[@classicvwbugs]

Sewfine or west coast classics restoration

[@ericlinck6664]

Awesome video! Thanks for the lesson!

[@torhagen421]

Hey, iv got a 1962 vw beetle and Wondered how hard it is to re apolster the hole car, from the head liner to the flor carpet, and how do you do it?

[@torhagen421]

*upholster

[@Bill-YellowDogWelding]

Great video Chris! How close is this to seats I have in my 1965? Thinking they must be fairly close. Mine are a bit on the tattered side. Going to do a vid on back seats too? Thanks again, Bill

[@classicvwbugs]

Close, the bottom rests are pretty much the same, it is the back rests that are different. The foam padding rolls over the back rest, be sure to get the TMI 65-67 molded foam. Also, the back rests have spikes at the bottom to poke the material through, not a tube to push a sewn tab in. And yes back seats coming soon.

[@Bill-YellowDogWelding]

Chris Vallone Thanks Chris. Might have to give the seats a good looking at to see for sure what year they are. I'm pretty sure they were changed out at one time or another. Thanks again!

[@enriquem6142]

Nice work Chris! Where is the best place to buy the interior from?

[@classicvwbugs]

I have a video on interior kits. Sewfine products or Lenny Copp.

[@Jestar-1]

Hi Chris, great video! do you secure the clamps of the carpet to the springs? Thanks in advance

[@classicvwbugs]

the clamps of the carpet?? Please clarify.

[@phillipduffy2718]

Chris, thanks for all the videos. I have a 1964 beetle with the same seats as you are replacing in this video. Is there a place to get replacements like these? I hate them but my wife wants it to be like her sister bought the car in 1965,

[@classicvwbugs]

Phillip Duffy Replacement frames? or Upholstery?

[@phillipduffy2718]

Upholstery. I've checked TMI and Sewfine but didn't see that pattern. Thanks.

[@classicvwbugs]

Phillip Duffy I got that kit from sewfine.

[@phillipduffy2718]

sorry, I meant the original stripped seat covers

[@tospicy4ya]

you got a video for 66 bus seats ?

[@Nessal83]

What is the purpose of the plastic bag over the foam?

[@classicvwbugs]

So the upholstery slides down nice. Without it, the inside of the material will grab the foam.

[@randyochoa1757]

Where can I get that wood backing for the back rest

[@classicvwbugs]

You would have to source a good used one on say like thesamba.com

[@randyochoa1757]

@@classicvwbugs do you know a good keyword search for them on the samba?

[@classicvwbugs]

@@randyochoa1757 maybe "rear seat board" "back board" "seat panel" etc

[@randyochoa1757]

@@classicvwbugs thank you a bunch Chris

[@Willtz-88]

Hello, where can I find the measures to make new covers for my seat?

[@BUGMAN63]

Chris I noticed the foam on the back is different than the bottom , on the bottom u used 1 inch foam , and tucked it around the edges , will this work on the top part of the seat as well. and what can be used to replace the carboard in the seat top on the bck... thanks Bob Frome Maine,,,

[@classicvwbugs]

You can, but the molded foam is better since you want a seamless finish in the backrest.

[@BUGMAN63]

Chris Vallone thanks chris. I think what I do is use the original horse hair and just add foam in the middle to replace what was lost over the years. since I don't see any place to just buy the bck of the seat.. looks like you have to buy the full kit. per seat.. thanks love you site for sure... hope to make It down to your shop and see you in person.......

[@hintz97]

bob white Hi Bob, not sure if this is it, but Wolfsburg West has the seat backrest paperboard I think you are looking for. www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=111881795B

[@1uptospeed]

now thats teamwork. thanks ,

[@vza423]

Thank you. What was the approx time-frame per seat?

[@classicvwbugs]

All depends really where you get your material from. Some days you can get the seats done in a couple hours, sometimes a full day. Gotta have the right tools and such, correct padding, quality material. The cheaper material, the cheaper the results and look in the end.

[@vza423]

Thank you Sir.

[@aslimarea2008]

Where I can buy a fisca cape for a 1968 beetle. Can you pass me the information?

[@sk8erEkaJ]

one of my seat backs is missing the bar with the channel that the upholstery tucks into. Is there a way to upholster it without this or should I try to find a new seatback or try to make a part?

[@classicvwbugs]

You can either make a tube with the slot in it, if you have a good metal and welding skills you can do that. Find a donor seat, or hog ring it, (which doesn't look too good)

[@josephcogar1519]

When you were redo the seat was the shop warm or did you let the new cloth warm up to work with

[@classicvwbugs]

it was pretty warm, but if you need to warm them, we use a hair dryer or heat gun.

[@richardcelestino2549]

Great Vid!

[@JT-bl2so]

chris, is rustoleum almond really a match to the original vw color? i thought it was more white. nice video.

[@classicvwbugs]

It is close, not dead on, but the next color up is too dark. I usually have my painter now paint my frames with a closer color. I actually shot this footage a couple years ago.

[@reddmann2216]

What are stock 1959 bug seats worth in good shape,as in almost excellent?

[@classicvwbugs]

Could be a few hundred bucks

[@TheCompton1963]

Great job!

[@jamiephillips3947]

what color were the seats grey and off white or?

[@classicvwbugs]

+Jamie Phillips (FireWorks 4 U) The darker areas were like a Taupe, so like a greyish beige color with the bone white tweed.

[@letsbuildamgbgt9376]

Good job

[@angelarroyo8465]

Is these seats same as 1961 seats?

[@classicvwbugs]

yes

Nice.

[@IUDICA007]

Very nice!

[@jorgerecoder9719]

geniiial

[@beardedg500]

Great

[@gregguenthner3059]

Wolfsburg West distributes better quality seat pads. Unless cost is an issue. g

[@johnechterhoff4791]

Great! Chris, save your money for when you get old, like me. I didn't and now left with only dreams.

[@TheCramunhao666]

bom

[@vintagegirl1961]

Hi Chris, my original stock 1965, Lady, is in desperate need of front seats. I moved to AZ from NY in 2008. Lady has been my daily driver since and the front seats are ruined. The heat really tore them up bad. The rear seat is in great shape. I don't know what to do. Here is the passenger side: facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=854838574608055&l=e7ce0bfdfb The driver's side is just as bad Pics of Lady: facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.818686361556610&type=1&l=24c724cb2b -------

[@classicvwbugs]

+vintagegirl1961 Not bad at all, I would just get the new kit from wolfsburgwest in that same pattern, go with the TMI foam or the coco fiber from wolfsburgwest.

[@印輝王]

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