the "Restoring every seat I have" thread [Archive]

rally4x4racer

12-11-2007, 04:09 AM

The whole time I was working on this seat I thought it was an 85 model 250sx seat.... then I got to looking at it and now I am not sure. Can anyone positively ID this seat?

Thats pretty bad - I don't even know where it came from :crazy:

thefox

12-11-2007, 04:16 AM

Yeah, it's a 200s seat. Looks good though!:D

rally4x4racer

12-11-2007, 04:22 AM

thanks fox!

I think it is an 86, what years will it fit?

now where did that sx seat go..........

thefox

12-11-2007, 04:30 AM

As far as i know all year 200s seats are the same (84-86). Well, the '86 came with a blue seat cover but other then the color they are all the same.

rally4x4racer

12-11-2007, 04:43 AM

OK - thanks fox I appreciate it...

hmm.. what frame is this? This is the frame I bought this seat for but it does not fit right? What are the dowel type things at the front of the frame? That looks like where the seat goes. sorry about the bad pic..

200xman

12-11-2007, 07:44 AM

Maybe 185s? That frame has the type of rear fenders that the seat is attached to and they come off as an assembly. I know for sure it is not a 200, 200s, 200m or 200es.

atctim

12-11-2007, 09:10 AM

That is a 185S frame for Sure!

rally4x4racer

12-11-2007, 02:16 PM

thanks, guys! OK, I don't have fenders for this frame right now but am thinking about painting it and building a bike. Will the seat I have fit the frame?

I just looked on ebay and this seat (new pix) is there. Is this the type I need for this frame?

I am starting with a pile of parts.

thefox

12-12-2007, 12:54 AM

That looks like a 185s seat to me, not 100% sure though. The 185s came with a metal pan which is known for rusting out, I would pick that one up if you have the chance. The 185s seat bolts to the fenders and the fenders clip on to the trike. The 200s fenders bolt to the frame and the seat clips down over them. The 200s seat does not fit the 185s frame.

rally4x4racer

12-12-2007, 01:01 AM

I figured you were lurking in the shadows, FOX - thanks for the clarification.

I have one that is just like that black one - it has two posts and lots of bolts. So thats the one I need?

Now that I think about it - Jason or someone from 3WW sent me the seat..

thefox

12-12-2007, 01:15 AM

Oh I'm always around, this place keeps me sane. Do a homework problem, check new posts, do another problem, check new post, get stuck on a problem and start tearing my hair out, take a break to check new post..... then nights like tonight where I'm studying for a final that’s tomorrow morning so I need 3ww to calm me down.

rally4x4racer

12-12-2007, 01:26 AM

Chevy200s

12-12-2007, 01:40 AM

just wanted to jump on the 185s bandwagon and say thats what that looks like. and also use this change in topic to add that I'm completely stressed about finals and projects and cant wait to be done for this semester, haha. good luck on em guys!

thefox

12-12-2007, 01:45 AM

I do the same thing. Except sometimes this place sucks me in... ha ha

I have two more projects to turn in and I am done till next year WOOT!!

keep an eye on the post I will get a shot of the seat when I am in the shop next

I hear that, that's why if I miss reading a thread for a while and it goes into multiple pages I don't bother trying to catch up.

If you do already have a good 185s pan then you are ahead of the game for that build, I wonder why Honda used metal for some models and plastic for others?

How many trikes have you been building anyways? It seems like you have had a few in the works. I just have the 70's to get going, one will get a top end job next week then once it warms up I can spray the tank and call it good. I still don't know what's going on with the other one.

rally4x4racer

12-12-2007, 02:09 AM

I can't seem to make up my mind .. I get a trike, trade it for a different one- ect ect.. I guess I am just trying to figure out what I want.

The 250R, 350X, BW80, BW200, 250ES, YT60, and 110 are keepers. I have not gotten to the 70 or the 200x yet.

I am putting a 3.3 in the traxxas over the holidays, and trying to get the BW200 running. I am also going to be getting rid of some stuff, seats tanks etc. There is way too much stuff in the shop!! I may even get that 110 cam (that you sent me) installed over the holidays.

rally4x4racer

12-13-2007, 12:05 AM

This looks like the same seat, but it is a 83-85 200x seat.

I wish I had some blue vinyl!!

thefox

12-13-2007, 09:51 PM

Dang Jeff, your good at making seat covers! Did you use regular buy-by-the-yard vinyl or a pre-made seat cover? Every time I cover a seat I get at least one wrinkle in it.

rally4x4racer

12-14-2007, 12:09 AM

I just use by the yard vinyl it's a lot cheaper. I am not good at the seat covers yet, but someday I might be. I did the rear seats in my porsche and they kicked butt. I still have a lot to learn. This trade takes a lot of patience.

Look at the SX seat in the classifieds - its pretty goofy looking! (it is comfy tho)

Are you using a thick stetchable vinyl?

thefox

12-14-2007, 01:08 AM

The SX seat is a little funny looking but adding foam is not easy. The 200x and 200s seats look great! Did you use a stencil or something for the "Honda" on the back? I have tried a few different types of vinyl, last time I think I bought the heavy mildew resistant marine vinyl but I don't remember it being very stretchy. I have a 70 seat to do sometime over the next few weeks so pointers are good. I also want to carve out and cover one of my motorcycle seats this winter, that will be fun:crazy: .

rally4x4racer

12-14-2007, 01:27 AM

do you have a joanns there? they have the nice marine vinyl on sale usually for cheap. I am looking for an online source now - when I find a good one I will let you know. check out http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com/modify_4.htm

fasten rear then front - and fasten it snug, but remember the tighter this is the more you will have to stretch it side to side. The 200X seats are easy if you follow a 6 point stretch pattern - rear, front, rear side, then front side. then when you pull your gathers they are at the corners and at the V in the middle.

