11 replies to this topic

[KrazyKid]

Hello All,

I have problems with the seats on a 1995 Sea-Doo Speedster, it has sat under a tarp through winters for more than 4 years!

There is mildew, mold and also there is a section of the bench seat where the seams are spliting.

What is the safest and best chemical to use for cleaning the seats and how can I stop the splitting at the seams?

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks in advance to all that reply!

[tiggerman]

Welcome to the board!
If your seats are like mine were, cleaning may not be an option. If the seams are rotten, the vinyl may be rotten in places as well. The only thing I found to clean the vinyl was 3M Vinyl Cleaner and Protectant. It still didn't doo a good enough job form me, as the vinyl was "sticky" along the tops of the seats. I would NOT recommend anything such as 409. What color are your seats? Is it just the seat backs and bottom cushions that are affected? If cleaning doesn't work, you would probably have to have covers made. It just so happens I know someone who can doo it

[KrazyKid]

Welcome to the board!
If your seats are like mine were, cleaning may not be an option. If the seams are rotten, the vinyl may be rotten in places as well. The only thing I found to clean the vinyl was 3M Vinyl Cleaner and Protectant. It still didn't doo a good enough job form me, as the vinyl was "sticky" along the tops of the seats. I would NOT recommend anything such as 409. What color are your seats? Is it just the seat backs and bottom cushions that are affected? If cleaning doesn't work, you would probably have to have covers made. It just so happens I know someone who can doo it

Thanks for the welcoming comments and the recommendations!

I have heard of so many products from the dealerships that I am about to just buy one bottle of each.
I have some 3M marine and some 3M auto vinyl and leather cleaner the MSDS are about the same with the exception of a little more "oil" for the marine product....is that such a big deal?!?!?

The seats are white at the bench and purple at the backrest...

The seats do not appear to be all that bad, I am interested in having them either re-covered or re-painted I saw that there is some paint from Leer Inc in another post (if that is an easier option)...please offer the info for the re-covering supply contact or any paint suppliers.

Thanks!

[tiggerman]

The oil content is mainly just for the "weather proofing" characteristics of the protectant.
As far as painting, I have never seen the results on vinyl that is exposed to the elements like boat seats. I have seen it on auto interior, and it works for that application. If your vinyl is in good enough shape, you could get it resewn. If not, marine grade vinyl is available by the yard from many places. I have patterns for the bottom cushions and backrests from my boat, taken from the original pieces. I did not replace the covers on the armrests and bottom frames because they were in excellent shape. It could be done easily though.

[KrazyKid]

What is the best way to clean the hand grips?
Same as the seats?

Check out the ugly pic that is attached...

Attached Files

•  moldy_handgrip.jpg   36.31KB   21 downloads

[Kevin Leclair]

To me it would look like you need a good not so harsh mildew remover for that, I would definitely steer clear of anything with bleach in it!

[KrazyKid]

I will use the 3M marine product for the seats on the grips unless there is a better concoction to use...

[tiggerman]

For the 'OhSh$#' handles, some 'Greased Lightning' lightly diluted and a toothbrush should do it.....makes a excellent bilge cleaner too.....

[jmarlow]

I cleaned all my grips as best as I could and then I painted them. They turned out great. Paint them on a hot day so they will dry fast.

[Kevin Leclair]

What kind of paint did you use?

[fargoc]

I have recently reupholstered my rear bottom seat (the large piece). I used one large piece of vinyl, staples, and a hair dryer. The seat used to be grey....but I changed it to yellow (i think it will take sun better). Took me about a day...patience..and sore fingers. Anyway it turned out great!!! So nice in fact I did the rounded spotter seat also. The small square center of the seats were in good shape...but they were yellow and didnt match the yellow I reupholstered with. So I painted them with vinyl paint. The paint is used in the automotive industry. I also used a bonding primer (clear). The paint seems to work 'ok'...not perfect. Not much flaking after use, but needed touchup. Its worth a try and its only been on for a few weeks.

I plan on doing the top portion of the rear seats / arm rests. Does anybody know how to get the top of the back seat out? There seems to be screws where the arm rests are also....how do you get those out?

If you need any pointers on how to get the other seats out, or paint, or want some pics of mine...just ask.

[tiggerman]

Welcome to the board!!!!
The top portion of the rear seat comes out fairly easily once you get to the screws. The center screws are easy and you can see them from the engine bay.
The screws under the armrests are a little tougher. The driver side is reached by removing the shifter assembly and reaching thru that hole. The passenger side is tough. Either you remove the cupholder and reach your arm thru that hole, or remove the oil tank.That is the method I used because I couldn't get the cupholder out without ruining it. Hindsight tells me to ruin it and buy a replacement cupholder...... Good luck!!! Also, post some pics in the gallery of your work.....