Would Oratex work as a membrane over the frame of a seat, similar to how ceconite is used prior to cushions and upholstery ?

Yes, but the question would be why? It’s like 5x the cost of Ceconite or Poly Fiber.

akgreg wrote:Yes, but the question would be why? It’s like 5x the cost of Ceconite or Poly Fiber.

This x2.

Mapleflt wrote:Would Oratex work as a membrane over the frame of a seat, similar to how ceconite is used prior to cushions and upholstery ?

The main value to Oratex is the color is already embedded in the fabric, making painting not necessary for most who choose to use it. As other have said, for seats it's much more cost effective and probably stronger to use Ceconite and glue.

All right; I've been schooled, Ceconite and glue it is thanks guys

I personally prefer aluminum for seat pans for crash worthiness. I'm concerned that in a hard crash I'll go through the seat pan and get folded in half.

I personally would get some .020 2024 and cut it into 2" strips, and weave them like a lawn chair, loop them around the seat frame, and rivet.

I might be overly paranoid, but I suspect that is way stronger than fabric without much effort or mess.

It would appear that Ceconite has been used successfully by other, thats said I'm not sure there' ever been any "crash test dummy" trials done. I share your thoughts on safety so your point of view is a valid concern. Part of what I'm striving for is to lighten up the "total" package so my sense is that the aluminum, while likely stronger will also be heavier, admittedly by a small margin but it all adds up.

I understand the safety concern. I think it was Z that put the spaghetti noodle press image in my head. A while back I built a square frame and stretched heavy superflight fabric over it with Stewarts glue. I jump on it until the fabric had bagged out and the frame was bent. The fabric didn't tear, only stretched out till it was baggy. I'm no longer concerned about my butt getting spaghetti noodle pressed though the seat frame. All the seat pans in my plane are fabric.

Any pics Whee

Mapleflt wrote:Any pics Whee

No pics of the test frame.

No good pics of the seats.

Spaghetti press, that makes a funny mind image

whee wrote:I understand the safety concern. I think it was Z that put the spaghetti noodle press image in my head.

More like your big butt getting pushed through the Playdough Fun Factory™. Though you would probable save your spine at the expense of your pelvis and butt meat.

Here's my seats I did in .025 6061:

Zzz what is the gauge of the aluminum ? That's got to be lighter then the mixture of fabric, horsehair and springs that make up my seats now !

Looks nice Z, I wish you were doing a full builder’s thread. I certainly understand the time concern.

Joe

Mapleflt wrote:Zzz what is the gauge of the aluminum ? That's got to be lighter then the mixture of fabric, horsehair and springs that make up my seats now !

Nothing is lighter than fabric. I just liked the aluminum method more. For the seat pans it is .025" which is 24 gauge. For the seatbacks it is .020" which is 25 gauge.

I will build a progressive stack of memory foam right on top of this, then a slipcover. Actually, I'll prob have a local auto upholsterer do it. At one time I had a deal with a well known local aviation seat upholstery company, but they went dark on me after I spent 2 days shooting video of their products.

The aluminum will be considerably easier for me to work with so I'll live with the "heavier" materials !!!!

Mapleflt wrote:All right; I've been schooled, Ceconite and glue it is thanks guys

Excellent choice!

Mapleflt wrote:The aluminum will be considerably easier for me to work with so I'll live with the "heavier" materials !!!!

Huh? Are you gonna be that guy?
There is no way possible that the aluminum route is easier. The fabric was a super simple install and cheap.

Pretty ironic that this topic came up. I just recieved a quote back from Oregon aeron on a set for my Rebel. I need to get them upholstered. I have purchased the 3-layer foam from Jim Fix and had hoped to do the seats myself. Life is going by too fast and I want to try and get this plane up in the air this summer. Having a professional outfit do it might cost some serious coin, but it saves me a bunch of time.

I was just about to research doing the pans in fabric for the same reason posted. I am striving for lighter weight. After the Spaghetti butt comment and Zzz reflecting on spine issues, I think I will just go with the aluminum!!

Next subjet is heat. I'll post a new thread as to not get this one off topic.

You guys building helicopters? I can't imagine going through the bottom of the seat in a fixed wing...

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Zane
Hammer

I covered my seats in the cub with Stits and they were great. That stuff is incredibly strong. I’d do it again

MTV