INTERIOR, Tuck&Roll Tech

[Mr 42]

I thought I should give the Tech stuff a try. Please bear with me since im a Swede and don't master the language; I may use the wrong term's here and there. I hardly now them I Swedish you Know, but I hope you get the point. Here is how I made a new tuck & roll interior in my 42 Coupe.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr01.jpg

I started with the rear seat, removing the old covering and using it as a pattern.Keep track out how its done so you can do it in a similar way whe putting everything back again.


http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr02.jpg

First a made three paper strip's to use as as patterns, to be able to easier create the tuck&roll. It consists of three pieces one for the cotton back cloth, its unbleached bed sheet's (it's cheap and sturdy) the second is for the vinyl and finally the third for is the foam I used.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr03.jpg

I started to draw lines with a ballpointpen on the backside of the cotton and vinyl.Using the patterns as a guide.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr04.jpg

Then I borrowed my wife's sewing machine. This is a normal household machine nothing fancy. BUT one important thing is to get a leather needle (it have wide triangle shaped point that is a it bigger) And the other thing ive found out is that you need to use "button" thread the one used to sew in buttons wich it is thicker than the ordinary thread (the normal one cuts thru the vinyl). That's my experience anyway. Checkout the way I folded the vinyl when sewing the cotton and vinyl together, using the markings I made. This makes it impossible to see the stitches, and makes it a nice Tuck&Roll.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr06.jpg

Then its time to stuff the pleats, I made a stuffing "sock" of some the cotton cloth. And using a long steel ruler to push with.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr07.jpg

Then I added the foam cut in 40 mm strips around 25 mm thick.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr08.jpg

Folded over the cotton cloth, to lessen the friction.


http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr09.jpg

Then it's only to push it in ;-) Take it easy though.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr10.jpg

Halfway there.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr11.jpg

Then I mocked up the lower, Tuck&Roll part with the upper seat back part divided by some red piping. I have made the piping by sewing in some clothesline in the centre of an 80mm wide red vinyl strip.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr12.jpg

First I sewed the piping to the Tuck&Roll part, using a special foot that is half sort off.So I could get real close to the piping. And it was the same foot I used when doing the red piping actually.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr13.jpg

Then I used needles to attach the upper seat part with the lower. By attaching the needles in this way you can just run over them with the sewingmachine. And remove them afterward.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr14.jpg

After that I added a small cotton pocket, to be able to draw the padding into the backrest. More later on that.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr15.jpg

I made a V8 logo by sewing in some 4mm thick plastic (I think it's some packing material) between a layer of vinyl and the backrest part.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr16.jpg

Then I added some welding rod into the cotton pocket.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr17.jpg

And I made me a long needle of a piece welding rod to, hammered it flat in one end and drilled a 2 mm hole for the thread.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr18.jpg

And I pointed the other end of the needle with the grinding machine, here im sewing the welding rod pocket to the backseat. As thread I used some real thick thread that my wife is using when weaving carpets.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr19.jpg

Then it was only the small matter of adding the sides; I cut it out by using the patterns I saved in the start.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr19b.jpg

Then I added some "cotton" wadding between the cover and the seat (The wadding is actually some synthetic thing that I bought).

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr20.jpg

Then I attached the cover by reusing the hog rings that I saved when "disassembling" the seat. Hog rings are u shaped steel rings that you mount by using a Hog ring tool. I cut two "tracks" in a polygrip plier and it worked OK.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr21.jpg

Here is how the logo came out.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr22.jpg

And here it is ready to mount in the car.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr23.jpg

Then it was time for the front seat.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr24.jpg

I disassembled the seat and fixed up some springs, and replaced some old cotton parts.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr25.jpg

Here is the frontseat bottom part all fixed up.


http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr26.jpg

Here I test fitting the side parts on the backrest; I used the original Ford parts as a pattern. I made a small black piping by sewing in a thin string into a 40mmm vinyl strip.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr27.jpg

Here is everything put together but outside in, I sewed in some 25mm thick foam into the upper backrest part.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr28.jpg

This is how it looks on the front side.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr33.jpg

Here is the front seat lower part all ready, Used the old hog rings this time to.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr34.jpg

All ready to put into the car.

http://w1.136.telia.com/~u13603245/Tech/inr35.jpg

Back side, the wrinkles can be taken out with a hot airgun and some pulling; otherwise most of it will disappear by the summer heat ;-) So what can I say it's not all that hard so get out there and get some vinyl and borrow a sewing machine it's easy http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Fraz]

Very nice post, and very easy to follow. Your mastery of the English language is better than some people I know, and they don't speak anything else!

This post also gets my vote for tech post of the week!

