Make your own Solo Seat

[Corpsegrinder]

Out of boredom yesterday I took an attempt at making a solo seat. It actually came out really well and I ended up making 2 of em! The first seat took about 2.5 hours and the second one was a little over an hour. Its actually not as tough as you would think.

P.S. Watch out Mad Tailor, I'm comin after ya buddy! hahaha J/K Your seats are beyond my skill level.

Anyways, On with the pics!



<table> <tbody><tr><td> I made a template from some paper. Best way is to draw the shape on 1 half then fold the paper to make the other side identical. </td></tr><tr><td>http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/229652657.jpg</td></tr> <tr><td><table> <tbody><tr><td> Took an old street sign, trace it useing the template, cut it out and shaped it to fit the bike. The best part about the sign is its very thick (almost 3/16) and its either aluminum or Stainless. Hit the metal with a grinder real quick to give the glue something to adhere to and sand the edges so it doesn't cut into the vinyl.
</td></tr><tr><td>http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/229652604.jpg</td></tr><tr><td> Heres the pan shaped sittin on top of my peice of 1'' closed cell foam cut a litle larger then my template. </td></tr><tr><td>http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/229652562.jpg</td></tr><tr><td> I used spray adhesive, glued the foam to the pan and took a jig saw to cut the excess foam off. I then used 40 grit sandpaper to smooth out my cuts. </td></tr><tr><td>http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/229652459.jpg</td></tr><tr><td> I then glued the vinyl to the foam and started wrapping. I used 3/8 self tapping waffled head screws to secure the vinyl to the pan. After that trimmed the excess off and glued a piece of black felt to finish the bottom and hide the screws. I never thought to take a picture of the seat while I was covering them but here are the 2 finished seats. To hold the seat down, I bent a simple tab and screwed it to the bottom of the pan. It hooks in the frame just like the stock seat. </td></tr><tr><td>http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/311154665.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/311154668.jpg

And here it is on the bike.

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/311155450.jpg

</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table> http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/176421509.jpg

Edit: Uploaded lost pictures.

[FrankZ]

Those are REALLY NICE Corpse GREAT JOB !!!!! now how ya mountin them

[Corpsegrinder]

Thanks Frank :)


Very similair to the stocker. I fabbed a tab thats screwed to the bottom of the seat. You slip it into the frame just like the stocker.

[nicko99]

Great job on the seat.

Other than the tab at the front, does anything secure the back to the frame?

[Corpsegrinder]

Great job on the seat.

Other than the tab at the front, does anything secure the back to the frame?

Thanks man.

Its really not necessary but you could put a piece of velcro on the bottom of the seat and the other side to the fender but again I dont think its necessary. By time the tab is under the frame and someone sitting on it, its not going anywhere.

[croach1]

Now the question is, how many guys from the forum are going to get busted stealing street signs. Great looking seats.

[Corpsegrinder]

Now the question is, how many guys from the forum are going to get busted stealing street signs. Great looking seats.

haha! if ya do, make sure ya get a big one! You can only get 1 seat out of a stop sign, 2 out of a railroad crossing sign and possibly 3 outta one of those big ass orange construction signs :)

All kidding aside, the thicknes of those signs are PERFECT for making seat pans.

[miclash1]

great job corpes...


the funny thing is, as soon as you said street sign i looked around here in my office and i have 4 signs that blew off the fences. i think i am taking them home now and trying this. thanks so much for the how to's...... great job!

if i have any problems, would u sell me one of yours?.........

[jajara]

haha! if ya do, make sure ya get a big one! You can only get 1 seat out of a stop sign, 2 out of a railroad crossing sign and possibly 3 outta one of those big ass orange construction signs :)

All kidding aside, the thicknes of those signs are PERFECT for making seat pans.

Ok, now you want to sell me one?

[Corpsegrinder]

great job corpes...


the funny thing is, as soon as you said street sign i looked around here in my office and i have 4 signs that blew off the fences. i think i am taking them home now and trying this. thanks so much for the how to's...... great job!

if i have any problems, would u sell me one of yours?.........

