Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

As part of my ongoing project to resurrect an 89 Elite, I am trying to figure out how to fix a particularly vexing problem: a pink seat

Although I am a progressive an enlightened fellow, pink just isn't my color. So what is the best way to refinish this seat? Should I get/make a cover for it, take it someplace professional to get reupholstered, or do it myself? And if I should attempt it myself, can anyone point me to a good instructable for reupholstering a motorcycle/scooter seat?

EDIT: I also have to figure out some way to cover up this horrible gray floorboard plastic. I was thinking of trying vinyl dye, but wondered if anyone here had any suggestions. Alternately, I might just paint the floorboard and then cover the area I'll be stepping on with astroturf.

Funny you should mention it... I am part way doing the same.

I already have the black vinyl cut out, and I may be able to take a template. _If_ it works OK (might get it done at the weekend) then I'll post it up.

Providing of course your seat is the same shape as an 86 spree.

If sewing, use a leather needle and 100%acrylic threrad so it doesn't rot if it gets wet.

I am going to fix it by cutting away the original scraps of vinyl but leave a "skirt" on the inside that I can stable to the new seat onto..

and just remember, a sewing machine is "just another power tool"

cheers

Dave

Just spotted your "floor" edit... I have spotted some rubber matting that is silver coloured and finished like diamond plate.

I was considering cutting some of this to shape and covering the floor boards on mine...

Just need to get all the mechanical niggles out of the way before I satrt pimping it

Samargh wrote:Just need to get all the mechanical niggles out of the way before I satrt pimping it

Yeah, that's my first priority too. I just figured I'd start researching the upholstery problem while I'm sitting at work unable to work on my scooter.

Spray the floor with pickup bed liner.

GIJoeBob wrote:Spray the floor with pickup bed liner.

Huh, I hadn't thought of that. Nice idea!

Check out this thread http://www.hondaspree.net/phpBB2/viewto ... sc&start=0

This is an 88 elite. It was mine, I was responsible for the awful orange paint job but CRXDrew did an unbelievable job of painting it up after i sold it to him. He used bumper paint on the floorboards and the plastic around the speedo.

dukemartini wrote:Check out this thread http://www.hondaspree.net/phpBB2/viewto ... sc&start=0

This is an 88 elite. It was mine, I was responsible for the awful orange paint job but CRXDrew did an unbelievable job of painting it up after i sold it to him. He used bumper paint on the floorboards and the plastic around the speedo.

bumper paint - that's brilliant.

And he painted the body with engine enamel?

I thought the bumper paint was brilliant myself. Its totally made to handle abuse and I personally like the black better than the gray from the factory.

yeah, he used engine enamel and it looks soooo nice.

I used Krylon Fusion paint on floorboards; meant for plastic, has held up really well, I didn't expect it to.

I would try using Krylon Fusion black on the stripe first, just tape off the rest of the seat.

I sewed a whole new seat using the pattern of the old leather Spree seat cover. Not too difficult if you have a sewing machine, Ill take a picture soon!

my ears are burning....

i was just working on the lil lady's scooter and decided to drop in. Bumper paint is still holding up great... just be sure to prep prep prep and when you think it is prepped well... prep it again!

noiseguy wrote:I used Krylon Fusion paint on floorboards; meant for plastic, has held up really well, I didn't expect it to.

I would try using Krylon Fusion black on the stripe first, just tape off the rest of the seat.

Darn tootin and I concur. Krylon Fusion is remarkable paint. What to know first though. Cure time is wonky and although I spoke to the manufacturer techies a few times, re-spray within 24 hours for a few coats is fine but on the can it says can be done after 7 days too. Even in perfect conditions and in a warm environment for that week, spray again and it'll lift.

So, prep it well, final wash with dish soap, dry well and use a hair/blow dryer on the parts, use a tack cloth to get all grit & dust off of it, if no tack cloth, wrap masking tape around your hand a few times (sticky side out of course LOL) and stick it.

Spray light coats and wait 1 minute before spraying about 3 to 4 of them. Let cure for a few days indoors, then park the part in the sun for a day or two of warm sunny days.

I paint my floorboards all the time with this stuff, Satin Black semi-flat and while wearing steel toe workboots, very few scuffs. Just remember if re-spraying is needed within even a month or two from a boo-boo, it can still lift as the solvents in this stuff are pretty strong. They paint those stupid resin lawnchairs with this stuff when the white ones you have look all weathered no matter how much you clean 'em each day

Marine boat seat paint also works for vinyl seats and if you follow the instructions and let it dry/cure properly, your butt rubbing on it often while wearing bluejeans leaves no marks or abrasion.

Don't use any primer for the Fusion Krylon, do NOT use clearcoat of theirs and yeah, they do have it for sale too. From #200 to #400 wet sand paper is okay to use as multi-coats of Sherwin paint fills in nicely. Walmart sells Krylon and nope, don't mix other brands with the stuff.

Scuffing the vinyl seats is important too, as is using varsol on it to clean well into the unseen pores which have some dirt/dust in there somewhere