Retrimming Defender Seats, is it as easy as the video shows

[Floydo]

Hi
I'm keen to retrim my front Tdi Defender Seats with the Britopart kit.
I have watched plenty of videos, which make it look easy. Is it really that easy? Any tips tricks? What spray glue do you use?
Thanks

[130camper]

I have done this twice, once in 2010 and again in 2020 using the Exmoor Trim Kits. I don't like doing upholstery so took the slow approach.
First one I did not have video to watch only printed word and photos, second time had videos to watch.

Just check the next stage each time particularly when it comes to the gluing bits.

The glue the first time was easy to use as it was not fast setting. The second time I could not buy what I wanted and settled on, as far as I was concerned, the wrong glue. Very limited supply of this stuff in my rural area.

So the glue NOT to use is 3M Foam Fast 74. The description on the lower part of the tin high lighted in orange said it all. Strength "High", Speed "Fast".
If the same brand had high lighted Strength "Med or High" and Speed "Slow" it would have suited me much better.

The day was a bit warm so the glue stuck FAST so I was pleased I had a reasonable idea of what I was about to do.

I have been pleased with the end result both times.

When it came to be time to do the headlining and seats in the 1954 Citroen I restored, I had no intention of doing it myself.
I did do all the sound proofing and carpets.

Someone who comes recommended by car club members is not always the best, so I found out.

Andrew

[Bazzle218]

I have done it twice with good results. I have a tablet so I watched the video. I then rewatched and paused it at each section and watched that part again then completed that section. 2 years and still no issues. Baz

[lebanon]

I have done it twice, very easy job.

Just be gentle on the plastic pins on the sides of the seat base in case they are not provided with the refurbishment kit.

[lebanon]

I have done it twice, very easy job.&nbsp;<br><br>Just be gentle on the plastic pins on the sides of the seat base in case they are not provided with the refurbishment kit.

[Fattima]

i've done it too. Used an Exmoor kit, added new foam too as mine was pretty too far gone on the drivers side.
Really easy if you follow the videos of how to do it, bit fiddly in parts but not too difficult.
I found some a couple of the tack welds that old the seat pan to the frame had fractured, bent some metal tabs to strengthen the join and welded them back together. Very easy and I'm a terrible welder.

[Ukalipt]

I did a full refurb of my two front seats in my old 300Tdi
Not a difficult job but worth taking your time and getting it right.

I wire brushed the entire frame back, tack welded the plate as mine had also cracked [like @fattima]
For the base re-clothing, I found starting from the middle at the front of the seat when fitting was a must. I had to redo my first one because it wasn't aligned correctly.

Spray adhesive: I used Sika 350g Sprayfix.

Unfortunately I don't have any good pics of the final seats and have sold the 300Tdi since

184422
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[Fattima]

Here are some before and after pics of mine. When I bought the defender the seat was in this state and had been stuffed with foam pipe lagging!
Looking at the pic it reminded me, silicon spray helps slide some of the trim on, this is mentioned in the instructions.
184427184428

[Patrick110td5]

I need to redo the foam in mine, can I just buy the foam and glue or will I have to tear apart the fabric and buy a whole Retrim kit?

[Don 130]

I need to redo the foam in mine, can I just buy the foam and glue or will I have to tear apart the fabric and buy a whole Retrim kit?

Patrick, you would not tear apart the fabric, but undo the clips that hold it to the frame. As for the supply of foam only, I have no idea if it's available as a separate item, but an auto upholsterer may be able to advise you.
Don.

[POD]

I've just reupholstered mine this week; ordered the foam and fabric from Exmoor and due to manufacturing delays it all arrived a few hours after we had left on an outback trip- this seemed somehow fitting as we were headed for Burke and Wills country! (History buffs will get this)

I'm sure you could do just the foam and re-use the fabric if it is in good condition The foams are available, I annoyingly only ordered one backrest foam and did not realise until I opened the box to find two of everything else and only one of these. Going to have my daughter bring it with her after her UK holiday in Jan as the shipping quote for one backrest foam to Aus was eye-watering.

