Continuing the resurrection of my 128 EstateWagon,
but on light duty projects for now...while recovering from recent spine surgery.
(A bilateral, dual level laminectomy & spur removal...4 areas of nerve compression).
Now 3 weeks post-op and feel 20 years younger!
This was my 4th spine surgery over the last 30 years,
and hopefully my last...unless I beat the life expectancy stats for my age/demographic.
Replacement seats were sourced from 89K mile 128 several years ago.
Covered by sheepskins when I got 'em, and in remarkable condition.
Very dirty, but soft/supple vinyl. Truly amazing for 43 yr old vinyl.
Multiple passes to scrub clean to insure proper dye adhesion.
Also stiched up the only worn area, and glued reinforcement to back side.
Not a concours repair,but not too noticable as shown in pic.
Bonus is the repair matches the new zipper on my lower back! Ha!
Metal areas painted, vinyl areas coated with satin vinyl spray.
Duplicolor brand fails here...they're only only available in flat or gloss.
SEM or VHT brands cost more, but have OE looking satin finish.
Soaked the seat mount/tilt mechanism in phosphoric acid bath, & painted.
Extreme prepping doesn't much affect the look of finished product,
but it does pay dividends by promoting longevity of the refinish.
Even in areas that aren't really visible, if'n I'ma gonna paint it,
I'ma gonna do the best prep I can.
Call me Kookoo, but that's how I gotta roll.
Even tho' the Estate may be heading to Bring A Trailer.
With replacement dash & seats from Oregon cars (where sun damage is minimal),
and that gloriously rust-free California body,
this project combines the best of the west coast cars.
This project has laid fallow for several years.
due to physical limitations, took on too many projects,
lost motivation, and surprisingly how much time it took to re-home 5 Fiats.
Now with overhauled spine, and a more realistic project list,
the magical glow of Fiat resurrection has returned!
Seat mounts, stripped to virgin metal & painted.
Seats are in amazing condition.
The stiched repair at lower left of one seat looks like the new zipper on my low back!
Seat bases prepped/painted also.
Previously restored dash...virgin skin, but rusted frame...now rebuilt with fiberglass.
but on light duty projects for now...while recovering from recent spine surgery.
(A bilateral, dual level laminectomy & spur removal...4 areas of nerve compression).
Now 3 weeks post-op and feel 20 years younger!
This was my 4th spine surgery over the last 30 years,
and hopefully my last...unless I beat the life expectancy stats for my age/demographic.
Replacement seats were sourced from 89K mile 128 several years ago.
Covered by sheepskins when I got 'em, and in remarkable condition.
Very dirty, but soft/supple vinyl. Truly amazing for 43 yr old vinyl.
Multiple passes to scrub clean to insure proper dye adhesion.
Also stiched up the only worn area, and glued reinforcement to back side.
Not a concours repair,but not too noticable as shown in pic.
Bonus is the repair matches the new zipper on my lower back! Ha!
Metal areas painted, vinyl areas coated with satin vinyl spray.
Duplicolor brand fails here...they're only only available in flat or gloss.
SEM or VHT brands cost more, but have OE looking satin finish.
Soaked the seat mount/tilt mechanism in phosphoric acid bath, & painted.
Extreme prepping doesn't much affect the look of finished product,
but it does pay dividends by promoting longevity of the refinish.
Even in areas that aren't really visible, if'n I'ma gonna paint it,
I'ma gonna do the best prep I can.
Call me Kookoo, but that's how I gotta roll.
Even tho' the Estate may be heading to Bring A Trailer.
With replacement dash & seats from Oregon cars (where sun damage is minimal),
and that gloriously rust-free California body,
this project combines the best of the west coast cars.
This project has laid fallow for several years.
due to physical limitations, took on too many projects,
lost motivation, and surprisingly how much time it took to re-home 5 Fiats.
Now with overhauled spine, and a more realistic project list,
the magical glow of Fiat resurrection has returned!
Seat mounts, stripped to virgin metal & painted.
Seats are in amazing condition.
The stiched repair at lower left of one seat looks like the new zipper on my low back!
Seat bases prepped/painted also.
Previously restored dash...virgin skin, but rusted frame...now rebuilt with fiberglass.
