How to Reupholster a Motorcycle Seat

Restoring a 1969 Sears Puch motorcycle seat. Including new foam core and vinyl cover with replicated Sears logo.

[@joshuasmith4724]

He's like the Bob Ross of upholstery. I just get sucked in.

[@JB-ym2yy]

I totally agree.

[@deweypug]

Couldn't stop watching this either. Methodical and neat. Perfect

[@dowserdude]

I do wish you would do more video's, your so damn interesting to watch.

[@jonasjensen8395]

What an incredible delight to watch a well filmed video with excellent audio, no jerking around shifting focus etc. and no annoying background music. The seat restoration job looks spectacular.

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

Thanks for the nice review. Mr. Hylton and I appreciate hearing this.

[@rronaldreagan]

awesome video, mate. Im "reupholstering" my motorcycle's seat right now and it was very interesting and informative to watch. One question though, what would be the best method to level and blend different pieces of foam so the borders wont bleed through the leather/sky? (im talking about soft foams, i used them as an addition to my seat for small helpful details in the seat design)

[@steved8714]

@@rronaldreagan Based on your name, I am glad you didn't get an answer and I hope you failed.

[@rronaldreagan]

@@steved8714 on the contrary. I got many answers ,just not on this video. But that was sooo long ago and i dont even have the bike anymore. Things are going good in life and i could afford getting a better bike not long after i imoroved the seat.

[@rronaldreagan]

@@steved8714 anyways continue being an acid loser while i enjoy my life, cheers

[@SirVladimyr]

Thank you for such a detailed and interesting video. Your workmanship is outstanding and your videos are a pleasure to watch.

[@rexwilson6598]

You are a True Craftsman, very rare this day and time , I manufacture awnings and I see a lot of crap work. Great Job !

[@DanTheFordFixer]

This was very interesting to watch, I recently did a 1964 Honda that has a spring seat pan just like that but it was bare when I got it, had no idea they only used foam in the top and not on the sides. No wonder it looked a little fat when I finished. Beautiful work.

[@petersmith6423]

Wow, I can imagine the look on the owners face when he sees what a beautiful job was done on this seat.....

[@curoimacdaire3630]

Hey, new video! Merry Christmas to us. Amazing work as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@deltajohnny]

Awesome craftsmanship and incredibly well filmed and edited video. Thanks a lot! :-)

[@p.santos6644]

Very nice video. Thank you for sharing 👍👍👍

[@advanced-electronic]

Great work! Just Like New!

[@gdalsin]

Wonderful video... excellent videography, unique subject, and a master craftsman in command of an impressive suite of professional tools. Thanks for sharing!

[@deweypug]

What a fantastic job! I'm really impressed with the quality of your video's and the pride you take in these projects!

[@cerndo]

nice job, I wanna be able to do that someday

[@headstill]

Your craftsmanship is top notch, very well done in building and videoing. Amazing how well that seat is built vs the way they make a motorcycle seat these days. Thank you for allowing us into your workshop.

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

Thank you! My pleasure.

[@JasonAndrade427]

Super interesting and informative thank you for sharing your skill and attention to detail

[@poisonforlunch]

i like that scissor cutting through vinyl sound.....

[@markferree469]

nice work...a true craftsmen.....and a dieing art

[@MrMopar244]

Fantastic work. I could watch this process over and over. Awesome talent.

[@johnoleary9317]

A true specialist. many thanks for the upload sir.

[@macmapa4440]

Brilliant! Better than most Marvel movies out here :P

[@pappi3]

Beautiful craftsmanship. 👍👍

[@donovanlucibello379]

That is exceptional attention to detail, Sir. Beautiful work, thank you for sharing.

[@balbino108]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. Master's work!

[@patriciaingraldi4719]

I love your craftsmanship. It's just wonderful Thank you for sharing

[@danilobatistacba]

lindo trabalho amigo..saudações do Danilo Batista ..Cuiabá MT _ Brasil

[@621heberth]

Great job! Your work is very well done.

[@Movieman1965]

Nice workmanship and quality! Thanks for this demo! Have a great day!

[@mikeymike3240]

really good to see an artist at work. superb workmanship. the seat looks like new. you should see the seat I recovered, lol 😁 👍 👍

[@mmurray1963]

Definitely a skilled master of his craft. Impressed with the vintage sewing machine and hand tools he uses.

[@actually4660]

Good one sir. Love from India sir😊😊

[@williamoverton7265]

Marvelous results

[@mr1rapid]

I have the same bike same seat same problem. Need to tune up my old Singer before tackling the seat. It stitches faster than I can handle the material. Your video is great.

[@rickjames4882]

Excellent. If Sears had some pros like you working there they might not be in the crapper. Thanks for the video.

[@joseeustaquiodacostaeustaq7609]

Very good! Congratulations!

[@artgoat]

Nice work! Denfeld was also the seat maker for BMW motorcycles in the 60's & 70's, though that construction with the springs is much more elaborate than the seats I'm familiar with.

