Upholstery recommendations near San Jose?

[arnoha]

I think I'm going to bite the bullet and repair the seats in my 172S. I'm in San Jose in the San Francisco Bay Area. Anyone have any recommendations as to a good shop? I'm willing to consider a good auto upholstery shop if that makes sense.

 

[James331]

Great resource for quality upholstery reviews.

Probably could find a great shop in just the first page.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/need-upholstery-done-in-so-cal.63657/

1. Tito Auto Trim Address: 8146 Hellman Ave, Rosemead, CA 91770 Phone: (626) 573-5911


Tito's been around for a long time. He re-covered my leather seats in my '95 Impala SS and came out perfect! Pricing is fair. He's done a lot of the homie's bombs in this area.

2. Modern Auto Trim Shop
Address: 15838 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90603 Phone: (562) 947-1219 The owner, Mr. Boetyl is one of the early if not original members of LA Roadsters. He does most of their cars. A bit pricey, but quality work.


I'm most likely taking mine to SANTY UPHOLSTERY after I get my dash painted.
12501 Prairie Ave.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 644-3077

I also hear California Auto Upholstery, a little tiny shop in Bell Gardens is good. I think the guys name to talk to is Junior.
562-927-9334

Others recommend Garza's
14220 E Valley Blvd
LaPuente, Ca
818-333-7214



I was gonna make a wise-ass remark about a Tijuana T&R job, but I think I wanna go to Tito's now, and it's 2,500 miles away. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[arnoha]

Thanks! That site is pretty, but I can't find a search function. There's got to be a thread on the same thing there that's in my part of the world.

 

[arnoha]

Bump.

No one has any recommendations in the Bay Area? I'd really like to avoid the downtime of shipping the seat out and back.

 

[Tom-D]

It doesn't get any better than this

http://www.recovery-shop.com

Call Stitch! you won't be sorry.

 

[hiflier]

I had my plane done by Giotto's at San Jose; no complaints.

 

[bnt83]

I think I'm going to bite the bullet and repair the seats in my 172S. I'm in San Jose in the San Francisco Bay Area. Anyone have any recommendations as to a good shop? I'm willing to consider a good auto upholstery shop if that makes sense.

Since the 172S was certified to expanded crashworthiness standards I wouldn't let an auto shop dink with the seats.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-id...2d4730d3&mc=true&node=se14.1.23_1562&rgn=div8

Seat foams are part of certification. This is an example of where it is controlled:


§23.562 Emergency landing dynamic conditions.


(b) Except for those seat/restraint systems that are required to meet paragraph (d) of this section, each seat/restraint system for crew or passenger occupancy in a normal, utility, or acrobatic category airplane, or in a commuter category jet airplane, must successfully complete dynamic tests or be demonstrated by rational analysis supported by dynamic tests, in accordance with each of the following conditions. These tests must be conducted with an occupant simulated by an anthropomorphic test dummy (ATD) defined by 49 CFR part 572, subpart B, or an FAA-approved equivalent, with a nominal weight of 170 pounds and seated in the normal upright position.
(1) For the first test, the change in velocity may not be less than 31 feet per second. The seat/restraint system must be oriented in its nominal position with respect to the airplane and with the horizontal plane of the airplane pitched up 60 degrees, with no yaw, relative to the impact vector. For seat/restraint systems to be installed in the first row of the airplane, peak deceleration must occur in not more than 0.05 seconds after impact and must reach a minimum of 19g. For all other seat/restraint systems, peak deceleration must occur in not more than 0.06 seconds after impact and must reach a minimum of 15g.
(2) For the second test, the change in velocity may not be less than 42 feet per second. The seat/restraint system must be oriented in its nominal position with respect to the airplane and with the vertical plane of the airplane yawed 10 degrees, with no pitch, relative to the impact vector in a direction that results in the greatest load on the shoulder harness. For seat/restraint systems to be installed in the first row of the airplane, peak deceleration must occur in not more than 0.05 seconds after impact and must reach a minimum of 26g. For all other seat/restraint systems, peak deceleration must occur in not more than 0.06 seconds after impact and must reach a minimum of 21g.

(7) The compression load measured between the pelvis and the lumbar spine of the ATD may not exceed 1,500 pounds.​

 

[Tom-D]

Since the 172S was certified to expanded crashworthiness standards I wouldn't let an auto shop dink with the seats.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-id...2d4730d3&mc=true&node=se14.1.23_1562&rgn=div8

Seat foams are part of certification. This is an example of where it is controlled:


§23.562 Emergency landing dynamic conditions.