The 2 I have believe it or not are sold already. I can make ya one If you'd like. One thing I did learn is the adhesive you use, be sure it can bond vinyl. Most adhesives bond eveything except vinyl. So be sure to read the back of the can.

[Corpsegrinder]

Ok, now you want to sell me one?

These 2 are sold already homie. I can make ya one if ya want. PM me if your interested.

[quam]

These 2 are sold already homie. I can make ya one if ya want. PM me if your interested.

those look great man! i'm wondering about the solo on your bike in your pix.....since you got the new leather one comin in, whatcha gonna do w/ your old one?

[Corpsegrinder]

those look great man! i'm wondering about the solo on your bike in your pix.....since you got the new leather one comin in, whatcha gonna do w/ your old one?

Thanks man.

I'm gonna hang onto the old one just in case my ass dont like the new one. If ya want dibz on it, you'll be in line. I have a few people interested in that seat.

[Dbonezny]

What thickness is the stocker as compared to yours? By the way..nice solo man...looks good and can probably be done for less than $100

[Corpsegrinder]

What thickness is the stocker as compared to yours? By the way..nice solo man...looks good and can probably be done for less than $100

Thanks man. Not to shabby for a first try.

The stocker I would say is around 2.5 inches thick. Those seats are 1''. To make 1 seat kinda sux cuz you have to buy everything by the square yard (Well I did anyway). You can get 4 seats out of the materials. The 2 I made are sold already. I started making another pan today, tomorrow I'll foam it and cover it. The 4rth seat I wanna try to be a little more creative with the leather work. Maybe some stitching. I dunno, we'll see.

[RAZOR]

take a picture of one on the bike -- i"m curious as to how it looks...profile wise..

[quam]

Thanks man.

I'm gonna hang onto the old one just in case my ass dont like the new one. If ya want dibz on it, you'll be in line. I have a few people interested in that seat.
sweet, i'll take a number.

[Corpsegrinder]

take a picture of one on the bike -- i"m curious as to how it looks...profile wise..

The two I made are gone already!! I'm sittin down right now wrappin one. We're supposed to get hammered here with snow tonite. As soon as I get one done I'll post a pic.

[Corpsegrinder]

sweet, i'll take a number.

Thanks man.

[Corpsegrinder]

Heres one I just wrapped. I couldn't get a nice side shot cuz there isn't enough room in the garage and its snowing here now so forget pullin the bike outside.



http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL867/3161308/6439421/230303796.jpg

[Mad Tailor]

Way to go brother. You crafty son of a gun. I'm making custom seat now, will be done with in a day or two and will show it off.
It has been raining here so I can't make the Pan (fiberglass) but the metal kicks ass. Wish we are neighbors.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w166/bombeff/Picture-4.jpg

[Corpsegrinder]

Way to go brother. You crafty son of a gun. I'm making custom seat now, will be done with in a day or two and will show it off.
It has been raining here so I can't make the Pan (fiberglass) but the metal kicks ass. Wish we are neighbors.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w166/bombeff/Picture-4.jpg

Cool man. I'm interested to see whatyou come up with. I cant STAND working with fiberglass. WHen you attatch the leather to a glass pan, what are you using for fasteners? Staples? Screws? Rivets?

[Mad Tailor]

Cool man. I'm interested to see whatyou come up with. I cant STAND working with fiberglass. WHen you attatch the leather to a glass pan, what are you using for fasteners? Staples? Screws? Rivets?
I will do bolts. If you have airgun staples will be fine. I don't have many power tools and garage as well :( But all kinds of sewing matchines including a havy duty leather/uphostry one. Any sewing questions i'm the KING.
Looking for signs.......................

[Corpsegrinder]

I will do bolts. If you have airgun staples will be fine. I don't have many power tools and garage as well :( But all kinds of sewing matchines including a havy duty leather/uphostry one. Any sewing questions i'm the KING.
Looking for signs.......................

Sewing machines I'm totally lost at. I cant even get the damn thread started :(

I was gonna try to stitch a seat. Making a top and then sides. What kinda thread is good for makin seats? I tried sewing to pieces of scrap together and the tried to pull it apart. It was terribly weak and the stitching ripped apart.

