1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

[Marla]

I took the seats out for the first time last night. I am starting to plan on which projects to work on first. I thought I would get started on cleaning the seats and upholstery. I noticed the seats were "covered" not necessarily re-upholsterd. So I pealed back the velcro and to my surprise, there is fabric underneath. It looks like a close match to the original, but I am not sure. It is in decent shape except for some wear and tear in the corner. I haven't fully examined them yet, but here are a couple of photos.

Any thoughts on if it is original? Do I keep it and "patch" it up, or just replace it? Decisions...

On a side note, I will be dropping Gunther off at Kirk's this weekend to do some body work. I will post progress on that as it goes. Thanks Kirk!

[21window]

Material looks like the original German stuff under the covering.

My original seats were in similar condition to yours

This is the material Bill W. used on mine which is a very close match, BUT not perfect.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ ... id=1420648

[wwebner]

Is just one of them (shown) torn? I may be able to help. PM sent.
Bill

[Mike Kever Kombi]

On a side note, I will be dropping Gunther off at Kirk's this weekend to do some body work.

Gunther will be in good hands.

[SlashKirk]

Marla was able to drop the bus off this weekend and we had a chance to take a better look.
The plan is to repair both rear corners and battery tray, plus anything else we find

At first glance all looks normal...

Underneath, not so good.

Check out how squared off the bottom of the corner is

This is how they repaired stuff before quality replacement metal was available...brazed and 1/2 of bondo to boot

This is going to be a challenge to make right again...

[WestsideDan]

This is going to be a challenge to make right again...

that will be CAKE! for you

[Mike Kever Kombi]

If it was easy, everyone would be doing it

[Marla]

I knew there was something going on under there... But this was a bit of a surprise. No worries though. I think I have the right man for the job. If anyone can make Gunther's behind round and solid again, it is Kirk.

[vw7266]

im a fan of a firm round a$$

do werk kirk!

[Marla]

So, while Kirk has Gunther up on stands, I am doing some little things that a newbie like me can handle. This past weekend I got a new axle boot on his right side. The other side will get done another time, it took me a lot longer than I planned, but I guess I am learning.

I still have a lot more cleaning to do under there, but at least the boot is looking pretty.

Baby steps, right?