Rebuilding wood seats

[onebutton]

1988 SN2001 - Rebuilding the front passenger seats - question is: Should I waterseal the wood with something like Thompson's Waterseal before reattaching the old, but fine upholstery? Or is there areason I shouldn't, like trapping moisture between the wood and the foam/vinyl. Many thanks.

[Andrew]

RE: Rebuilding wood seats

When I re-covered my interior, I laid a piece of cellophane (or whatever that interior plastic wrap is called) over the wooden base, then placed the foam over the plastic. This prevented the wet foam from resting against the wood and keeping it wet for eternity.... I also drilled 2 or 3 1" holes in the center of each base (I think the original seats might have had this, not sure though) this allows for a quicker exit for any moisture that may be present in the wood. Lastly, a nice coat of fiberglass resin will be your best bet for protection. I believe that my seats will last the life of the boat now!

[8122pbrainard]

RE: Rebuilding wood seats

onebutton,
I suggest sealing the wood with CPES: http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...D&history= It will really soak into the wood especially the edges where sealing is most needed. Then use a epoxy resin on top of it. Don't use the normal polyester fiberglass resin. It's hygroscopic allowing moisture into the wood. It's one of the reasons we have so many problems with rot on older wood stringer'd boats.

[Andrew]

RE: Rebuilding wood seats

Good point Pete! The epoxy resin is definitely the way to go.... The polyester would PROBABLY be just fine for seats, but a nice epoxy resin should give them a longer life than the rest of the boat....

[herd2243]

I rebuilt my rear seats for my old 88 some years ago, I used fibreglass resin (with the hardener) to coat the wood, it turned out great. I saw my 88 last week with its new owner and the seats are in still prime condition. With no signs of water ingress.

[onebutton]

Many thanks all; keeps me off the water one more weekend, but I think I'll go with the epoxy resin. Appreciate the advice.