Seat Repair... Looking for suggestions

[msb]

Looking to see if there's a way to repair my 18 year old Corbin Seat. I've developed a split just above the seam on the one side... otherwise the seat is in excellent condition. I had it custom made for me 18 years ago and unlike many,  along with the new version of the Airhawk seat pad for longer journeys I find the ergonomics and comfort much better for both the Mrs and me than Ultimate ((King and Big Boy) and other seats we've tried over the years so I want to keep using it. Any suggestions for repair, or thoughts from upholstery experts on whether it's possible to repair this  would be appreciated.
Thx

[Serk]

When my custom seat had issues I took it to a local auto upholstery shop, got to pick out the new material I wanted and they totally recovered it for me for around $100 I think... Worked out for me at least, might be worth a quick check locally and drop by and see what they say.

[baldo]

Mike,

Is it an open seam or a split in the leather/vinyl?

My wife and I have an upholstery shop and have done a few seats in our time.

Take a pic and send it to my email and I'll see what I can see.

Bob

[msb]

Mike,

Is it an open seam or a split in the leather/vinyl?

My wife and I have an upholstery shop and have done a few seats in our time.

Take a pic and send it to my email and I'll see what I can see.

Bob

Thx Bob... email sent

[msb]

When my custom seat had issues I took it to a local auto upholstery shop, got to pick out the new material I wanted and they totally recovered it for me for around $100 I think... Worked out for me at least, might be worth a quick check locally and drop by and see what they say.

Thx... that's my next option. I would spend the $$ to get it redone, rather than buy a new seat

[Jess from VA]

Add the same hole on the other side, then whip-stitch a red thread border around each to keep them from further fraying, and call them vents to let out hot air.     (or rain in )

I like to think outside the box.  

Or ride around or take it with you to a few local upholstery shops and see what they say.  

[msb]

Add the same hole on the other side, then whip-stitch a red thread border around each to keep them from further fraying, and call them vents to let out hot air.     (or rain in )

I like to think outside the box.  

Or ride around or take it with you to a few local upholstery shops and see what they say.  

Yes Jess, can always count on you for an "outside the box" response...thx

[boss hoss bill]

I would also call Corbin directly and see what they suggest. Maybe they will repair it for you for a reasonable cost?

[t-man403]

Wonder if there is enough leather there to be able to release the seam, pull the leather down to be able to reseam above it? An upholstry shop should be able to do that. There has got to be enough on the side gusset alone  to do that.

[baldo]

Wonder if there is enough leather there to be able to release the seam, pull the leather down to be able to reseam above it? An upholstry shop should be able to do that. There has got to be enough on the side gusset alone  to do that.

It would create quite a pucker there, in addition to stressing aged leather. There's not much tolerance when stitching vinyl/leather. 1/8" to 1/4" variation in a seam is very noticeable.

[baldo]

I would also call Corbin directly and see what they suggest. Maybe they will repair it for you for a reasonable cost?

From Corbin's website:


My seat's about 30 years old, can you recover it?

Naturally we offer recovers, repairs and restorations of your Corbin saddle. The cost of recovering a seat can vary quite a bit and your best option is to contact our Customer Service department directly. To give you an idea: If your saddle needs a new cover made, the cost will be approximately 75% of that seat model's current price. This is because the greatest area of cost on a saddle (in raw materials AND labor) is in the cover and assembly. Before sending in a saddle for repair or rework, always contact us for a "TLC" number first to assure you get the quality service you deserve.

[msb]

Ya, I realize a re-cover is my best option if I want to keep the seat long term. I also understand the cost because it's a one piece (good thing is the passenger and driver back rests are both in perfect condition at least). I'd consider a small patch just to keep the dampness out for now if I could find a thin material of a like colour and texture that could be glued on, until Winter when I'm not riding as much and can look to  maybe send the seat away...think I'll search around for that.

Appreciate the responses...thx!!

[baldo]

Ya, I realize a re-cover is my best option if I want to keep the seat long term. I also understand the cost because it's a one piece (good thing is the passenger and driver back rests are both in perfect condition at least). I'd consider a small patch just to keep the dampness out for now if I could find a thin material of a like colour and texture that could be glued on, until Winter when I'm not riding as much and can look to  maybe send the seat away...think I'll search around for that.

Appreciate the responses...thx!!

I just got a Russell Day-Long......Man, what an upgrade!

[t-man403]

Wonder if there is enough leather there to be able to release the seam, pull the leather down to be able to reseam above it? An upholstry shop should be able to do that. There has got to be enough on the side gusset alone  to do that.

It would create quite a pucker there, in addition to stressing aged leather. There's not much tolerance when stitching vinyl/leather. 1/8" to 1/4" variation in a seam is very noticeable.

I understand what you mean but I think it would only be noticable by Mike. 

I believe the side gusset to be vinyl and the panel to be leather. The piping could be cut back an inch and the gusset could be made a 1/4" deeper on both sides so as not to bring attention to the repair or add any stress to the panel. The gusset could be seamed down on both sides at the point the piping presently ends. Cheap repair and it woundn't look out of place until Mike figures out a permanent solution. 

[Gryphon Rider]

Just have your favourite seamstress make you a simple seat cover and be done with it. 



You could probably make it even cooler-looking if you used a more interesting pattern, though.  Suggestions:

[t-man403]

Just have your favourite seamstress make you a simple seat cover and be done with it. 

But is it waterproof? 

[Gryphon Rider]

Just have your favourite seamstress make you a simple seat cover and be done with it. 

But is it waterproof? 

Hmm... Do they make shower caps large enough to fit his seat?

[signart]

If you know anyone in the car biz, take it to them for a look see. They have dent guys and upholstery guys that do touch ups on a regular basis. They can fill that gap with some goo and put the grain  back where you cannot tell it from new. It will be guaranteed to last... at least till you leave the lot.

[t-man403]

If you know anyone in the car biz, take it to them for a look see. They have dent guys and upholstery guys that do touch ups on a regular basis. They can fill that gap with some goo and put the grain  back where you cannot tell it from new. It will be guaranteed to last... at least till you leave the lot.

I knew this could be done on vinyl but if it's doable on leather as well, that would be a great solution! 

[baldo]

If you know anyone in the car biz, take it to them for a look see. They have dent guys and upholstery guys that do touch ups on a regular basis. They can fill that gap with some goo and put the grain  back where you cannot tell it from new. It will be guaranteed to last... at least till you leave the lot.

Exactly right. Any such repairs on a flexing surface might last for 24 hrs....

[msb]

Again,. thx for the suggestions. Have found a local upholstery guy not too far from me and I'll ride down there next week. That's what I'm looking for...a decent patch/repair job that will just get me through this season without the tear getting worse before I can decide on a more permanant solution.
GR...I'm not that adventurous. Nothing "funky" on my bike for me...if it aint Red, Black, or Chrome I'm not gonna use it