Installing an ATV seat cover requires a few basic tools that are affordable and that many already have in the shop. An electric staple gun, 3/8 inch staples, and a heat gun round out all that’s required, and on a sunny day, you can usually ditch the heat gun and allow your cover to warm in the sun prior to installation as it makes the fabric more pliable and easier to work with. Pro GNCC racer and DirtFirst owner, Andy Lagzdins takes us through a step-by-step installation on his personal seat for his Honda TRX 450R ATV.
Then the new cover is placed on the seat with the nose of the seat (narrow front of seat) installed first and then works back the cover to see how well the initial fit is. Most covers will have obvious lines where the fabric meets and these should follow the contour of the seat foam
With the layout of the cover complete, the next step is to make sure you have ample fabric on the backside of the seat pan to attach the staples. Taking your time in laying out and stretching the cover will provide you with a quality installation so slow down and do not rush the work!
Once you are satisfied that you have the cover straight and equal and the large ripples pulled out of the cover, it is time to start attaching the new cover with the staple gun. Once you have the cover attached on both sides equally, you can start working the staples towards the front with a push down and press forward motion to help pull the cover taught.
Andy uses the heat gun to help the vinyl sides of his Duncan cover form around his seat foam. Do not overheat the cover, as it only requires a small amount of heat to soften the cover.
With the front ½ of the seat completed, attention is then turned the rear portion and again, stretch and re-check to make sure you have all ripples removed before attaching the remainder of the cover. If you see you have made a mistake, simply pull the staples and start that portion over.
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