Help with seat vinyl.

[Mscmkr]

I am about to undertake the rejuvenation of my Like 200i seat and I have a question. I have been checking out places to buy supplies here in Phoenix and I found a place that has marine grade vinyl that would work well. I also found some extremely nice looking vinyl that is upholstery grade. This is not specific for use on anything that will be left outdoors such as a scooter seat. It is very high quality but is not impregnated with the weather proof solution to ensure that it will not fade or crack if left out.
    I only ride my scoot for fun and it is always kept in a closed garage. It does get hot but there is no direct sunlight. It will only be left out for maybe a couple hours per weekend. I asked the guy at the store if the upholstery grade vinyl will work for my seat if it's never kept outside. He said as long as it's not exposed to the sun for long periods of time, like weeks or months it should last for a few years at least.
     My question of course is, should I chance using the regular vinyl or only go with the marine grade? I am considering this only for cosmetic reasons. There's some great textures in the standard grade. And of course we are only talking about $20 a sheet so not expensive. If it does crack or fade I can always make another cover to replace it. If I can pull it off that is.
     Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks every and ride safe, mscmkr

[zombie]

Here is something to just ponder over. The sun, and our atmosphere are nothing like they were twenty years ago. Used to be you hang your clothes outside to line dry, and all was good.
Last year I put up a clothes line, and thought how nice this is. I hung some shirts/jeans out, and went to work.
Next morning I pulled the clothes off (24 hours later) and while folding them I noticed every item was sun damaged (bleached looking) on the side facing the sun. Not just a little faded but to the point I can't wear them.
It's gotten so bad that auto, and Marine paint manufacturers HAVE to add UVA/UVB inhibitors in their paint to stop fading, and peeling, and textile manufacturers have had to do the same.

Remember the old canvas boat covers that lasted as long as the boat? They don't last one year now. Same for Plastics. Almost any plastic degrades in short order in direct sunlight.
You can paint your house w/ crayons cause you like the color but is it a good idea?

Just sayin'

[Stig / Major Tom]

I covered my LIKE seat twice.
The first attempt was using very nice marine grade brown vinyl. As an amateur ulpholsterer I found this to be much too thick and hard to work with. ( there are posts from a couple of us - learn from our mistakes!) The second attempt was using this stuff from SailRite, the All-Sport 4-Way Stretch vinyl was much easier to work with. If I were to do it a 3rd time, I'd rent a power stapler and use this SailRite vinyl again.

My most important tip would be to: put the newly shaped foam on your scoot, cover with something.....and TEST ride it as many times as you need, until you are completely satisfied with its comfort. A week after you've completed this project you do NOT want to be riding thinking, "Shoot, I wish the seat had a little more here...." etc.
I took at least a 1/2 doz rides ----and when I was sure I had it - I extended that ride to 45 mins to be sure.
The black SailRite comes in smooth, and grippy. I chose the smooth - and am happy with that. It lets me move a bit on the seat if I want to - but does not toss me under the dash when I stop quickly.

Good luck, take pix, keep us posted.
You're gonna love your new seat!
Stig

[08087]

Here is something to just ponder over. The sun, and our atmosphere are nothing like they were twenty years ago. Used to be you hang your clothes outside to line dry, and all was good.
Last year I put up a clothes line, and thought how nice this is. I hung some shirts/jeans out, and went to work.
Next morning I pulled the clothes off (24 hours later) and while folding them I noticed every item was sun damaged (bleached looking) on the side facing the sun. Not just a little faded but to the point I can't wear them.
It's gotten so bad that auto, and Marine paint manufacturers HAVE to add UVA/UVB inhibitors in their paint to stop fading, and peeling, and textile manufacturers have had to do the same.

Remember the old canvas boat covers that lasted as long as the boat? They don't last one year now. Same for Plastics. Almost any plastic degrades in short order in direct sunlight.
You can paint your house w/ crayons cause you like the color but is it a good idea?

Just sayin'

You need to stop shopping at WalMart

[Mscmkr]

Well, I was just all over the sailrite website and found the 4 way stretch vinyl. There seems to be one slight issue. It doesn't come in brown!!  Who in there right mind would not make brown? I have the cream colored Like with a brown seat and floor board. I would like to match the floorboard at least close. Any suggestions on this one?

     Ride safe, mscmkr

[Stig / Major Tom]

Well, I was just all over the sailrite website and found the 4 way stretch vinyl. There seems to be one slight issue. It doesn't come in brown!!  Who in there right mind would not make brown? I have the cream colored Like with a brown seat and floor board. I would like to match the floorboard at least close. Any suggestions on this one?

     Ride safe, mscmkr

Well, shoot.
Odds are the shade of brown wouldn't have matched anyway. Still, a very dark brown or something might have worked.
Now you have a tough call....the dark gray or black seems to be your only options.
OR,  build your seat foam, then take your seat to a shop and pick out a vinyl they recommend in a color you like and have them put it on. It is just so hard to get a good job if you don't use this stuff and you make significant changes in the seat shape....unless you are pretty good at heating, stretching cutting and sewing.
Good luck, Stig

[zombie]

Listen to Stig, and Screw 008!