How to fix this mess? Bicycle seat cover.

[panchoskywalker]

Hello, I wanted to change the cover of a bicycle seat but I've messed it, I did not copy the pattern of the original cover. So now i'd like to remove the leather to start again but the leather is glued to the foam.

 

How can I remove the leather without breaking the foam?

 

 

Edited March 22 by panchoskywalker

[Northmount]

@panchoskywalker Move your post from help wanted to how do I do that.  Replies to help wanted also require moderator's approval and you are a member.

 

Glue is usually stronger than foam.  And solvents for many glues will dissolve foam.

Strip it all and apply new foam and cover.

 

[Mulesaw]

@panchoskywalker 

It looks like it is some sort of suede that you have used. You could try to soak it all in water for a day or so. Depending on how well the glue has bonded to the leather, you might get lucky in that it will separate. But it could also be like Northmount says: that part of the foam will come off too.

Or you can try to gently lift up the edges of the leather and try to "skin" the saddle. Keep lifting the leather and carefully slice with a sharp knife between the foam and the leather.

Good luck.

Brgds Jonas

[panchoskywalker]

Thank you, the other option I have is to cut the actual leather just before the bend and add new leather over it. Because the bond between the leather and the foam is pretty strong and replacing the foam? I would not know how to do that as it has a shape.

[Mulesaw]

3 minutes ago, panchoskywalker said:

Thank you, the other option I have is to cut the actual leather just before the bend and add new leather over it. Because the bond between the leather and the foam is pretty strong and replacing the foam? I would not know how to do that as it has a shape.

No matter what you decide, I think you should try to wet mould your leather to the seat.
If you do like you suggest yourself, cut the leather before the bend, and try to skive the cut so that there will be a gradual decrease in thickness.
Then take a new piece of leather that is larger than it needs to be.
Cut it to a rough shape. Make some holes all along the edges.
Soak it in water for an hour or two, put it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator overnight.
Drape it over the seat and use some string or shoelace to hold the shape using the holes you made along the edges.
Smooth out the top and help pulling etc with your fingers, retighten the string/shoelace 
To this till you are happy with the shape and how it flows around the seat.
Leave the leather on until it is dry.

Remove the string/lace
Remove the new seat cover
Let the inner part of the saddle dry out (it probably took a bit of moisture from the wet leather)
Cut the former seat cover to the correct size (maybe 3/4" from the bend). 
Attach the seat cover using staples or whatever method you prefer :-)

I did this 30 years ago on a motorcycle seat, and it worked really well. 
Just be careful to not tighten the string/shoelace too much, so you end up tearing out a hole. The purpose of the string is to hold the leather in the shape, not to pull it into shape. That needs to be done with your hands.

Brgds Jonas

[panchoskywalker]

Well I've managed to remove the leather, the foam did suffered a little bit but not too much.

 

 

[TomE]

I suggest you cover the seat with a smooth grained leather or vinyl.  The suede will create friction and it won't wear well.  My first job (51 yrs ago) was working in a bicycle shop assembling bikes.  The top bikes had Brooks saddles that are still made today.

 

[NatesLeatherGds]

49 minutes ago, TomE said:

The top bikes had Brooks saddles that are still made today.

I have one. Worth every penny. (And I'd never ever try to replicate it despite any skills I think I may have as a leather craftsman.)