Photo 11: Remove the pattern and you should see the tracing embossed on the leather seat.
Photo 12: Paul uses a swivel knife to delicately carve the lines into the leather before tooling. This requires a bit of practice. We recommend that you try it out on some scrap leather before diving right into the project.
Photo 13: Paul uses a buffalo hide mallet and a series of leather embossing tools to bring the design to life. Here’s your chance to be creative.
Photo 14: Shows a close up of the delicate design work being brought to life by the hands of a master craftsman.
Photo 15: After the tooling is finished and completely dry, the dying process can begin.
Fine lines are dyed using a brush, broad areas can be dyed with a piece of sheepskin or a cotton rag.
Photo 16: Stitching the gusset sides to the top. After the top of the seat is done, you’ll need to make the sides. To get a good fit, count the holes in the top, paying close attention to the spacing. Lay out a strip for the side leaving at least 2 inches more than necessary for pulling the bends under the seat pan.
A word about lace choices: The best leather lace you can get is made from natural tanned kangaroo hide. You can get away with boot type lacing in a pinch or check out
Photo 17: After the seat cover is tooled, dyed and stitched together it’s ready to be fit to the pan. Paul uses a good spray adhesive to prevent slippage and fits it all together.
Photo 18: Paul pulls the cover firmly over the pan and padding making sure that the leather is not puckered. The leather is riveted to the metal pan and the excess leather is carefully trimmed away.
Photo 19: Heavy felt is glued to the bottom of the steel pan to prevent scratching of the frame upon installation.
Photo 20: Leather dressing is generously applied by hand to protect the seat from weathering.
Photo 21: There you have it–a custom made one of a kind seat. Nothing dresses up your ride better than something sweet to rest your butt on.
You can get in contact with Paul Cox through Gasoline Alley, NYC
151 N 15th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
1-718-609-9184
E-Mail: paulcoxleather@aol.com
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