[tommy]

Lars, You are amazing!!! You are the ultimate do-it-yourselfer!! I'm constantly amazed at your talents.

[warbird]

Great post with lots of information! And the seats turned out real good.

I was going to post something like this when we re-do the interior in the roadster this spring, but now I don't have to. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Rolf]

Jättebra ! Lars...

Nothing wrong with you English!

Great post, thanks for taking the time...

[Elrod]

WOW! This post is massive! Sure takes the fear out of doing it yourself!

Thanks! This is one GREAT tech post for bettering your car!

[Ryan]

Wow... I fucking love Tech week. Incredible post man...

[flying clutchman]

damn that was a awesome post. give this man the prize!!!!

[zman]

Man I must say you did one helluva job. Very cool. MAybe next time I'll try my own...

[ponchobilly]

Awesome job, sir! Very well done. Makes me want to try it on my seats now.
Bil

[Junkyard Dog 32]

Great post. And awesome results. Thanks.
I'm going to try this method for the door panels, kick panels... etc. in my coupe.

Is that stuffing sock and ruler idea yours, or is that the normal method of inserting the foam?

Now, all I need is a sewing machine...
Great idea on the BIG needle, too.


JOEhttp://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

That's some talent..very easy to follow. THANKS http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[saltflataddict]

that was an amazing post. thanks..

[Tcoupe]

Very interesting...I have been wanting to learn how to do that for a while now...I really dig the V8 logo too!!!

[Mr 42]

Thanks boy's im glad you like my handicraft http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I must confess that the stuffin sock is not my idea, ive read it somewhere, and it's more or less impossible to get the foam into the pocket without it.

///////Lars B

[19Fordy]

WOWIE! Lars, you did a fantastic job. Really looks great. love the V-8 stitching. AND your English is just fine. thanx for the great tech post. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[toledobill]

I don't think I've ever read a better tech post -- and it's not even your native language. Great photos, great explanations. Thanks Lars, you've posted a great one.

[beatnik]

This is a really great post, you make it look easy.

Thanks!

[hotrodladycrusr]

AWESOME post! Thanks for all the effort involved. It's very much appreciated. Your post will go into my favorites here on the HAMB and maybe when the time comes for Big Olds's seats I'll have the courage to follow your instructions. Thank you!

[flt-blk]

Great post!

Denise, you are welcome to make a Model A truck seat for
practice before doing Big Olds.
TZ

[haring]

Great post!

I made a custom seat for one of my scooters. That's about all the patience I had ... I am impressed at all the work you did for your cars seats.

[himmelberg]

The clarity and precision of this post calls for a top rating. Got my vote. himmelberg

[Fatchuk]

Perfect english...and a really excellent do it your self post....fantastic job lars.....fatchuk

[Satinblack]

Great post Mr42. Keep up the good work! Satin

[onelow48]

OUTSTANDING!

[SlowLearner]

Wow Lars, fantastic TECH!! A saver for sure.
And PLEASE fire up that green puppy in the back of the garage real soon!! I need another fix of awesome v-12 music! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Keith

[34Fordtk]

GREAT,I have a feeling you are in the running for best of Tech Week!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[MercMan1951]

THIS, my friends, is TECH!. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Pigiron]

Lars, You have inspired me to try your tuck and roll! What a great post! Thank you!

[whodaky]

Nice job Lars and great colors as well, the colors of my Australian rules football team, actually you almost talk like an Aussie, good onya mate!!

[scarliner]

Great tech, one of the areas,of doing a car that is almost always sent out to have done,due to lack of info,and know how.And your English is better than,most people I know!Thanks,enjoyed it.

[Jkustom]

DUDE! I might have to try and tuck&roll my 54!!! Right on man Tech week Is awsome!!!

[kustombuilder]

tech week just keeps getting better and better. nice job man....

[ray]

cool post, i'll add that the alternative to "stuffing" the pleats, is just to add the padding to the stack when yousew the pleats, its more work to sew through, and your machine may not be up to it.

so when do we get to see more of whatever you are building with that allison motor? that video scared me!

[Mr 42]

Thanks for all the nice feedback, i guess my English teacher would be proud of me ;-),

I must disagree with you Ray sewing the pleats thru the foam will create an ugly cheap look. And the pleats will not be so deep either.
But thats my opinion.

Im working slowly on the V12, and the plan is to testdrive it on the gravel road this year, ive mounted the gearbox and will mount the rear axle soon, then its just the matter of fixing some steering and brakes. And a friend of mine is building a new radiator for me.

[Tcoupe]

I was wondering how much material you should purchase to cover two seats...what did you use?....there is a fabric store here that is going out of business and they have "marine vinyl(for boats?) at 80% off, would this be a good choice or should I go to a auto upholstry shop? Thanks.