Another question, The seats that haved an embossed design in them, How the hell do ya get your shape in the foam? I take it that an adhesive is used to help the leather hold its shape.

Like this seat. How does he get the croos in the foam?

http://gatorcustomseatworks.net/greyseat2.jpg

[Mad Tailor]

Sewing machines I'm totally lost at. I cant even get the damn thread started :(

I was gonna try to stitch a seat. Making a top and then sides. What kinda thread is good for makin seats? I tried sewing to pieces of scrap together and the tried to pull it apart. It was terribly weak and the stitching ripped apart.

Another question, The seats that haved an embossed design in them, How the hell do ya get your shape in the foam? I take it that an adhesive is used to help the leather hold its shape.

Like this seat. How does he get the croos in the foam?

http://gatorcustomseatworks.net/greyseat2.jpg Well thread - the size is marked with TX...... TX60, TX80 ...... Jeans use 80 - 120
Then you have poly or cotton. So Poly is stronger. For heavy duty I will use 120 Poly , I even double that some time like if look at my fender. That is the same skin I made your seat from. But do not try it with the home sewing machine it will f.... it up big time.
You need special industrial machine and needles to run the thread trough, heavier threat bigger needle.

As far the raised design goes. Take a piece of foam and stitch it to the cover working from outside, you do not see the foam. better yet add a layer of canvas on the back so it sports the shape leather on. trim the extra foam (soft one) and you got it, once stretch over the closed cell will pop a bit.

Sure you can mold some materials in to a template and fill it with sand and seal from the back to keep the shape.

How do you cut the metal. I need to get something better than handsaw?

lather man.

[MISpiritRider]

Well thread - the size is marked with TX...... TX60, TX80 ...... Jeans use 80 - 120
Then you have poly or cotton. So Poly is stronger. For heavy duty I will use 120 Poly , I even double that some time like if look at my fender. That is the same skin I made your seat from. But do not try it with the home sewing machine it will f.... it up big time.
You need special industrial machine and needles to run the thread trough, heavier threat bigger needle.

As far the raised design goes. Take a piece of foam and stitch it to the cover working from outside, you do not see the foam. better yet add a layer of canvas on the back so it sports the shape leather on. trim the extra foam (soft one) and you got it, once stretch over the closed cell will pop a bit.

Sure you can mold some materials in to a template and fill it with sand and seal from the back to keep the shape.

How do you cut the metal. I need to get something better than handsaw?

lather man.

jigsaw, sawsall, disk grinder, hand grinder, bandsaw, punch press....

[quam]

Well thread - the size is marked with TX...... TX60, TX80 ...... Jeans use 80 - 120
Then you have poly or cotton. So Poly is stronger. For heavy duty I will use 120 Poly , I even double that some time like if look at my fender. That is the same skin I made your seat from. But do not try it with the home sewing machine it will f.... it up big time.
You need special industrial machine and needles to run the thread trough, heavier threat bigger needle.

As far the raised design goes. Take a piece of foam and stitch it to the cover working from outside, you do not see the foam. better yet add a layer of canvas on the back so it sports the shape leather on. trim the extra foam (soft one) and you got it, once stretch over the closed cell will pop a bit.

Sure you can mold some materials in to a template and fill it with sand and seal from the back to keep the shape.

How do you cut the metal. I need to get something better than handsaw?

lather man.
quick suggestion on the sewing machines.....take the leather and thread to a shoe repair shop (might have to shop around a bit to find a good one that will do the work). their machines should be able to handle it.

[Surfernick]

Most excellent work. What did you cut the sign metal with? Whoops, I saw the earlier reply...

[Corpsegrinder]

Well thread - the size is marked with TX...... TX60, TX80 ...... Jeans use 80 - 120
Then you have poly or cotton. So Poly is stronger. For heavy duty I will use 120 Poly , I even double that some time like if look at my fender. That is the same skin I made your seat from. But do not try it with the home sewing machine it will f.... it up big time.
You need special industrial machine and needles to run the thread trough, heavier threat bigger needle.

