As a nice weekend project, I recently replaced all the curtains and bed/rear seat upholstery on my '84 Westy. I had no prior sewing experience and after a quick tutorial from my sister jumped in with both feet. The old upholstery and curtains were the tweedy type of brown striped material. I started with the rear cushion and seat. I used dark green canvas which went really nice with the tan Westy cabinets. I took off the old stuff and used it as a template. For the curtains, I bought white canvas which I tie-dyed dark green. Lots of great compliments on that choice (it was my wifes idea..). Anyway, it's not too difficult and it came out pretty damn good if I do say so myself. All the original material can be saved (you don't have to ruin the old stuff) if for some reason you want to go back to original. If you have no prior sewing experience, I recommend getting some cheap material and practicing a bit. By the way, sewing takes alot longer than you may think. Alot of measuring, double checking, cutting, etc. Total cost for all material was 60 dollars. I even had enough material left over to make a privacy curtain that fits behind the front seats to divide the front from the rear. I replaced the screws that hold the front of the rear headliner on with snaps and now have quick privacy for the rear living space without the hassle of putting up the front windshield curtain. If anyone is interested in doing this themselves and have specific questions, I'd be happy to help. Scott '84 Westy |
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