The 70 will probably be pretty easy - I have never tried one. I have a few more seats in the works... I will post em up when I get them done. It's definately a challenge. I wish I could spring for a HD singer....

what kind of gun are you using? check this out http://cgi.ebay.com/Long-Nose-Staple-Gun-Great-for-Upholstery_W0QQitemZ320087091320QQcmdZViewItem I am thinking about getting one of those. The bostitch I got from HD is kind of a pain. Thats cheap!

thefox

12-14-2007, 02:07 AM

I get my vinyl from Joanns too, I will check for other stuff next week. The 70 has a metal pan so I hope I can get it pulled tight enough when I attach it to the little teeth things. For a stapler I have a cheap Harbor freight one that I will use on the plastic motorcycle pan when the time comes.

rally4x4racer

12-14-2007, 02:34 AM

the metal pan with teeth... Awesome. I hate those. You can always stretch it and hook it and then come back to it and stretch it some more. That is a lot easier with the teeth than when you fire a staple in it.

rally4x4racer

12-26-2007, 12:03 AM

another one marked off the list: BW200 before and after

rally4x4racer

12-28-2007, 01:24 AM

this is going to be the whitest 350X....

http://stores.diyupholsterysupply.com/-strse-2849/Marine-Blue-pltex/Detail.bok
http://stores.diyupholsterysupply.com/-strse-2852/Marine-Red-pltex/Detail.bok

this supplier is OK. Shipping is kind of high; The black is not dark enough - but red/white/blue are great. This is what I used for the 350X seat and it is not as pliable as spradling.

BTW - I picked upa cheapo Singer "simple" and it sews the vinyl just fine. Now, if I could just learn to sew....

atctim

12-28-2007, 09:20 AM

rally,

How are you getting the stenciled lettering on your seats? That "white" 350X looks very unique.

ATC-Eric

12-28-2007, 11:16 AM

Man Jeff, the seats look great, and so does the 350!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember, I still have a 185s for you in my garage.

:beer

edog

12-28-2007, 11:58 AM

Wow excellent job!!

If I ever need a seat done I now where to come!!!!

rally4x4racer

12-28-2007, 12:03 PM

Thanks, Eric. I thought the 185s was outside for some reason. I should get off my root and roll up there soon...

Tim, the letters are vinyl paint. So far I have used plasti-cote and duplicolor. The duplicolor seems to have more laquer in it and "melts in" better.

ATC-Eric

12-28-2007, 12:05 PM

Thanks, Eric. I thought thew 185s was outside for some reason. I should get off my root and roll up there soon...

No sir, Ive never stored any of my bikes outside, not even the parts bikes.

:D

rally4x4racer

12-28-2007, 12:05 PM

Wow excellent job!!

If I ever need a seat done I now where to come!!!!

Very funny, Edog!! I am not a pro and wouldn't wish my lack oif skills anyone else.

Besides... I haven't done one that says "Hondaline" yet :beer

edog

12-28-2007, 12:14 PM

Well you do a real good job.

edog

12-28-2007, 12:19 PM

I have a recliner I am thinking of having recovered in some custom colors with some custom stenciled lettering.lol

I can already see it.Thanks for the idea.

rally4x4racer

12-28-2007, 12:28 PM

HA HA HA - Hondaline La-Z-Boy... That would be cool.

If you are going for white I have the perfect vinyl for it - it feels like pleather.

Thanks for the compliment on the seat.

rally4x4racer

12-29-2007, 03:19 AM

I tried like hell to restore a poor condition 86 BW200 seat today - but I finally gave up.

I should have ground more foam off of it at the transition, and I should have made the 1/2" pad a bit wider. Overall it is useable, but not 100%.

I might have to retract what I said about the marine grade from DIY. It is as flexable as a bias ply.....

When I peeled the duck tape off this seat it stunk like a dirty sock covered in dog drool - I was in a hurry to cover it.

TwoHundredEx

12-29-2007, 03:25 AM

Those look great, nice job!
I think I'm going to try to recover my 200X seat later on...might have a few questions for you when I do it.

EDIT: What do you use for the lettering? Some kind of stencil?

rally4x4racer

12-29-2007, 03:25 AM

the pictures are not working....

it says "exceeds forum quota.." WTF

Rookie

12-29-2007, 09:28 AM

Those seats look great rally :w00t:

rally4x4racer

12-29-2007, 03:41 PM

Thanks Rookie!!

Can someome tell me why I can't post pictures? I try to put up a 180kb picture and it says it exceeds the forum quote by 177kb.

edog

12-29-2007, 04:03 PM

What program are you useing to downsize?

rally4x4racer

12-29-2007, 06:13 PM

microsoft photo editor. Can you post pix?

drhatc200

12-29-2007, 06:34 PM

hey have you got a 85 200x seat you would part with. just bought my first atv and this is what it is. 200 my seat is all to pieces. color dosent really matter. blue would be nice but the black one is nice you have on here.let me know price and stuff if you have one.

TwoHundredEx

12-29-2007, 06:36 PM

microsoft photo editor. Can you post pix?

Have you thought about using www.photobucket.com ? No more downsizing needed.

rally4x4racer

12-29-2007, 10:43 PM

I had tried photobucket earlier. I think it was something with 3WW..

Here are the pix of the BW200 seat I was talking about. It is pretty much a flop - but I am done of messing with it for now.