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Seat Upholstery Installation Instructions

May 15, 2025

Please read these instructions completely before beginning installation.

Before You Begin

Factory Interiors seat upholstery kits are manufactured to fit tightly, similar to original factory upholstery. During installation, use caution when stretching material over seat padding and frames. Avoid excessive pulling at seams, as damage can occur if too much force is applied.

For best results, install upholstery in temperatures above 72°F. Warm material is more pliable and easier to contour around the seat foam and frame.

Professional Installation Recommended

Leather and premium upholstery kits are manufactured to OEM-style specifications and may include original-style attachment plastics, fasteners, or retaining systems. Professional installation is strongly recommended for customers seeking show-quality results.

Important Vehicle-Specific Notes

Heat-Laminated Factory Upholstery

Some vehicles, including 1988-up Chevrolet Trucks and Full-Size Blazer models, may have original upholstery sections heat-laminated directly to the seat foam.

In these cases:

  • Remove all loose factory upholstery sections.
  • Leave heat-laminated sections attached to the foam.
  • Install the new upholstery over the remaining original laminated material.
  • Attach the new upholstery using hog rings at the factory attachment points.

Contact Adhesive Requirement

Some models, including 1994-up Ford Mustang seats, may require contact spray adhesive to properly bond the seat insert sections to the foam bolsters.

Recommended procedure:

  1. Apply contact spray adhesive to:
    • The underside of the new upholstery insert.
    • The surface of the foam cushion.
  2. Allow adhesive to become tacky.
  3. Carefully position and attach the upholstery.

Most automotive-grade contact adhesives are acceptable.

Seat Belt Cut-Outs

If your seat upholstery includes seat belt openings:

  • Inspect the underside of the upholstery for chalk markings.
  • These marks indicate approximate cut-out locations.
  • Always compare with the original upholstery before cutting.
  • Use the original upholstery as a template whenever possible.

Incorrect cutting cannot be reversed, so double-check all measurements before trimming.

Installation Steps

1. Remove the Seat

  • Remove the seat assembly from the vehicle.
  • Separate the seat back from the seat bottom if applicable.

2. Remove Original Upholstery

  • Carefully remove the original upholstery.
  • Remove all original hog rings and retaining clips.
  • Observe the factory attachment locations during removal.

The new upholstery will typically attach at the same or similar locations.

3. Inspect Seat Components

Before installation:

  • Inspect seat foam, springs, and frame.
  • Repair or replace damaged components as needed.
  • Replace worn seat foam for best fit and appearance.

4. Identify Upholstery Sections

Determine which upholstery pieces belong to:

  • Seat backrest
  • Seat bottom
  • Headrests
  • Armrests (if included)

Seat back and bottom covers are not interchangeable.

5. Install Backrest Upholstery

  1. Turn the backrest upholstery inside out.
  2. Position it over the top of the seat back.
  3. Gradually roll and slide the upholstery downward evenly.
  4. Work both sides evenly to maintain alignment.
  5. Attach upholstery using hog rings where required.
  6. Start fastening from the center and work outward toward each side.

If your upholstery uses:

  • Velcro attachment strips: Hog rings are not required in those areas.
  • Plastic retaining channels: Snap them into the factory metal flange locations.

Adjust alignment carefully so pleats and seams remain centered.

6. Install Seat Bottom Upholstery

  1. Turn the seat bottom upholstery inside out.
  2. Position it at the front of the seat cushion.
  3. Align the center of the upholstery with the seat back.
  4. Pull upholstery evenly over each front corner.
  5. Continue working each side gradually toward the rear.
  6. Install hog rings where required.
  7. Start from the center and work outward.

Plastic "J" Channels

If your upholstery kit includes plastic “J” channels:

  • Hog rings are not required in those attachment areas.
  • Snap the plastic channel onto the metal flange located on the underside of the seat frame.

7. Reassemble and Reinstall

  • Reassemble the seat components.
  • Reinstall the seat into the vehicle.
  • Verify all upholstery is properly secured and aligned.

Helpful Installation Tips

Warm the Upholstery

Installation is significantly easier when the upholstery is warm.

Recommended methods:

  • Leave upholstery in direct sunlight.
  • Use a hair dryer or low-heat heat gun carefully.

Do not overheat the material.

Use Plastic Over Foam

A thin plastic sheet or trash bag placed over the foam cushions can help the upholstery slide into position more easily.

Once installed:

  • Pull the plastic out from underneath.
  • Smooth the upholstery into place.

Work Evenly

If the upholstery becomes tight or binds:

  • Do not force or excessively pull the material.
  • Work each side gradually and evenly.
  • Reposition as necessary before continuing.

Start With the Passenger Seat

For bucket seat vehicles:

  • Install the passenger seat first.
  • Use the driver seat as a reference if questions arise.
  • This also allows the vehicle to remain drivable during installation.

Recommended Tools

The following tools may assist during installation:

  • Hog ring pliers
  • Replacement hog rings
  • Trim removal tools
  • Contact spray adhesive
  • Hair dryer or heat gun
  • Work gloves
  • Socket set and ratchet

Additional Notes

  • Minor wrinkles from packaging are normal and typically relax once installed and warmed.
  • New upholstery is intentionally manufactured tight to ensure a professional appearance after installation.
  • Taking your time during alignment and fastening will greatly improve final fit and finish.

For questions regarding fitment, materials, or installation assistance, contact Factory Interiors customer support at 1-888-269-6287 (MATS).