Pictures of my custom seat.

[bbillington]

what color is the paint?

[DMorris]

I like the black thread.
You are doing a very nice job!

[LoopGaroo]

Are you going to keep the tank raw? I think the contrast threading on the seat would would well with certain colors, otherwise keep the threads black.

[Ira]

i got a few questions for you as im trying to make my own cover as well, how do you make the embossed areas like that is there any backing to this or just a simple stitch. im very new to sewing but i think i can manage. by the way mine will be negative of yours white vinyl w/ black thread.

The quilting is created by adhering thin foam to the vinyl before stitching. It's similar to the headliner stuff used on hotrods.

I've considered leaving the tank raw, but I'm inclined to paint it a dark color instead because there's some heavy rust on the front.

[Dodik]

Thanks that really helps, now i gotta find some locally.

[trinitysj]

Nice seat for sure...

[Hoosier Daddy]

Nice idea for the clip retainers!

[gsryder]

Love this seat great idea!!!

[Ira]

Will that foam work for a seat? It's a little hard for a seat, unless you're going to put something else on top.

I hope so! I've sat on the foam for a few half-hour session, drinking beers in the garage. It felt ok, but we'll see if that translates into comfortable riding. I've never made a seat, so this is completely trial and error.

Both the foam and the clips are suggested by the "Chopper Builder's Handbook". I can't seem to find the link right now, but I'll post it when I do.

[JEEPRUSTY]

The seat is fabulous. The white thread is nice but it might stain unevenly over time and ruin the looks of the seat.

[Ira]

John- That's excellent information, thanks for all the tips. I did use #77 to laminate the layers and stick it to the seatpan- sprayed both surfaces, wait a couple minutes and press it together.

I'm planing to put a thin layer of dacron between the foam and cover, to round out imperfections and wick moisture. Hopefully that will also cut down on friction between the surfaces.

As for the rest, I should have a thorough report after riding this summer!

[850 Combat]

Really looking forward to seeing it complete. I like the idea of the white stitching, but it will get dirty.

Nice work so far

[crapwacker]

My first thought on the white thread, but I would think some nylon or similar type would prove to be stain resistant. It will be nice to hear how the comfort plays out. The low height will have me looking into just such a project!

The seat is fabulous. The white thread is nice but it might stain unevenly over time and ruin the looks of the seat.

[Do Little]

Looks good, I'm inspired. I'm already thinking about making a custom seat using a base plate like yours now.

I'd go with the black thread. While white may look good, it's eventually going to become dirty and discolored regardless of what type of material you get. Anything white ends up getting dirty fairly quick.

[Go Mifune]

So where is the finished product??