DIY Seat Re-Upholstery in VW Camper Bus

DIY Seat Re-Upholstery in VW Camper Bus:

‘Need new seats in your VW Westfalia Camp-mobile or Bus, but you can’t afford to have them professionally done?  Well…you’re not alone!  I too found myself in this situation where the front seats in my old 71 Volkswagen Camper Bus were not only shredding and falling apart, but the seat springs were ripping our clothes when we sat down to drive.  I knew I couldn’t put off upholstering any longer.

With minimal to no funds for prettying up my old bus, I had to get creative.  Enter this Do-It-Yourself method I conjured up out of desperation and hard-headedness.  Re-purposing some leftover (brand new and unused) carpet padding from re-carpeting our daughter’s tiny room, I found it was a perfect fit (firm cushion and water-resistant on top side) for the job.

So, here’s Part I of the creation of my van’s CHEAP DIY seats.  :  )  I welcome you to follow my blog for Part II of this project.  I am awaiting my fabric so I can finish the job.  Wish me luck!  I’m learning as I go, and welcome any comments or suggestions any of you may have.  Thank you for stopping by!  :  )

.V.. (Peace) & Love!

ITEMS USED for RE-UPHOLSTERING Seats —

• A yard-and-a-half of Jute Burlap fabric
• Tan Upholstery or Heavy-duty thread
• Regular, but Large/Sturdy, Sewing Needle
• Upholstery Needle
• New ‘Moisture Resistant’ carpet padding (enough for two layers on seat and back)
• Spray adhesive
• Hemp Twine in various thicknesses
• Choice of Upholstery Fabric ( at least 4 yards) *Does not have to be upholstery fabric, but can be any medium or heavier weight fabric.*
• Fusible Webbing like Wonder Under (heavy weight, but still flexible)
• Elmer’s or similar school glue **Optional

THE PROCESS (in pictures) — PART I: The Tearing Down

The Driver’s Seat (the one I’m working on) Was Worse Than This!

Passenger Seat – Better Than Driver’s Seat Was

Coconut Hull Cushion From Driver’s Seat (what’s left of it)

What’s Left of Driver’s Seat Upholstery

Driver’s Seat Back – Nothing Left of It

Driver’s Seat Bottom – Nothing Left!

Bare Seat Spring

Down To the Bare Metal Driver’s Seat Frame