Backrest Vinal repair

[Boog]

As some of you saw this past June in Richwood, Brahma's rider backrest has a hole. Well, I noticed a new hole starting and figured I should arrest them both.

I got quotes from two auto upholstery shops, $160 and $170 for repairs. OUCH! I can't do that so back to old school stuff I would have done 40 years ago and mend it myself.

Here are the needed repairs:

This is the goop I am using to begin with.

The little tear took two doses to fill. It will get another in a few days.

I use the tiny spatula to smooth it out.

The big tear will take more care. I cut this spare leather from some scraps I had laying around.

The patch goes under the original covering.

And looks like this once in place.

I used super glue to affix it under the original cover and tried to close the gap as much as I could. I failed to get it closed though.

I didn't let the super glue cure enough before I started and still have sizable gaps. This is after the first dose of the goop.

And this is after two doses. I will let it cure for another day then apply a third dose of goop.

I may sand it smoother in the end or maybe not. @Dr.D will go nuts if I leave rough though, so who knows...

 

[Dr.D]

Well it’s better than the foam sticking out. Even if you get it smooth you will have color and surface texture issues.

Check this out. Bike up on lift ready for a full alcohol wipe and ceramic coat.

The front wheel is done.

Almost done. I’m so anal I coated the inside of the saddlebags and the motor.

 

[Tripps]

Wow, I had my backrest recovered at an auto upholstery in Lockport NY, I want to say he charged me $30, and I tipped him 10, that's outrageous.

 

[Tripps]

Well it’s better than the foam sticking out. Even if you get it smooth you will have color and surface texture issues.

Check this out. Bike up on lift ready for a full alcohol wipe and ceramic coat.

The front wheel is done.

Almost done. I’m so anal I coated the inside of the saddlebags and the motor.

Just think how dirty the inside of the motor is, though.

 

[Dr.D]

Just think how dirty the inside of the motor is, though.

I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase,” I’m a rider not a shiner”. Well I’m both. I do 12-13k a year and still make time to have the motor art in show condition. I just love a fantastic looking and performing motorcycle. Now the thread jack ends.

 

[Dr.D]

Boog do post the final result in a photo.

 

[Boog]

Here you go Mel, here is how its held up so far.

 

[Dr.D]

Here you go Mel, here is how its held up so far.

It ain’t new but it’s a ton better and probably very stable. Job well done Navy man.

 

[Boog]

Time has shown me to be more of a 'function' over 'fashion' kind of guy.

 

[Tripps]

I had same issue, a local car and boat upholsterer recovered it for some ridiculously low price, like $20 or $30, so I tipped him $20