Seat Upholstery Clips

[Merle Coggins]

I was attempting to install my seat cover kits today. The original seat covers were attached to the framework by many small "C" shaped clips. If I try to reuse these clips it seems that they'll just cut through the new vinyl cover, or if I spread them open slightly so that they'll go on without damaging the cover then they don't seem to hold very tight. It doesn't take much effort at all to pull the cover and clips off.

What's the trick here? Do I need to find new clips and the proper crimper? Is there something else that'll work better?

Merle

[TodFitch]

I have heard of them being called "hogs rings" or "shoat rings". Believe it or not they had those rings in my local hardware store last time I looked (maybe a year or two ago). And they also had the special pliers that make installing them fairly easy.

I believe that those in the trade have a number of different pliers with different shapes that allow getting into various corners. Fortunately I did not need that for my car and the single style of pliers at my local store was adequate for my needs.

[MBF]

They're not hog rings-those are like a heavy wire circular ring. I had the same problem with used clips. I went to an automotive upholstery shop and he had about 20 new ones that I was able to get. I think the problem is that the older ones lose their spring tension. Its also important how you wrap the material around the frame before you put the clips on. If there's too much material I think it opens up the clips when it stretches. Mike

[Norm's Coupe]

Merle,

On my coupe the old original seat covers were installed with Hog Rings. They are shaped like a letter C prior to compressing them. You can buy a box of 100 for just a few dollars at the True Value Hardware store, only they call them Pig Rings. To make life easy you also should use the special hog ring pliers that is used to compress them. If they don't have a pair of the special pliers, or you don't want to invest in a set, you can stop over and I'll lend you mine to put your covers on. Just give me a call or PM me.

Places that make the seat covers also includes hog rings to install the covers. Got some with my new seat covers. Wasn't enough though so I bought extra Pig Rings from True Value.

P.S. I also have some Pig Rings left. Don't know how many though. Didn't check to see what was left in the box after my son installed the seat covers on his 80 Firebird.

[Young Ed]

The trucks do not use hog rings. They use a barrel shapped piece as Merle described. I ordered a whole box of them from an aveco dealer when I had my seat redone. I'll look and see if I can find the order #

[Young Ed]

You are looking for aveco A7578. I ordered a box for $30. Came from American trim and upholstery supply 918-834-6691 sales@atrim.com

www.atrim.com

A7578

SEAT CUSHION UPHOLSTERY CLIPS

500 PER BOX $30.00

$ .11 EA.

[Merle Coggins]

That's it Ed. Thanks.

I was looking through that web site yesterday, but I couldn't find them. The way they have things organized is kind of confussing. I'll get some ordered up toot sweet.

Merle

[Young Ed]

Merle Just FYI- I'm not sure if it was because the material was a little thicker then stock or what but my upholster neighbor ended up using more then what was on mine originally. Just in case you are ordering a set amount.

[Merle Coggins]

For $30 I'm just gonna get a box of 500. That sould be enough. 250 for the seat cushion, and 250 for the seat back.

I didn't count what was on the seat when I pealed the old cover off. I'd have to guess that there were around 30 - 40 on each. Even if I double that number I'll have some left over.

[Young Ed]

I just went for the box too but we have more then one truck to do seats for