Heat Sealing Vinyl?S

[jojo]

Next job is a 1972 BMW 2002 interior. The customer bought the oem fabric from a company in Germany. It's supposed to look like this:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26774117@N06/8193953535/"; title="bmwseat by joannelange, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8193953535_09a29bc5d8.jpg"; width="400" height="284" alt="bmwseat"></a>

Just in case all that above didn't work, here's a link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26774117@N06/8193953535/

Here's the problem: As you can see in the pic, the textured vinyl has heat sealing for the channels. But the fabric that the customer brought is just plain textured vinyl. I test sewed a piece, sewing with 1/4 foam and spacing the lines 1 1/4" apart as on the original, but I can't get the definition like is in the picture. Is there any way to heat seal vinyl, or does it have to be done at a factory?

Thanks.

p.s. ( photobucket website has been overhauled and I can't get into my account, so I'm using flickr.com. I hope you can get to the photo from the link.)

[MinUph]

jojo heat sealing is not something you can do without to proper equipment. I'm sure the proper equipment is very costly. If you want to get the look of the channels you could try this. Sandwich some 1/2" foam in between deck cloth and top fabric. Spray glue the foam to the denim, cut out the foam in 1/2" strips to give you the full indentation like in the sample and then glue the top fabric on. Sew two seams down both sides of the channel. I would first try with some scrap vinyl.

[fragged8]

i thought that type of job is ultrasonic welded not really heat sealed.
you can get a machine that looks like a sewing machine but has a roller
instead of a foot and needle.
the roller is the ultrasonic part and produces a continuous weld.

Rich

[marko69]

Interesting, I use that vinyl a lot for my Porsche seats (basket weave).  I get pretty good definition with 1/2" foam and my double needle machine.

[Darren Henry]

I've always used 1/2" foam in this application. A double needle or Paul's method would give you that space between the rolls, but just going to 1/2" will really give you more definition.

[jojo]

Thanks guys, I'm going to try the 1/2" tomorrow. Rich, those ultrasonic welding machines are interesting, but the price sure is prohibitive.  I also wish I had a double needle machine. Dare I try to sew two lines really close together?

[Darren Henry]

Dare I try to sew two lines really close together?

No  guts no glory. Relax and have at it.

On my second pass;rather than looking at the needle (which messes me up big time) I line the edge of my inner foot on the old seam and chug along.

[scarab29]

Just saying here but gahh.com makes a nice pre sewn kit for them and looks like original. Not sure if its worth the time if that's what the customer wants , original that is.

[seamsperfect]

When I saw the thread tile I had a feeling it was old school bimmer related.
1/2" foam works well.
Here is the last 2002 Recaro I did 1/4" spacing

And here is the faux perf vinyl I used in a e30 touring. 3/8" spacing

Kevin

[jojo]

Wow, Nice work Kevin! This is what I'm trying to achieve. Now I just have to make sure my channels line up on the seat and seat  back. And sew straight. This stuff is hard to work with, imo.
Question: do you guys draw the lines with chalk, or is there another way to get perfectly spaced lines?

[seamsperfect]

Wow, Nice work Kevin! This is what I'm trying to achieve. Now I just have to make sure my channels line up on the seat and seat  back. And sew straight. This stuff is hard to work with, imo.
Question: do you guys draw the lines with chalk, or is there another way to get perfectly spaced lines?

Thanks I specialize in Bimmer upholstery, those two projects were the first ones I did of that model.
Best to cut out your section, then mark out your dual rows (I use china markers) vertical lines.  Next sew the borders to your half inch foam and get a good stretch.  Then just sew your 1/4" seams.  Lining up is easy, Start your measurements in the middle top and bottom section. Measure out a 1/8" on each side of tick mark then draw your 2 lines and work outwards.  Similar to this seat see how they line up.
Kevin

[jojo]

When you say "sew the borders to your 1/2" foam, do you mean to sew around the perimeter of the piece? Also, do you glue the foam to the vinyl? Thanks so much for your help, Kevin!

[seamsperfect]

When you say "sew the borders to your 1/2" foam, do you mean to sew around the perimeter of the piece? Also, do you glue the foam to the vinyl? Thanks so much for your help, Kevin!

Yes perimeter, no i don't use glue.  YW, anytime
Kevin