Reskinning Comming Pads

First I want to thank Christine's for my wonderful skins....probably one of the last off the line....I hope you heal well and quickly, and thanks for your dedication to our interiors!

Question to to the forum....

1) what tricks have you used or learned when changing comming pad skins?

2) what is the best way to install the speakers in the new pads?

Does anyone have a video of them installing the skins?

Thanks in advance!

Christopher,
I had a local shop reskin mine during my total restoration. I do have some experience, though. I removed the coming pads and then removed the skin and the contoured foam. I cut new marine grade plywood to-shape using the old as a template. They were longer than 8', therefore I had to splice to get the required length. I sealed them, installed new fasteners, and then reglued the foam to the plywood using 3M glue which is only necessary. to hold the foam on until the skin is installed. Then I took them to the upholstery shop for the skin installation. You can skip through my thread, linked below, to see more.

My advice is only this: If you have a pattern, such as a diamond sewn profile, or vertical lines, etc., make sure that the port and starboard sides match as far as where they begin and end. I, very sadly, notice things like that. If you are doing it yourself make sure you use stainless staples. I have heard that some folks wrap the foam in plastic, but if you are reusing the original foam it probably doesn't matter since it is a hight quality foam that drains well. Finally, it should go without saying that you should use high quality stainless fasteners to reinstall them.

Yes, and if you don't already have a stapler you might consider the Surebonder 9600A from Amazon. You can also get your stainless staples there while you are at it. Always looking for a reason to purchase new tools.