Theater Seating

[SteveA]

Went to estimate a broken foot rest.  After pulling  back the leather the wood is held down with one large staple and one screw.  1 in. thick plywood with 3/4 in. particle board underneath.  Should have held up.
I think one chair lists for $ 1400.00 - the repair will be 5 and needs shopwork.  Hope they like the price but with the springs dependent on the work it's not a quick job.
SA



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[Mojo]

I think Ed just did some theatre seats at some lavish home. Maybe I am mistaken but I thought he did those type seats.

Mojo

[kodydog]

I did the two built ins in each corner. I didn't touch the recliners.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/iMYUAfHMXm8cjIYs2

That repair looks time consuming Steve. Not sure what you mean by "the repair will be 5" I'll bet those things weigh a ton. Electric tilt, right?

[SteveA]

 the 5 is for $ 500.00.  That is for the repair and cartage -  I sent the estimate in and they already replied " the chair isn't worth that much"  - I know better but no sense in calling them out.  The bottom line is whatever the chair is worth I see enough work that I need $ 500.00.
The Co. said they want to cut costs by sending me a new seat to swap out.  I'm unsure if the springs are part of the replacement seat and will already be under tension  ?   
Has anyone swapped out the seat on these types of chairs and is it a two hour job and something I can do for under $ 300.00 ?
Is it just a few machine or lag bolts holding the center section to the arms and backrest ?
There is no motor - just a pull lever to recline -
SA

[kodydog]

They say they are just sending the seat. This tells me the seat comes out without taking the whole thing apart. The seat, the frame, the springs and the foam should come all in one piece. On this style recliner the footrest and the fabric in between are done several different ways.

Usually the fabric between the seat and footrest is sewn to the seat and stapled to the footrest. I'm guessing that's how this one is done. Before you do anything else make sure they sent the right part. I can't tell you how many times when doing repairs like this they send the wrong part. Then make sure the dye lot matches.

This is a fairly easy swap out. There should be four bolts holding the seat to the mechanism and like I said you will have to pull the staples holding the fabric to the foot rest. To do this you will have to unscrew the footrest from the mechanism. I don't think the cable or anything else will get in the way. I always prefer to do jobs like this at my shop. Usually I have the furniture store bring it to my shop. Sometimes its more convenient to do it on site. Bring a blanket, you will likely have to turn the recliner upside down to get to the seat bolts. You can probably do it in less than 2 hours. Either way your price sounds fair.

[kodydog]

I just reread the post. The first post states its the footrest that is broken. Later you say the company is sending a seat. I think I'm confused.

[SteveA]

I lost this job.  Maybe the vendor didn't have confidence in me - This would have been my first one so I was trying to get information up front -
The foot rest has two sections - one for your heals and the other section for your calf's - the section with your calf's has a rail the zig zag springs are attached too - that rail is cracked in half.  I could change the rail and reattach the springs but the vendor didn't want to pay the labor.  They suggested changing the seat ?  I asked about the springs and they said it's all part of a unit that can be swapped out.

I questioned the swap out and they gave me the name of an upholsterer in Texas they said I could call and inquire what's involved.  I forget the company name but I spoke to the owner Robert a 254 area code.
Very nice man who more than answered my questions.  He said he does it for $ 250.00 and that includes driving 50 miles to pick up the chair and 50 miles back.  Nothing is close to each other in Texas. 
Robert said he owns a warehouse - employees 5 guys and is 6 weeks out.  I asked does it pay to bring the chair back to the shop if it's a 50 mile round trip - his reply was - in the shop we're better prepared for whatever it takes. 

They asked how much for me to change the seat unit and I said OK to $ 250.00 on site.  I gave them my shipping address where the seat could be sent but the next day they sent me an email saying they decided to change the whole chair ? 
I think they must have a slightly used chair that's in good condition they will use to swap out. 
According to Robert this is a common defect with these chairs and he has done numerous ones already.
SA

[kodydog]

Manufacturers can be a pain in the ass. They think just because their guy can swap it out in 15 minutes we should be able to do the same. They do not consider all else that is involved. I've learned that if I can keep the bill around $150 they will do it. A lot of jobs can't be done that cheap. It sucks that no compensation is offered for time spent. If you want to see them laugh uncontrollably send them a bill for $50.