(b) Except for those seat/restraint systems that are required to meet paragraph (d) of this section, each seat/restraint system for crew or passenger occupancy in a normal, utility, or acrobatic category airplane, or in a commuter category jet airplane, must successfully complete dynamic tests or be demonstrated by rational analysis supported by dynamic tests, in accordance with each of the following conditions. These tests must be conducted with an occupant simulated by an anthropomorphic test dummy (ATD) defined by 49 CFR part 572, subpart B, or an FAA-approved equivalent, with a nominal weight of 170 pounds and seated in the normal upright position.
(1) For the first test, the change in velocity may not be less than 31 feet per second. The seat/restraint system must be oriented in its nominal position with respect to the airplane and with the horizontal plane of the airplane pitched up 60 degrees, with no yaw, relative to the impact vector. For seat/restraint systems to be installed in the first row of the airplane, peak deceleration must occur in not more than 0.05 seconds after impact and must reach a minimum of 19g. For all other seat/restraint systems, peak deceleration must occur in not more than 0.06 seconds after impact and must reach a minimum of 15g.
(2) For the second test, the change in velocity may not be less than 42 feet per second. The seat/restraint system must be oriented in its nominal position with respect to the airplane and with the vertical plane of the airplane yawed 10 degrees, with no pitch, relative to the impact vector in a direction that results in the greatest load on the shoulder harness. For seat/restraint systems to be installed in the first row of the airplane, peak deceleration must occur in not more than 0.05 seconds after impact and must reach a minimum of 26g. For all other seat/restraint systems, peak deceleration must occur in not more than 0.06 seconds after impact and must reach a minimum of 21g.

(7) The compression load measured between the pelvis and the lumbar spine of the ATD may not exceed 1,500 pounds.​

What does the seat structure and safety harness have to do with the seat covering?

Besides Stitch is very familiar with the burn requirements and what materials meet those requirements.

 

[arnoha]

I had my plane done by Giotto's at San Jose; no complaints.

I saw them, but they struck me as a corp jet kind of outfit. Maybe I should get a quote anyway; maybe I misread it. Were they expensive?

I just got a quote from Stich of $350-400 for just replacing the busted panels, which really ideal for me. He's the winner right now, with the only caveat being he's kinda far away.

 

[bnt83]

What does the seat structure and safety harness have to do with the seat covering?

Besides Stitch is very familiar with the burn requirements and what materials meet those requirements.

Newer aircraft : seat foam = seat structure.

Technically even the covering is part of dynamic crash certification in that extraordinarily slick materials cannot be used to cover seats.

It has not been established what the OP intends to do with his seat, gluing rips tears vs a full upholstery job. I would not let "auto shop" do much more than clean or re-dye them or glue rips/tares.

 

[clarkmueller]

I think I'm going to bite the bullet and repair the seats in my 172S. I'm in San Jose in the San Francisco Bay Area. Anyone have any recommendations as to a good shop? I'm willing to consider a good auto upholstery shop if that makes sense.

My 1979 T210 was done at Belardi Interiors (WVI) in 2010, and I think the work is outstanding. I can't speak to the interaction with the shop or the cost, because it was done by the prior owner, but I'd be happy to share more pictures privately or even show you in person if you'd like. I'm based at SJC.

 

[Tom-D]

Newer aircraft : seat foam = seat structure. .

AHH No! show us that in writing.

 

[Tom-D]

Newer aircraft : seat foam = seat structure.

Technically even the covering is part of dynamic crash certification in that extraordinarily slick materials cannot be used to cover seats.

It has not been established what the OP intends to do with his seat, gluing rips tears vs a full upholstery job. I would not let "auto shop" do much more than clean or re-dye them or glue rips/tares.

Actually it's an owner do.

How do you explain the active use of memory foam? many shops both Aviation and the auto industry use it, and nary a word from the FSDOs

 

[arnoha]

Well, I'm not using the stock material if I can avoid it. I just looked up the Cessna part. $929. Before tax and installation. Thanks, but no!

I've got three solid recommendations. That's fantastic. Thank you. (I'll certainly take more, too, if anyone has any.)

Stich is looking like the likely option right now. A little far away, but what's having a plane for?

 

[Tom-D]

Well, I'm not using the stock material if I can avoid it.

You don't have to, all you need is a burn cert saying the material is Flame resistant.

Stich is looking like the likely option right now. A little far away, but what's having a plane for?

he can supply the burn certs you need in almost any fabric you like.