As far the raised design goes. Take a piece of foam and stitch it to the cover working from outside, you do not see the foam. better yet add a layer of canvas on the back so it sports the shape leather on. trim the extra foam (soft one) and you got it, once stretch over the closed cell will pop a bit.

Sure you can mold some materials in to a template and fill it with sand and seal from the back to keep the shape.

How do you cut the metal. I need to get something better than handsaw?

lather man.

Thanks for the lesson man. Yeah thats too bad we dont live closer together. I can do the pans and you can do the leather work. We'll make millions!! muwahahahahaha!

I cut the pan with a jig saw then clamp the peice in a vice and hit it with a file to smooth the edges.

[Corpsegrinder]

Most excellent work. What did you cut the sign metal with? Whoops, I saw the earlier reply...

Thanks Nick. It means alot coming from a mad moddin mofo like yourself IF you can do a springer, you can make a seat!!

[Mad Tailor]

Thanks for the lesson man. Yeah thats too bad we dont live closer together. I can do the pans and you can do the leather work. We'll make millions!! muwahahahahaha!

I cut the pan with a jig saw then clamp the peice in a vice and hit it with a file to smooth the edges.
Hi man i was going to tell you ..... get some tape (the one that looks like factic-some car shops have it) and run the edge before the cover and the foam. With time the edge may cut the cover ....witch is good since you need to sell more product :)

Any news on teh HD slop?

[Corpsegrinder]

I was gonna email ya back but accidentally deleted the email! Ughh!

Email me again man and I'll get ya all ironed out on it.

[logan176]

I've been shaving down stockers for a while but my shaving is limited due to the stock seat pan shape. I've been thinking about making my own seat pan and was going to try fiberglass, but I kind of like the idea of metal better. I don't feel like stealing a sign...I've tried it and those shits are on really good. What other type of metal might work well and where can I get some?

[logan176]

I wonder, if I went to Lowes and picked up regular sheet metal and painted after the pounding...would it be weather resistant enough?

[Corpsegrinder]

Been there done that. The thickest sheet metal I've seen at Lowes/HD was 20 gauge. Thats way too thin to make a pan out of. A street sign I'm guessing is around 16 gauge. Pretty rigid shit.

[logan176]

I actually picked up a small sheet of 16 gauge a couple weeks ago. I used it to make a new plate for my inspection sticker. I'm gonna head over to Lowes today and see what I can find because I know that the Home Reapo doesn't have crap.

By the way, I noticed you wrote "closed cell foam." Is there a density difference between the two? I took a picture of some foam I have laying around from the passenger seats I've made. I'm not sure if you'll be able to tell, but is it closed cell? The guy from the fabric shop said it's high density upolstery foam.

[Corpsegrinder]

That doesn't look like closed cell foam to me. Closed cell has next to no holes in the foam.

[logan176]

That doesn't look like closed cell foam to me. Closed cell has next to no holes in the foam.

Where can I find some? I was thinking of grabbing 2" for a little extra comfort.

If anyone's curious, Lowes carries 16 gauge sheet metal 24"x24" for $33 a sheet. This week I'll make a tracer, cut, and start wacking away with a hammer...unless someone has a better way of working the metal.

[Corpsegrinder]

Where can I find some? I was thinking of grabbing 2" for a little extra comfort.

If anyone's curious, Lowes carries 16 gauge sheet metal 24"x24" for $33 a sheet. This week I'll make a tracer, cut, and start wacking away with a hammer...unless someone has a better way of working the metal.

I hit nothing with a hammer. 3 bends was all I had to do. I drew a coupla lines on the sheet metal, stuck the sheet inbetween the boards on the deck and bent it a little each time testing the fit. I think I posted a pic of my pan above.

[Mad Tailor]

I actually picked up a small sheet of 16 gauge a couple weeks ago. I used it to make a new plate for my inspection sticker. I'm gonna head over to Lowes today and see what I can find because I know that the Home Reapo doesn't have crap.

By the way, I noticed you wrote "closed cell foam." Is there a density difference between the two? I took a picture of some foam I have laying around from the passenger seats I've made. I'm not sure if you'll be able to tell, but is it closed cell? The guy from the fabric shop said it's high density upolstery foam.
try with some water. If sucks it it is open cell - but it does looks like it is a open cell.

