Airtex upholstery- need instructions

[ateamer]

I bought an upholstery kit from Airtex to re-cover our Cessna’s seats. Unfortunately it did not come with any instructions. A call to Airtex got me a sheet with passwords to access their customer portal, which only has photos but no instructions.

My mistake, I didn’t realize it’s intended for experienced upholsterers. I can’t find any decent videos showing how to do it. Apparently Airtex encourages using phone support, and doesn’t publish any instructions nor videos.

Anyone have a website or video showing a bit more about how to do it? I have a pretty good idea of what to do, but would like some actual direction and tips. (I know, I know. Don’t DIY it - just pay someone.)

 

[Doc Holliday]

Did you type airtex interior into a YouTube search?

 

[Gary Ward]

I did my seats years ago.
First you strip everything off the frames.
I used a steam pressure washer to get all the paint and adhesive off.
Then painted the bases.

I used a HF cheap sprayer to spray contact cement thinned.

 

[Gary Ward]

I did one seat at a time and kept my plane flying. Did the back seat first, then did the passenger seat. Then put it on the left side and kept flying the plane. Did the pilots seat last after some practice.

I used camrey headrest brackets, they fit better than the cessna headrests.

 

[BigghHauss78]

I need to replace the plastic grommet things that dress off the top of the headrest post hole. Not sure what they are called, or where to get. If anybody can give some direction, I would very much appreciate it! Mine were all cracked out when I did my seats.

 

[BigghHauss78]

Actually, disregard. I found them. I guess they are just called 'grommets'. PN: 0514110-1

 

[murphey]

I took the seats and the box of Airtex stuff to the local car/boat upholstery shop which also does airplane seats but that's hidden in the fine print on the website. They're very experienced having done many Airtex projects. I provided upgraded Jim Fixx foam for the 2 front seats, like it better than the standard Airtex. 3 days later picked up the seats. Not outlandishly expensive and they did a great job. Much better than anything I could do.

 

[Larry Korona]

I took the seats and the box of Airtex stuff to the local car/boat upholstery shop which also does airplane seats but that's hidden in the fine print on the website. They're very experienced having done many Airtex projects. I provided upgraded Jim Fixx foam for the 2 front seats, like it better than the standard Airtex. 3 days later picked up the seats. Not outlandishly expensive and they did a great job. Much better than anything I could do.

Was the upgraded foam precut to fit the seats or did the upholstery shop cut to fit?

 

[murphey]

Was the upgraded foam precut to fit the seats or did the upholstery shop cut to fit?

Comes in any size and density you choose. It's not difficult to cut to fit. As I said, the shop is very good at this.

 

[bonefishpete]

Do you need special fire rated foam?

 

[murphey]

Do you need special fire rated foam?

It would be a really good idea. Jim Fixx foam comes with the FAA certification.