[@digschopper9321]

NSU seats too. I redid a '54 Super Max seat on my brothers. Came out pretty good, but I hand stitched the whole thing...to forever.

[@big65mopar]

Wonderful work! It's nice to see that there are true craftsmen to be found these days! I have a motorcycle seat I may send you if you're still taking work.

[@davemckinnley6565]

Awesome job!

[@h7oslo]

Thanks for presenting the great video. It's a real pleasure to watch a competent craftsman at work . rc

[@softsmoken]

I need to rebuild my 79 cb650 seat..i came across an original one in damn best perfect condition, I'd call it like new easily, it was only 100$ too. For a like new factory seat that is s damn good price.. Should of grabbed that thing been regretting it since then, only regret i have in my whole life lol.. then i thought, well i could benefit by learning more about upholstering, maybe i can just rebuild it..Pretty sure there isn't anything Sears didn't sell. There were many periods of time that if it was sold in general, Sears was selling it also, or was the only way to get any of it (particularly further back in our countries history) if you weren't living near a port City or things like that. The way the most fundamental things change so massively yet stay exactly the same through history is so damn interesting.

[@AmmarLegato]

Holy cow .. you can see the years of expiernce in those accurate fiingers .......

[@yashmochi8907]

Excellent

[@fx802]

Total master at this!

[@cag-1957]

Yes an excellent video to watch. I was sending the seat off my bike to an upholsterer but will now consider doing it myself. I'm looking forward to it and feel a lot more confidant after watching your detailed and measured method. Thank you

[@ralpha679]

Wow, that's beautiful!

[@magssr]

Quality work like that is hard to find. Thanks for the video.

[@todddavis2074]

What a masterful effort. The editing, camera positioning, audio clarity and unpretentious explanation were all outstanding. The background of a well organized, spotlessly clean workshop adds to the power of the message. I hope others watching this will endeavor to 'raise their bar' in their works. I will. Thank you.

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

This has got to be one of the nicest compliments we've ever received. Brandon and I both sincerely appreciate it. I like to keep a tidy shop but it's certainly not spotless, nor dust free. I'm happy to be an inspiration to you and others. Thank you for watching.

[@onlyliberty2689]

The strap should be made different, without seeing this cut "white" sideline. in Europe (Netherlands) it´s nicely wrapped from both sites. Also we would fist put 1-2 cm hardfoam (polypress) on the seat-base, and after that 3 cm polyether-foam, this way you never feel anything from the hard coilstrings. BUT: The seat looks nice, good job !

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

I was unhappy with the white line and corrected it on straps since. That said, from viewing angles once the seat is on the bike and on the ground, it's not noticeable. As for your foam suggestions, I followed suit as closely as possible from the original construction without modifications.

[@bake162]

Very nice, thanks for posting this!

[@rayislooking2]

Awesome work looks great. You have a talent

[@michaelmathews295]

Probably nicer than when it was new.

[@gabrielguitars577]

I bet the customer was over the moon!

[@deschantier9844]

Great Job - maybe after watching it 1,000 times I could do 1/16 of the job as well... Are you taking any apprentices ?

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

No apprentices. Sorry...

[@林師公-c2u]

👍

[@siboneyyy]

Nice job, Puch is from Austria btw

[@UnderdogOfficial_tv]

Great craftmenship!

[@HELVIS.]

brilliant !

[@ginomoscufo6877]

New to your channel enjoyed. It was very informative and interesting to watch. Am very interested in your shop setup and tools.

[@viniciuswiermann3010]

Hello Buck, do you happen to know the thickness of that wire inside the seat strap? Thank you!

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

50lb. rated picture cable.

[@charlydeman2140]

What's the name of the cutter used to cut the foam? (4:36) Great video! Learned a lot from it - thank you!!

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

Eastman cutter I'm guessing is at least 75 years old. I bought it used 45 years ago.

[@jonminnella4157]

Amazing you are a tru craftsman

[@vasuyarra7557]

Its like a master piece, superb quality products used and excellent finished product.

[@lisahodges8299]

How do you get the glue off your hands afterwards? I have to just keep going and avoid outer furnishing fabrics for a day or so. Birdy

[@nourdineohamo7926]

nice work

[@stitchthisditchthat259]

That foam cutter!!! Where did you get that thing, make/model?

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

I bought the Eastman cutter used in 1976. I'm guessing it's all of 75 years old.

[@marianoarmonica8189]

Thanks you man, you make great jobs and i learn a lot with your videos. Hi from Argentina!!!

[@tomalcolm]

Fantastic.

[@FranconiaFriend]

Having trouble finding "cushion/slip ease" - is there another name for the product? Thanks, great vid. Getting ready to upholster some seats, but nothing that ambitious.

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

Thin plastic film works equally as well. Dry cleaner's bag or disposable painter's drop cloth. We have an interesting new '70 Honda motorcycle seat video ready to edit and post soon. Stay tuned! Thanks.

