Strap Tension - Rebuilding Seats

[inline6]

I am starting to rebuild the seats for my 6/71 240Z.  I have this seat re-strap kit from Motorsport Auto, but I don't have any idea how much tension to put on the straps when I attach them to the bottom frame.  The strapping material is rubberized, so it can be stretched.  I am wondering if anyone has done a seat rebuild using this strap material and has any guidance? 

Once I determine the amount of stretch to apply, I will be marking the non-stretched length and the stretched length on a template for cutting so I can stretch them equal amounts.

[psdenno]

40 minutes ago, inline6 said:

I am starting to rebuild the seats for my 6/71 240Z.  I have this seat re-strap kit from Motorsport Auto, but I don't have any idea how much tension to put on the straps when I attach them to the bottom frame.  The strapping material is rubberized, so it can be stretched.  I am wondering if anyone has done a seat rebuild using this strap material and has any guidance? 

Once I determine the amount of stretch to apply, I will be marking the non-stretched length and the stretched length on a template for cutting so I can stretch them equal amounts.

I rebuilt the seats on my 4/71 Z last year.  Start by watching a YouTube video or two to get tips on "how to" and the tools you'll need.  

To stretch the webbing, start by attaching the end of the webbing to one of the seat mounting metal clips with rivets.  Clip that end back in place on the seat frame.  Install a metal webbing clip to the opposite side of the frame and thread the webbing through it.  Pull the webbing tight around the second clip and mark where to cut it allowing for overlap room to put in the rivets.  Use that as your pattern for the length of the rest of the straps.  

Get the straps as tight as you can as they will only loosen with use over time.  My straps had pretty much disintegrated after 50 years. 

[zed2]

When using a Pirelli strap material:
Each of the 8 straps are 18-1/2” overall.

Each end of the strap is folded over the clip with an overlap of 2”

Results in a 14-1/2” finished length strap.

Other strapping material may have a different elasticity, requiring a different overall length.

Keith

[inline6]

Should I acquire Pirelli strap material?  The strap material I got from MSA is something else.

[zed2]

Since the pandemic the resource I used in the US no longer carries the material.

I found this source on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/162029179414

 

There may be other retailers in the US who have the material in stock I recommend you search etsy and other upholstery supply houses for local availability.

Keith 

[dutchzcarguy]

On 8/28/2024 at 4:30 AM, psdenno said:

Get the straps as tight as you can

I've restored some seats long time ago.. orig. early 71 seats..   I would NOT do them as tight you can..  Just pull every strap the same amount (about 30 pounds?) and after you done one lower seat part test it with sitting on it.. start maybe with 20 pounds you can always  put them tighter on not lesser!

Put the lower part of the seat in a vice or something that it can't move.. You need to experiment on how tight you need to do the straps.. Don't do them very tight as there are about 8-10? straps and together they are strong and can keep the weight up!