Removing cab seats and replacing their worn upholstery
Andrew Roe looks at the options when you have worn cab seats
Recently, I had the two front seats in my Fiat Ducato-based Rapido motorhome reupholstered in leather. The seats were on the cusp of worn, and becoming uncomfortable. Being swivel seats in a front lounge format, the seats are used a lot more than just for driving.
Looking locally, I went to three companies within 50 miles. I knew I would go for the one we picked – Hide N Seat Auto Interiors – because of the website gallery of previous work and examples. Plus, when I called, the owner also said he had done motorhomes and that prices for two seats started at £650.
There is a full range of seat materials and leathers to choose from (and samples to see, feel and smell!), with padding or not. We could have had names embroidered onto headrests, etc, but didn’t. Diamond stitching in the panels is also optional.
We opted for the top range of leather, which is a very good colour match for the rest of the seating. I also opted for silver polyester stitching.
The price was £950 all in.
Hide N Seat can’t store motorhomes while work is being done, so we took out the seats. They were easy to remove. Slide the seat forward to access the rear bolts and backwards for the front bolts. Seat swivels really help in the best positioning for this.
There’s a cable with a yellow plug beneath each seat. Press in a small stud and it separates – they can only fit in one position for refitting.
For putting the seats back in, it’s just the opposite of removal.
If you have a newer ’van (2007 reg or newer), with side airbags, you need to disconnect the battery first. Mine has the seatbelt indicator and seatbelt pretensioners in the cables under the seats. So it’s safe to remove with the battery connected.
There is a sliding tool tray beneath the driver’s seat, giving slightly less access to the cable. Access is best from behind the seat in this case. Under the passenger seat is the box with jack and tools in. It removes completely, giving front and rear access for the cable.
We dropped the seats off and, after a week, we were back to collect them. We had been sent pictures, but when you see them they are so much better and the extra padding makes them feel like new. We are both very happy with what we chose.
The key thing is call first and discuss your expectations. Ours were dearer than the basic price, because we chose the top range of leather.
CONTACT
Hide N Seat Auto Interiors, Shildon, County Durham DL4 1QB
hidenseat.co.uk