A point that might be worth noting- the Exmoor fabric kit provides cable-ties for use where the original has wire rings. Far easier to use cable ties to refit your fabric rather than wrestle the steel rings back on.

[POD]

Stop press: I used Sika rapid spray adhesive, it has not held on the seat bases. The fabric is not stuck to the cushion across the contour of the base. Try something else.

[tieds]

Stop press: I used Sika rapid spray adhesive, it has not held on the seat bases. The fabric is not stuck to the cushion across the contour of the base. Try something else.

I’ve done mine and yes it’s a pain in the #%*€.
The metal rings are hard to reattach and a pair of large sized long nose pliers are helpful.
As for the spray adhesive the one they use at Exmoor trim is what they call a “high solids” spray adhesive but unfortunately can’t be exported to Australia. The alternative I found is the spray adhesive from Car Builders which also claims to be high solid content. It seems to be holding up.
Good luck.

[tieds]

I’ve done mine and yes it’s a pain in the #%*€.
The metal rings are hard to reattach and a pair of large sized long nose pliers are helpful.
As for the spray adhesive the one they use at Exmoor trim is what they call a “high solids” spray adhesive but unfortunately can’t be exported to Australia. The alternative I found is the spray adhesive from Car Builders which also claims to be high solid content. It seems to be holding up.
Good luck.
I forgot to say the Car Builders spray adhesive is available at repco, auto barn etc but pricey, $30 ish a can.
Also I found I had to watch the video A LOT before and during the process.
Ended up with a lump from one of the metal D rings but don’t think I’ll be “going back in” to fix it.
I may get good seat covers to preserve what I’ve got so I don’t have to do it again.

[VladTepes]

Just saw this thread as I need to fix mine too.
Seems the exmoor kits are the ones to get?
Best source?

[VladTepes]

Bump.

Considering my options - may even get someone else to do it but perhaps getting the foam piece at least would be easiest even in getting someone else to fit/cover?

Best source (most affordable?)

[V8Ian]

Bump.

Considering my options - may even get someone else to do it but perhaps getting the foam piece at least would be easiest even in getting someone else to fit/cover?

Best source (most affordable?)
I'll make enquiries on your behalf, local to you (assuming you're still northside).

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

I substituted the original and rusty ring clips with Maspro fencing wire netting C - clips and used the Maspro pliers. Just a bit of care that the material is getting hooked into the C clip and the other end engages with the wire and squeeze. Simples.

Okay, I did have plenty of C clips and a set of the special pliers already on hand.

Images sourced 21st August 2024 from, Premium Ring Fastener | Maspro Wire (https://www.masprowire.com.au/product-page/premium-ring-fastener)
& Wire Netting Clips | Maspro Wire (https://www.masprowire.com.au/product-page/wire-netting-clips)

Kind regards
Lionel

[skidrov]

Re the rings, as per a tip I saw somewhere on the interweb, I used cable ties. Still good quite a few years later.

[cuppabillytea]

MY brother Bob does that stuff for me. Luckily he's moved from Gowrie Mountain to Glenn Innes so he's easier to reach. It looks easy when he does it It's certainly easy for me.[bigwhistle]

[cuppabillytea]

Stop press: I used Sika rapid spray adhesive, it has not held on the seat bases. The fabric is not stuck to the cushion across the contour of the base. Try something else.
Brother Bob recommends 3M Contact adhesive in a spray can from Bunnings, or something similar.

[VladTepes]

Anyone know which would be the most economic option:

1. Purchase foams and covers from exmoor / britpart /wherever and have them fitted locally.
2. Have new foams and covers made up locally as part of the one job.

[Fattima]

I think purchasing a kit would be cheaper.
I recently priced up a seat retrim for an old Hillman I have here and it was over $1000 for two front seats and a repair to the rear seat.

[Tins]

I know what I would have said ten years ago, but trimmers seem to be thin on the ground these days. But nothing's as easy as it looks on YT. I'd have a go though. Not as if it's a Rolls Royce.

[JDNSW]

The foam used to be available when I did mine, but that was years ago.