BEST method for attaching seat cover to fiberglass seat pan?

[Doogie]

Staples?
Rivets?
Contact cement?
Glue of some sort?
Epoxy?
Brute force?
Magic?

Any and all info/suggestions welcome.

 

[jsharpphoto]

Use upholstery snaps held in place with pop rivets and washers.

 

[o1marc]

Really depends on the final look you are going for. Over lapping vinyl with snaps is vintage looking, upholstered seat pan velcro'ed to the seat base are a couple if the seat is to be removable. If the cover is to be permanent then any of the other methods you listed will work. Easiest would be what ever you have on hand to work with.

 

[Doogie]

I'm not into the snaps look...at least not on this bike. I have been researching all the above options and so far I have read that staples will not hold, will crack the fiberglass, etc. I would only be able to use rivets in certain sections(front and rear) but on the sides they would likely punch through and I don't want to risk that. I am building a bratish seat BTW.

Maybe I will be using a few different methods to attach it. I will most likely be using some adhesive/glue to provide a little extra security. Any suggestions on what type/brand to use?

 

[J-Rod10]

You can use grommets, and have the snaps on the inside of the seat pan. They wouldn't be visible, and the cover would still be removable.

 

[anchored]

I have a fiberglass seat seat, the vinyl is glued underneath to hold, works great and looks clean. I have some screws that mount the fiberglass pan to the stock seat pan, so it can be easily removed if needed.

 

[Doogie]

You can use grommets, and have the snaps on the inside of the seat pan. They wouldn't be visible, and the cover would still be removable.

Not sure what you mean about grommets. I actually have some sitting around but I can't imagine ow you are suggesting to attach them. No worries though cause the cover will not need to be removable.

 

[o1marc]

I'm not into the snaps look...at least not on this bike. I have been researching all the above options and so far I have read that staples will not hold, will crack the fiberglass, etc. I would only be able to use rivets in certain sections(front and rear) but on the sides they would likely punch through and I don't want to risk that. I am building a bratish seat BTW.

Maybe I will be using a few different methods to attach it. I will most likely be using some adhesive/glue to provide a little extra security. Any suggestions on what type/brand to use?

Wood strips (visualize paint stir sticks) are usually incorporated into the underside of the seat either by gluing or using resin when making the seat to use as a base for stapling.

If the cover is going to be non removable then just use a good spray adhesive to secure the vinyl or whatever material to the pan.

 

[J-Rod10]

Depending on the size you have (I drill a 1/8" hole), run the grommet through, then attach a stud on the other side, pinch it with an upholstery clamp. Easy as can be, and exceptionally sturdy.

 

[o1marc]

Depending on the size you have (I drill a 1/8" hole), run the grommet through, then attach a stud on the other side, pinch it with an upholstery clamp. Easy as can be, and exceptionally sturdy.

I'm lost by your description also. Do you have a pic of these studs, grommets and upholstery clamps?

 

[Doogie]

X2

Anyhow I wound up adding some staple strips on there for fun. It should work out just fine with some glue and a bit of patience. I actually used some old HD large paint stirrers I had laying around. Worked out great.

I'll post pics tomorrow.

 

[J-Rod10]

Piece on bottom left. Run the stud into the inside of the seat pan. Attach a stud to it.

Apply a cap and socket to the cover.

This is the tool that pinches both of the above mentioned joints together.

 

[o1marc]

Put a stud in it and then attach a stud to it? I still don't get it. That pic shows the parts needed to attach the cover using button snaps. The stud is the same as a rivit but with a bigger backing plate. If you have the proper tool to install them that's the way to go. If using a rivit all you would need is backer plates which are just washers that the rivit pulls against instead of pulling through the glass. More of us have rivit guns than we do the special install tool for snaps.

 

[activechild]

Think I'll be using this stuff when I make mine: http://www.3m.com/product/information/Dual-Lock-Reclosable-Fastener.html
The s**t can is strong as hell!

 

[rockcitycafe]

Think I'll be using this stuff when I make mine: http://www.3m.com/product/information/Dual-Lock-Reclosable-Fastener.html
The s**t can is strong as hell!

that's way too strong, it will pull the adhesive off the fiberglass before coming apart. use regular velcro, about 6 square inches on the bottom and the same on the back will lock it down just fine

 

[RedBullEnema]

that's way too strong, it will pull the adhesive off the fiberglass before coming apart. use regular velcro, about 6 square inches on the bottom and the same on the back will lock it down just fine

Cant agree enough! The dual lock is best used on flexible materials where you can bend and peel apart to break the bond. We use it a bit here in aerospace, but never have I seen it used on two rigid parts that you actually need to separate sooner or later ;D