[Mr 42]

I Bought 20 meters black and it was 140cm wide, but that was for the whole car two seats + the kick panel,door sides and back sides. 10 meter's should be well enough for a seat i guess.

I bought vinyl black and red ,foam,padding,thread,cotton cloth. And it costed me 240$ if i remember right

If the seat is 150cm wide i guess you need 2m for the tuck&roll part

I say go ut and meassure on the seat and add 50%
Better safe then sorry, and black fit most of the things ;-)

[Mr 42]

Oops forgot.
id say stay away from the upholstery shops, twice the price.

Go for the 80% off to start with, and if its a success you can redo it with the colony leather http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

And Boat vinyl would be great for an real Hot Rod....

[homebrew]

Great tech. keep up the good work.

[ray]

if you can't sew thru the foam, or it doesn't sew tight enough, its becasue the sewing machine isn't sewing a tight enough stitch, i used an old pfaff regular old sewing machine, and you have to adjust the thread tension etc. to get it perfect, when right it should sew a nice tight stitch, the foam will be sucked down to almost nothing.

[Petejoe]

Wow, hell of tech material. Great job and thatnk you!!

[shoebox72]

Great post. Good info we can all use.

Billy

[warbird]

A couple of things to add:
1) Sewing through the foam will work and shouldn't add
too much strain to your machine. If it's got enough power to sew through the backing and the vinyl, a little foam probably wont bother it. Using a pleat stuffer is the way they used to do it, and IMHO sewing through the foam may cause the seams to tear out sooner. Just my opinion however, and a lot of pleats have been done by sewing through everything.

2) Holy Crap! That is an Allison in the back ground! Cool. What model number is it?

[Mr 42]

OK Its up to everyone to give the sew thru the foam method a try.
But if you use the cotton cloth as backing. you will get most of the "bulge" on that side,since it's softer and will give more.

That's the reason i meassured the vinyl 10-20 mm wider per pleat than the cotton. so i could get more "bulge" on that side.
I say the method i used gives the best result.
But hey its a free world...............

The Allison is actually a Rover Metor Mark 4B, And its a Centurion Tank engine adaption of the famous Rolls Royce Merlin V12 airplane engine. Its an 650hpr 27 litre four valve dual plugs, dual magneto´, dual fuelpump, two Zenith brass carb version. The airplane version delivered between 1000-2000 hpr.

I bought it for the SOUND.........

More info at www.brandow.tk (http://www.brandow.tk)
follow the V12 Racecar/Hot Rod links.

Or cut to the cheese directly and check out the movie
http://w1.132.telia.com/~u13203489/ItsAlive3.MPG

Right click and save it on your harddrive, since its 3.9 MB

(Hope im not of topic, and will get barred by Ryan http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SlowLearner]

Thanks for that Lars! Now I've got the movie again! I see you're making real progress on that thingie. Nice work on the transmission hook up.

[chopolds]

There is a 'special' foam you can buy for doing R & P, it has channels already cut into it. The foam is pretty thick, say 1", and the cuts go all the way down to the backing material. Only thing is, it is a standard size width, you don't have a choice..it's like 1 1/2" or 2". Makes for a nice deep pleat. It does make it easier, as you don't have to lay out the pleat patternm, either.

[Landmule]

Great Post - I only have one question - How did you talk your wife into letting you use the sewing machine? My wife is Swedish but she isn't happy about sharing her tools with me.

[ray]

scrim-backed foam.

its foam padding, in various thicknesses, with a light burlap type material on the backside. light, easy to sew, and thats what its made for.

[Mr 42]

Landmule
I bought her a new one http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
And used the old one http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

But you could show here the pic's and ask her to do it http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[warbird]

Sewing this stuff is easy when your wife is a seamstress and has as walking-foot machine! Makes it easy for me http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

And if I'd have looked at the picture closer I'd have known it was based on a Merlin instead of an Allison. Green paint threw me off I guess. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[littledeucecoupe427]

holy shit!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[coupeHEAD]

Lars, that was simply awesome. What a great Tech post! I've often wondered what the steps were and you nailed it. You made it very easy to understand. Thank you.

Keith

[flatheadpete]

WOW!! Makes me wanna do sumthin' crazy to my '98 chevy truck bench. Red vinyl? Thanks!!!!

[fatluckys]

Good post! I tried to do a t&r post about a year ago. Yours makes a lot more sense than mine did! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[Elrod]

Congratulations!! You won Tech Week!!!!

[SlowLearner]

Uuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, Shouldn't this be in Tech-o-matic?
Y'know, Tech week winner'n all. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif