Installation Tip: MGA Seat Cover
As with any upholstery installation. Achieving a professional quality upholstery fit requires experience and specialized techniques. Improper installation may result in poor fit, wrinkles, or damage to materials. Proceed carefully, make gradual adjustments, and be aware that additional trimming or modifications may be necessary for proper fitment. Note the use of new foam with the installation of seat covers is always recommended.
With all seat upholstery installation, it is advisable to warm the material prior to fitting. This may be achieved by placing the covers in direct sunlight on a mild to hot day (70°F / 21°C or above) for approximately 30 minutes, which will render the material more pliable and easier to install.
The use of alternative heating methods, such as heat guns, is not generally recommended unless undertaken by an experienced professional, as excessive heat may cause irreversible damage to the material. Please note that any such damage resulting from improper heating will not be covered under warranty.
Seat Base Installation
Inspect and prep the plywood base:
Preform the following checks on the plywood base to ensure it is in suitable to reupholster condition:
- Cracks
- Warping
- Delamination
- If it is structurally weak
If it has any of the abovementioned damages replace it.
641-905 L/H Base assembly with riser & screen
641-915 R/H Base assembly with riser & screen
You may need to lightly sand and clean the surface.
Optional: seal with thin varnish or shellac to protect the plywood from moisture.
Add padding layer (important):
- Original MGA seats typically had a thin padding layer over the wood:
- Glue a layer of burlap, felt, or jute padding to the plywood.
- This prevents the foam from wearing against the wood edge.
Install the foam cushion:
- Position the new foam on the base making sure it is centered. MGA seats are small, so misalignment is obvious.
- Lightly glue it down with upholstery adhesive to ensure it maintains its’ position.
Seat base cover installation:
- Because the MGA uses a plywood base, this step is all about controlled stretching and careful stapling.
- The cover usually wraps around the foam and staples or tacks to the underside of the plywood.
- Place the cover over the foam. Apply firm, even downward pressure on the foam while pulling the cover into position.
- This compresses the foam slightly and makes it much easier to stretch the cover material without over-straining it.
- Pull the material snug and apply a few staples or tacks underneath. Starting with a couple of staples or tacks at the front edge then apply a couple at the rear.
- Don’t fully secure anything yet, this is just to hold alignment.
- Work back to front, then side to side, gradually pulling the material tighter. Add staples incrementally as you go to keep tension even across the entire seat.
- To achieve Final alignment and finish look. Gradually work the material continuing to apply firm pressure on the foam while pulling the cover material. Expect to remove and or reposition staples multiple times to get the assembly to develop the desired look. To keep the material pliable and assist in achieving the desired look. We suggest you introduce this assembly to the sun for 15 minutes, while doing this process. (With leather kits avoid over-tensioning leather because it does not rebound like vinyl).
- Once satisfied add final staples closer together for a secure hold.
Seat back to frame Installation
Install foams onto the frames:
- Attach the foam to the seat back frame (applying light adhesive if needed)
Install Covers
- Carefully align the cover front center seam and top corners
- Gradually and evenly pull the cover down onto the frame while keeping an eye on the cover alignment ensuring it is centered.
- Make sure top corners are smooth and side seams are straight and even. Pre-staple or temporarily tack the cover in place. Expose the material to sunlight for approximately 15 minutes to increase pliability. Adjust and smooth out any wrinkles or alignment issues. (With leather kits avoid over-tensioning leather because it does not rebound like vinyl).
Final finishing:
- Trim excess material under the base.
- Proceed with applying final stapling to secure the cover.
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