[logan176]

Thanks for the step-by-step Corpse. Here's what I was able to put together. The 16 gauge from Lowes worked well.

If anyone's interested, I'm open to offers. Just PM me.

[JRock254]

how did you hide the bolts on the back of the seat and how did you mout the frount of the seat becouse on the stock seat it has the lil lip that goes under the seat

[logan176]

how did you hide the bolts on the back of the seat and how did you mout the frount of the seat becouse on the stock seat it has the lil lip that goes under the seat

To hide the bolts I just used some felt and spray adhesive. Corpse is definately right. Make sure you spend the extra bucks to buy spray adhesive that specifically says it works on vinal. Some of my felt started coming off so I'll be rebonding it with something else.

As far as the little lip/hook that you're talking about...I just took a scrap piece of sheet metal and attached it so it would hook under the tank. It keeps the seat in place better, it's more snug.

[Corpsegrinder]

Nice Job man! You're selling it already? haha

[logan176]

Nice Job man! You're selling it already? haha

Yeah, I like working with my hands and I get bored easily...maybe it's A.D.D., I don't know. But I can only keep one seat at a time. Besides, I keep experimenting with foam and cushions.

I just got a batch of closed cell foam off of ebay. It seemed more like a cross between styrofoam and upolstery foam. It has some give to it and won't crush or crumble like styrofoam. Does this sound like the stuff you used Corpse? If not, do you have any other suggestions?

[logan176]

I just did some more checking. The type of foam I just bought (not the stuff that's in the seat above) is a closed cell foam called "polyethylene."

[Corpsegrinder]

I just did some more checking. The type of foam I just bought (not the stuff that's in the seat above) is a closed cell foam called "polyethylene."

Yep. Thats the stuff I used.

[quam]

hey logan, if you make one w/ the closed cell i'll be interested. can you post some more pix of the seat on the bike? sideshots and from the back?

[logan176]

hey logan, if you make one w/ the closed cell i'll be interested. can you post some more pix of the seat on the bike? sideshots and from the back?

I just got the closed cell foam in. Right now my bike is stuck in my garage without a battery. As soon as I can get the bike outside I'll post more pics.

[labman]

great job guys! i've been trying to get my seat finished this winter. the first one came out too puffy. i'll try that other foam. i'll have to use fiberglass fore mine since i want the rear seat to be scooped like the front.


thanks for the tips!

[topwrench]

what happened to the pics

[dragonpaco]

looks great man

[halvy]

where can i buy the closed cell foam?

[logan176]

where can i buy the closed cell foam?

I bought mine off ebay. You'll want 1" foam. I had to buy 2" foam and then cut it down. If I kept it 2" thick, it would have been to rigid to work with and ride on. You might be able to pick it up from a local store...I think that's what Corpse does.

[logan176]

Hey Dragonpaco, your avatar kicks ass! :thumbsup:

[halvy]

corps what store did you get the foam from?

[labman]

i got my foam from the foam factory it is on line. i got a quarter sheet of minicel foam and it is great. way more than i needed and i'm making front and back seats. i also got the leather from tandy leather they are online too. the stingray leather for the flame inlays i got from Charles Hardtke, inc. there phone number is 9155900088. i should have pics up after this weekend. its been a fun project but its a lot of stitching

[Voodoo-U]

Man am I glad I found this thread, nothing new under the sun you know, lol.

[MarkwithaK]

That is very impressive. To the point that I have my newest weekend/afterwork project. Thanks.

If I may offer up an 'upgrade' to your fab process, using 2 piece of stout angle iron you can make a very effective makeshift sheetmetal brake.

[labman]

i forgot all about this thread. i'll put some pics up when i get a chance.

[LuckyBastard]

I'm gonna have to try this... SOON!

[LuckyBastard]

Got a piece of sheet steel today from a local supplier... It's a piece of scrap that's 13" X 43". What FUN riding back to work with THAT! It'll be even more interesting riding home with that, 6 pairs of work pants on hangers and my tank bag.