"In this entry, we re-assemble the Strada CS seats: the frames, covers, foams and all accessories come together. I'm light on words and heavy on pictures - enjoy!"
- Matt

The end is near. 

With the Strada covers fully sewed, we were ready for final assembly. The process is different between the lower and backrest sections. We begun with the lower section as the installation is done prior to the reassembly of the seat frames. 

As a reminder from the previous entry, the underside of the center section have rubber trips and velcro to secure to the foam. We start with aligning the seams in the foam with those on the cover.

A trick of the trade is to use plastic wrap to reduce friction, making it easier to move and position the cover. With each additional clip and velcro secured, - stretching the cover gets ever more difficult. The plastic wrap is removed afterwards. 

I cannot understate the importance and attention to detail in installing covers. Any and all installation errors will be noticeable. I don't think this is a DIY if you expect professional results - it's why we do not sell covers on their own. 

Notes on aesthetics. 

Remember the locking stitch? Once the covers come together and are fully stretched, it is unseen. 

Due to the complexity of the M-Texture pattern, we opted for leather on the half circle section. Had I picked a monochrome Alcantara for the center sections, I would have considered using matching material.  

The small Alcantara section used on the rear of the lower section blends into the customization of the shell. It's a subtle touch that adds to the underlying concept of the Strada seats: luxury is in the little things. 

Steam stretching. 

The installation process requires a lot of pulling, stretching, tucking that will add wrinkles to natural leather most visible on angled sections of the bolsters. 

With the installation completed and validated, we used steam to re-stretch the leather and eliminate most wrinkles.

Steam creates a temporary glossy aesthetic - commonly associated with old, dirty leather. Here, it allows us to better identify the wrinkles that require our attention.  

Backrest assembly. 

Prior to proceeding with the installation of the upper cover, it required the re-assembly of the backrest upon its frame and the installation of the customized accessories. 

Being a reclinable seat, this step is crucial to the safety and mechanisms of the seat. We re-use original bolts, re-applying threadlocker on bolts as specified by Recaro. Two pairs of hands were required to carefully handle the freshly painted backrests. 

Accessories installation. 

With the backrest secured on its frame, we proceeded with installing the customized accessories and reclining mechanisms. This is done prior to the installation of the foam and cover - it provides access to the numerous bolts, clips and screws. 

The reclining handle and actuator cable were clipped, bolted and secured per original Recaro specifications. The inner harness slot cover will be installed later as we fit the cover. 

Lastly, the tilt knob, cap and lower frame covers were fitted. 

The final assembly. 

The installation of the upper covers begins with the re-installation of the lumbar support - it is hard foam with its underside contoured the Sportster shell design. It acts as a straight, flat surface to support the lower back.  

Following the same process as the lower section, the upper cover is first clipped and velcro'ed across the center sections and headrest. Afterwards, we begin stretching the cover starting by the headrest. 

It acts as an anchor for the cover, allowing us to pull on the cover firmly to stretch and clip the gasket across the outline of the shell.  

The process requires strength and finesse, hands will hurt once it is completed. 

Locking the upper cover. 

The harness slot covers act as locking devices for the upper covers. This step is crucial to aesthetics, ever more so with the Strada's larger upper center section with the stamped RECARO logo. 

Once more, this process requires 2x pairs of hands. The Strada covers are first stretched over the foam and within the shell - after which the harness covers are clipped and bolted to firmly lock in surface tension. 

Final bolt check. 

The lower section was loosely installed on the seat's frame for the purpose of taking pictures as they were removed to install the upper Strada cover.

With the backrest completed, the lower sections were secured to the seat's frame using the 4x original Recaro bolts and its specified threadlocker.  

We had reasons to celebrate - or did we, there's another seat to be done!

A year removed from the first cuts, we rejoiced: my Bespoke set of Strada seats were now complete.

But what are seats without mounts - and a car?

Up next: I chat brackets, sensors and the Stradas finally get bolted into the Phoenix.