Seat crack - what to do

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Karlott Olafsson
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Seat crack - what to do

#1

Post by Karlott Olafsson »

Hi fellow Gold Wingers.

I am restorating a '75 GL1000 and there is a crack in the seat vinyl. The crack is around 1 inch but there is more crack forming.
I don't want to get a new cover yet...
If I can use the original cover without it cracking more I appreciate all good wises.

Stay safe,
Karlott
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Lucien Harpress
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Re: Seat crack - what to do

#2

Post by Lucien Harpress »

Apart from some black duct tape there really isn't a whole lot you can do, apart from a new cover. Thankfully replacing them isn't a hard job, but once the old one starts to go there's no good way to fix them that doesn't involve removing the cover in some way.
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete

All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
cfairweather
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Re: Seat crack - what to do

#3

Post by cfairweather »

I would just put a new seat cover on it. A good place to get a high quality cover is from Z1 Enterprises.
https://www.z1enterprises.com/catalogse ... Seat+Cover
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Fred Camper
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Re: Seat crack - what to do

#4

Post by Fred Camper »

If you can soften the remaining material to prevent future cracks, then I have had good luck with sewing the tear with fish line then using liquid electrical tape to cover the stitches and crack. Put a large weight on the seat while it dries to cut in half the flex for your body weight. Has held up well for 4 year for me.
Proud member of the NGW Cartel (Rochester MI)
1977 GL1000 BADDOG (April 2012 BOTM)
1976 LTD - '993 LTD...and so it begins'

You should remember that it's peace of mind you're after and not just fixing the machine. R.Pirsig
cfairweather
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Re: Seat crack - what to do

#5

Post by cfairweather »

If you decide to repair the tear, and I don't recommend it, I have a suggestion that works pretty good. Cut a piece of high quality duck tape to fit and slide it underneath the seat cover where the tear is located. Work into place where you can press one side of the slit onto the sticky tape. Then work the other side of the slit onto the tape where you can barely see the cut. Then use a small amount of black vinyl glue on the slit to make it more durable and less noticeable.
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