[@FranconiaFriend]

@@Buckminsterupholstery Thanks! will be watching.

[@gregageo]

Do You Do Seats for a Price Mail Order? Got a Solo Harley Stalk seat to reupholster .

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

Yes. Contact me via my website for more information.

[@baconunteggs]

A Real Craftsman at work! Nice Job! Nice Video!

[@Cal71922]

Man I got work tomorrow

[@luisyvital]

Great video could you make a video on your foam saw and also how you use the fine tool to cut foam I've never seen that used for tapering foam. I've always use the Bosch foam saw

[@byronvinson5519]

Terribly hard to imagine how a viewer can become so interested and totally focused while watching a reupholstery job. This man is a true craftsman.

[@nicocacci4070]

Great job!

[@svan724]

Nice work

[@bustbeel1]

Nice Job!

[@digschopper9321]

Where can I buy proper foam? It always seems too soft for support.

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

My distributor sells only to people in the trade. Try an area upholstery shop. I used HR-70 in this and other seats.

[@arts4152]

Done

[@keely8927]

I have a similar seat, from a 1966 Honda Benly. I'm in the process of fixing it up. Any idea where to buy the little trim bolts? Mine were too damaged to save. Thank you!

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

I just finished a '69 Honda Dream seat. The chrome was held in place by what looked like aluminum rivets slipped into the groove, then pulled tight with toothed grip washers. Customer bought the washers at True Value Hardware.

[@CHewittMedia]

Hi, sorry another question for the master: can you give any advice on which type of piping foot is best for the pvc piping you are using? I have tried a 3/16, 1/4 and 1/8 but seam is still visible. I'm fine when it comes to sewing cotton piping but this has got me stumped. Thanks.

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

I used a 3/16" cording foot. Sometimes I find that I have to sew the seam from both sides/ flip it over and go both ways in order to get a nice, even stitch line.

[@TheMeddy54]

Very interesting and informative video, many thanks for posting.

[@JB-ym2yy]

WOW, a true pro. You have given me such an education in only 17 minutes. My old 1969 Honda CB 160 seat will get an new life, thanks to you.

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

I'll be rebuilding the foam plus applying a replacement cover on a '70 Honda with a video soon.

[@luzgonzalez2838]

Excellent work! Thanks for the video.

[@robwalker2214]

Awesome, you have so much patience. Good work

[@stephenreave3072]

Great Video! Do you have any idea were to get that metal trim?

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

Yes. Contact me via my website for more information.

[@coolmusic1579]

A before and after shot would be nice.

[@susanattaway7888]

i wish you would tell how heavy a thread you use. Im going to try and make seat covers for my bonneville. I have a comercial machine my father left me. The upholsterer down town was pretty snotty to me when I went in to check prices on recovering my front seats. Finally told him I would make my own. He scoffed at me. We'll see.

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

For most of my general purpose furniture use I stock colors in #69 nylon thread. It's also fine for automotive work. The black seen in the video is polyester, more weather friendly for bikes and boats. Heavier threads are available but I've not used them.

[@spiffyg4939]

It's always a pleasure to watch a great craftsman in action. Brilliant work.

[@petryjkcr]

I'm not sure which is better - the quality of your video presentation or the quality of your work, but both are exemplary - my deepest respect to you, sir!

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

Thank you. Mr. Hylton (editor) and I appreciate your kind words.

[@RichardOzanne]

It's great to see an artist doing what he does best. Fantastic job.

[@retribution999]

Any more videos by you on the same subject? I'd like to learn how to cover curved areas of a motorcycle seat in real leather which is difficult to shape.

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

Possibly my truck seat video can be of help. ? I'll be making another motorcycle seat video soon ('70 Honda) but it will only be demonstrating how to rebuild the complex foam core and adding an after market cover.

[@terrimurray2161]

What kind of glue

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

Which adhesive are you referring to?

[@prins2x]

What's the name of this type foam?

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

HR-70 (high resiliency)

[@Juan_Gamer_chileno_countryball]

lindo trabajo amigo saludos desde chile

[@bogdanipbv1989]

damn..that looks good! I should sent me seat in too :))

[@HigzyTeflon]

Wow... very very impressive work!

[@ralph9987]

Do you mind sharing the names of the two other liquid adhesives that you used pls. Thanks

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

I used Weldwood contact cement on the vinyl cover. 3M-90 spray adhesive on the foam to base. I'm mind blank on the exact liquid used in bonding the Herculite. PVC adhesive?

[@paulbull1993]

Thanks, great work and very interesting.

[@melissabekkum3571]

Where do you get your welt?

[@Buckminsterupholstery]

I don't recall where I bought the welt (around 35 years ago). Had to buy a 500 yard spool when I was making seat covers for school buses.

[@Denis-bo8ms]

How can I create a pattern for custom made seat?