Replacing Seat Skins

[robbennett]

Sorry Rob,

just saw the question - I used 3/8 staples - Stainless or course.

Thanks. That is what I ended up using because it was the only thing I could find in stainless.

[t.stark]

Has anyone been in contact with Gabriel lately? I emailed him last week but not heard back.

[baileyj3423]

Same. I haven't heard from him yet.

[t.stark]

I was able to speak with Gabriel on the phone last week. He was very busy moving into a shop to handle all the new requests and told me he had tried to answer all the emails he was getting. It turns out though, that for me, he did not have skin patterns for my boat cuz my boat is too old. To do mine, he needs my boat at his shop.

Since he didn't have my boat patterns it was just the same as using a local alternative. I found a good upholsterer who knows what skins Malibu uses and can do a nice job with an updated look at a fair price.

If you need someone in So Cal I'll give you the info.

[robbennett]

See if they will tell you who makes the vinyl.

[91SkiWi]

Getting ready to do an interior overhaul on my '07, reading this and all the other guides, for the dry cleaning bag trick; do you leave it on there? Or is it removed once you get the seat skin situated?

[robbennett]

I left mine on there. It is not noticeable and may actually serve as a protective barrier from any mildew or anything on the old foam.

[91SkiWi]

Last question for all you experts, did any of you prefer one kind of stapler over another? What size stainless steel marine staples did most of you use?

[robbennett]

I just used an arrow T-50 stapler. The air ones are good too just make sure you don't turn it up too high. It will punch right through the vinyl.

Stainless or monel staples will work and we used 3/8 inch.

[91SkiWi]

Awesome, Anyone else who maybe used an electric? Robbennett how did your hands hold up with all the manual stapling?

[robbennett]

It wasn't too bad. I have tough hands from rock climbing but I don't think it would have been much worse even if I didn't. I did all the carpet on my trailer and the 2 corner seat skins in the same weekend.

[REHinH20]

I don't rockclimb, just watersports, and I had no issues with tired hands, of course I only did the rear 3 cushions.

[UWSkier]

Anyone else email Gabriel and not hear anything back? Looking to replace both back bench cushions.

[robbennett]

Anyone else email Gabriel and not hear anything back? Looking to replace both back bench cushions.

He is probably swamped with orders.

[t.stark]

Gabriel called me back - he was wondering if I was brining up my boat for him to do new skins.

I told him I had already found a So Cal upholsterer since driving up to Merced would be a hardship. Not to mention adding travel costs on top of new skins.

Check new skins on profile pic!

Looking great!

[JeffMcDowell]

For staples I would recommend using what Malibu uses. Gabrial sent me a picture of the box.

These are the staples, Spot Nails Spot Nails 87006SS 3/8-inch Crown 304 Stainless Steel Staples. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I5V2NLU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

This is the gun I used, Surebonder 9615A, Upholstery Stapler. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N52KSW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

It is a cheap gun, but it lasted for my entire boat.

Definitely turn down the pressure, or like has been stated, it will go right thru the vynil.

As for the T50 Monel, I have heard they are soft and could have problems going through the plastic. As for the T50 Stainless you can buy, I wouldn't trust it. I have seen them rust.

[wakesetter2188]

Thanks for the info!

[Relaxed350]

Anybody have Gabriel contact info?  Thanks for the help !!

[Doublee133]

I just ordered my three rear skins from Gabriel. He is very busy and it was a little difficult getting in contact with him. It took about a month but he just mailed them out. He charged me $150 per skin for the rear bottom three for my 05 23LSV. His current contact info is:

 

Gabriel Garcia 209-564-6203

[email protected]

[VLXDave]

Anybody else have any luck getting ahold of Gabriel Garcia? I have multiple emails and calls into him to no avail. 

[REHinH20]

I talked to him the other day, I had to try at odd times of the day.  He said he's busy at regular job, and this is the busiest season for the upholstery work too.  Keep trying, you'll catch him.

[wideawakeaz]

Is there a phone number for Gabriel?

Jerry

[jgates237]

ans to ^^^^

Gabriel Garcia 209-564-6203

[email protected]

[h2oratJR]

He did  a rear skin for me recently 

[jfthunder]

I have not had any luck. I will be in Merced the week of the 28th and will try to catch up with Gabriel.

Edited June 9, 2016 by jfthunder