washing spirit R/T interior seats.

[tim081594]

I heard another member talking about taking the cloth off of the seats and throwing them in the washer and dryer and saying it works really well. How would you go about getting the cloth off the seats and putting it back on?

[tim081594]

just realized this should be in interiors if someone wants to move it.

[4Daytonas]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim081594 just realized this should be in interiors if someone wants to move it.

well that may work, but a lot of trouble.I detailed cars at a Chrysler Dealer for 9 years before retiring( halellulah!).This sounds crazy, but it really needs to be summertime or have a really good heated garage.i would spray the seats (out of car)with Car Brite Blue Max and then scrub them with a brush--then rinse them with a hose--stand them up on edge and let them dry-preferably in the sun-- by the end of the day they would be clean and dry and ready to re install.

[tim081594]

Ok.That won't cause any mold or mildew in the foam?

[4Daytonas]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim081594 Ok.That won't cause any mold or mildew in the foam?

As I said it really needs to be summertime to do this.I would hang the seats so the water would drain out and did it first thing in the morning .By evening the seats would be dry from being in the sun.I really soaked the seats to get all the junk beer,colas etc to run out.I think you might get some smell issues if you aren't able to dry them thoroughly and quickly.I had a Ram pickup sit inside for about two weeks drying the carpet.It ended up ok,but I wouldn't recommend it on your own car!

[Quigs]

I used my shampoo vac, the little attachment part. Cleaned them using normal soap for the machine then left the doors open. "This was in summer" You wouldn't believe how dirty even clean seats and a clean floor can be until you use a shampoo vac.

[phantomrt]

The shampoo vac is the easiest way, but the problem for some is gaining access to one. The other method of literally soaking them, scrubbing them, and setting them out to dry also works well. It takes mold a few days to set in and would only be a problem if it doesn't dry out for several days.

But I am the fan of throwing the fabric in the wash machine and do it that way. I find that the biggest advantage to this method is that you can also throw the fabric in the dryer (make sure it is set on low or any vinyl will melt--I made that mistake) and when it is dry, the fabric is really soft and fluffy. The other methods tend to make the fabric stiff and matted down and it is more difficult to get all the detergents out.

I will 2nd and 3rd and 4th the TONS OF CRAP that comes out of the fabric even if it looks clean. Pretty much every car I get, I pull the carpet out and pressure spray that with a scrubbing, too. It makes you never want to buy another used car again.

[tim081594]

How do you get the cloth off of the seats and put it back on?

[phantomrt]

I never done the seats from a Spirit/Acclaim, but if it is anything like others I have done, the fabric is "stretched" over the cushion and there are plastic clips sewn to the fabric that clip onto the metal chassis of the seat. Getting these off is easy, then kinda peel it away and then you will meet a bazillion "C" ring clips attaching the fabric to metal rods running through the cushion of the seat. It is a lot of work, and I have no idea how they do it on a production line. Getting it all back together isnt the easiest thing in the world either... if you figure out an easy way, let me know.

About 15 minutes into the project, renting one of those shampooing machines REALLY starts sounding like a good idea.

[williamZ]

I use a Bissell little green machine or a shop vac with tough stuff interior shampoo. Works well.

[Runner]

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantomrt ...and then you will meet a bazillion "C" ring clips attaching the fabric to metal rods running through the cushion of the seat. It is a lot of work, and I have no idea how they do it on a production line. Getting it all back together isnt the easiest thing in the world either... if you figure out an easy way, let me know.

The clips I believe you are referring to are called hog rings. Purpose-built hog ring pliers can be had for those little buggers...

[1983Rampage]

thread moved to interior.

[fuzz's84Daytona]

I used a Green Machine with Resolve cleaner and it worked great. I didn't take them off, but as far as putting them back on I have seen people use silicone spray on the cushions and pull the cloth over them and it's doesn't leave any residue. Good luck.

Fuzz

[gkcooper]

I have taken seats out to a carwash stall, hosed them with detergent, then put the high-pressure soap to them until it runs white coming out. Then, rinse very thoroughly. let dry for several days. You will not believe how good it will look. I do the same thing to carpet and mats. The Alabama summer makes this easy.

[jj86gn]

I took the seats out of my 86 Tona. Cut the hog rings and threw them in my wife's washer. I added some fabric softener and then dried them in the dryer. All I can say is WOW, Look 100% better and the cloth/vinyl is really soft.

To put the seat back together I used high strength zip ties in place of the hog rings.