Your vehicle's appearance on the inside is just as important as its looks on the outside. Imagine the disappointment when someone enters your car only to find a ripped, stained or smelly interior. Even if the exterior has a beautiful custom paint job, an internal mess may have passengers trying to hail the nearest taxi.
Auto upholstery repair encompasses anything from fixing a small tear in the driver's seat to a complete overhaul of the inside of your car. You can fix most minor repairs yourself, but be aware that most patches will look like a DIY job. Only replacing the entire seat or carpet in question will make it look like your car suffered no damage at all.
Unfortunately, redoing an entire seat is costly and time consuming for an unexperienced person. On the other hand, you may not be able to get to an auto shop right away. Whether you choose to reupholster your entire interior or just patch a few spots, it's important to understand the basic steps involved.
Fixing Rips and Tears
1. First, determine if the rip falls along a seam. These are easier to repair than those in the middle of fabric.
2. Make sure any exposed foam is safe from glue by placing wax paper or plastic between it and the outer surface. If glue hits the foam, the area will stiffen.
3. Find a spare piece of fabric, leather or vinyl to patch on top for rips along the seam. Extra material is gathered beneath the seat frame and out of view, so you'll most likely have to move a few parts to access it.
4. Align the extra material so it sits snugly against the rip and the seam.
5. Find a patch material to sit under the tear to fix mid-fabric rips. This patch should be as similar to your car's upholstery as possible.
6. Put glue or adhesive on one half of the patch and place it between the plastic or wax paper and the leather or vinyl.
7. Add adhesive to the other side and repeat the process once the first half is dry.
8. Pull the two edges of the tear as tightly together as possible so there's little to no gap in between.
9. Hold the area firmly until the glue dries. Because car interiors are curved, you'll need to apply enough pressure to flatten the area or use a curved pressure plate.
The inner foam padding will degrade if exposed to sunlight.
Splits occur naturally in leather and vinyl seats from normal wear and tear. By this point, the car is generally so old that it's not worth the expense to have the interior professionally restored. Damaged fabric, on the other hand, usually results from accidents caused by sharp objects or cigarettes. If left untreated, the damage will get worse. In addition, the interior foam padding will degrade if exposed to sunlight. You can generally find kits for these types of patches at your local auto supply store.
Some repair kits require heat. These advertise that they make your car look like new, although it should be noted that you get what you pay for. Be sure not to let vinyl or leather get so hot it ends up damaged.
A quick and simple way to fix torn car seats is to buy a cover. However, it can be difficult to find one that matches your interior, and available options may not fit properly.
Fixing Car Interior Stains
1. Attack the stain as soon as possible before it has a chance to set.
2. Remove any excess food or liquid that caused the stain by patting the area with a dry, clean cloth or paper towel. Don't rub, as this will force the stain deeper into the material.
3. Use a neutral soap with warm water to gently scrub or pat the area.
4. Try progressively stronger soaps or ones made specifically for your fabric type if the prior step doesn't work. Only use harsh cleaners as a last resort - these may have unintended consequences and further stain surrounding areas or strip them of color.
5. You'll need a solvent to handle stains from waxy or oil-based products like lipstick. Make sure to open your windows and work in a well-ventilated area.
6. You can also use a solvent to treat bubble gum stains, but you'll first have to harden any remnants with ice and then scrape them off.
After cleaning stains - or, better yet, before any even occur - treat your car's interior with a protective coating to safeguard the fabric, leather or vinyl in the future.
Fixing Burns in Cloth Upholstery
1. Scrape the edges of the burn with a razor blade, removing some of the damaged area as well as fibers from the seat.
2. Put a tiny amount of glue inside the burn mark.
3. Cover the glue with the collected seat fibers and let it dry.
This technique fixes small burns such as those from cigarettes. You'll likely need to redo the entire seat or interior for larger burns.
Fixing Torn Convertible Coverings
1. Fully extend the convertible top to prevent gaps.
2. Clean the area around the tear to remove dirt and debris, then trim any excess fibers. Do not use a detergent or scouring powder. Instead, opt for vinyl or canvas-specific cleaners, rubbing alcohol or mild soap and warm water.
3. Sew tears with matching upholstery thread. Sewing a convertible top is difficult and will take time because the material used is thick enough to take the place of a traditional car roof.
4. Cover the inside with duct tape, then apply adhesive to the outside stitching.
5. Cut a piece of matching marine canvas an inch wider than the hole to make a patch that covers a large area.
6. Sew through both layers to secure the patch to the convertible top.
7. Apply duct tape to the inside, then cover the outer seam with sealant.
Soft top convertibles are made of either vinyl or canvas. If you want to switch from one material to another, you'll have to check the top's frame. Older cars are more forgiving, but new cars can only support a new fabric that's similar in type and weight to the old one.
Additional Factors to Consider
It's best to invest in a professional job you'll be satisfied with rather than one that cuts costs.
Finding a Professional
There are many questions to consider when choosing a professional to redo your car's interior. Price is among them, but cheaper isn't always better. Ideally, your vehicle will last for several years, so it's best to invest in a professional job you'll be satisfied with rather than one that cuts costs.
If you're not certain where to start, organizations such as the International Detailers Association have lists of professionals in your area. Membership in these organizations isn't based on skill, however, so only use them as a starting point. You can also ask family, friends and coworkers for recommendations.
After you've chosen an auto technician, check the warranty he or she offers. You'll want one that lasts at least two years or several thousand miles. In addition, check the quality of the material the professional will use. It's best to invest in a high-quality product that is equal to or better than what the manufacturer chose. That way, you get the benefit of a finished result that looks great and lasts a long time.
Ask professionals if they coat your interior with any sort of sealant or protection. You can even ask for the brand name of the product they use and look up reviews yourself. If you prefer a different product, don't feel pressure to compromise.
Maintaining the inside of your car ensures you travel both in comfort and style. The interior will naturally experience wear and tear over time, but these tips will help keep your car going that extra mile.