But remember the pure wool, and real leather is approved materials for Cessna aircraft. they both comply with the requirements of "Flame resistance" see

FAR 23.853 Passenger and crew compartment interiors.
For each compartment to be used by the crew or passengers:

(a) The materials must be at least flame-resistant;

(b) [Reserved]

(c) If smoking is to be prohibited, there must be a placard so stating, and if smoking is to be allowed—

 

[arnoha]

he can supply the burn certs you need in almost any fabric you like.

But remember the pure wool, and real leather is approved materials for Cessna aircraft. they both comply with the requirements of "Flame resistance" see

FAR 23.853 Passenger and crew compartment interiors.
For each compartment to be used by the crew or passengers:

(a) The materials must be at least flame-resistant;

(b) [Reserved]

(c) If smoking is to be prohibited, there must be a placard so stating, and if smoking is to be allowed—

Yep. That.

Anyone happen to know if the front seats on a restart 172 are swappable? Or what one of the 26G seats weigh? I'd love to continue flying the plane during the work, and it doesn't look like Stich's spare seat is the right model. Yes, I could drag myself to the airport and find it out, but if anyone happens to have the numbers...

 

[JoseCuervo]

he can supply the burn certs you need in almost any fabric you like.

But remember the pure wool, and real leather is approved materials for Cessna aircraft. they both comply with the requirements of "Flame resistance" see

FAR 23.853 Passenger and crew compartment interiors.
For each compartment to be used by the crew or passengers:

(a) The materials must be at least flame-resistant;

(b) [Reserved]

(c) If smoking is to be prohibited, there must be a placard so stating, and if smoking is to be allowed—

Tom,

Just so I am reading correctly, "real leather" takes no certifications?

I can just take my seats to the local upholstery guy and he can have at it???


(I hope that is the answer, would love to do them.)


Do I have to keep the cheap-ass plastic backs on the seat with the breaking plastic pouch on the seatbacks?

Can I have leather/upholstery seatbacks with leather pouches?

 

[Tom-D]

Tom,

Just so I am reading correctly, "real leather" takes no certifications?

I can just take my seats to the local upholstery guy and he can have at it???


(I hope that is the answer, would love to do them.)


Do I have to keep the cheap-ass plastic backs on the seat with the breaking plastic pouch on the seatbacks?

Can I have leather/upholstery seatbacks with leather pouches?

your late model 172 requires a burn cert, Wool and Leather will pass, you can order the material from Airteck(sp) and it will come with the cert.

Or get it from anywhere, and have your A&P do the burn test and certify it in a log book entry.

 

[Tom-D]

Do I have to keep the cheap-ass plastic backs on the seat with the breaking plastic pouch on the setbacks?

NO, they are considered trim not structure.


Can I have leather/upholstery seatbacks with leather pouches?

Yes, Stitch does a great job on them. or your local guy can too.
Just remember that upholstery is an owner do, when you have a burn cert coming with the material, YOU as an owner can make the return to service entry in the log on your pilot number, with out the burn cert, you must have the A&P do the test. (most won't)

 

[Tom-D]

Tom,

Just so I am reading correctly, "real leather" takes no certifications?

In the early Cessnas that was the OEM interior in most. and you can replace the interior with a like item as a maintenance entry. Your's NO! certification under FAR 23 requires a cert.

 

[JoseCuervo]

In the early Cessnas that was the OEM interior in most. and you can replace the interior with a like item as a maintenance entry. Your's NO! certification under FAR 23 requires a cert.

Mine is an early C-182, 1964.

Does that change the process?


Thanks.

 

[arnoha]

OK, so Stich's spare seat doesn't work in my plane. Anyone happen to know if in a restart 172 if the pilot and co-pilot seats swap? I looked at the seats, and they appear the same except for some leather trim that helps make the seat belts easier. But, there's definitely something I may be missing.

Also, is front seat removal on a restart 172 a pilot-allowed item? I know: "Replacing seats or seat parts with replacement parts approved for the aircraft, not involving disassembly of any primary structure or operating system." But hard to tell with the new seats if anything qualifies as "primary structure or operating system".

 

[James331]

Seems I post this every few months.

Read, save money, done.

http://www.avweb.com/news/maint/182839-1.html

 

[arnoha]

Seems I post this every few months.

Read, save money, done.

http://www.avweb.com/news/maint/182839-1.html

I've read that. And I'm leaning toward the seats being OK for me to pull. But the 26G seats have a different interpretation of the rules, or so I've been told. Something about the seats being considered structural by some folks. Which seems stupid. But I thought I'd check anyway.