Preacher curl pad reupholster/rehab

[snova031]

I picked up a Sorinex adjustable preacher curl the other day, and want to rehab the preacher pad as it's rather beat up.



At first, I planned on just reupholstering, but I think I may replace/add some new foam as well, since the pad has some pretty decent indentations from use. I'm not sure of how thick the foam is (I'm assuming it's 2" rebond), or if it's one solid piece that's just curved around the upper edge, or multiple pieces. I'd like to avoid taking it apart until I have all of the materials to refurbish it, so I can still use it for the time being.

I'm contemplating if I should just pick up a new piece of 1/4"-1/2" rebond and lay it over the current, then reupholster, or if I should start new and go with 2" rebond and completely re-do the pad. Also, not sure how to handle the edge. If I go with a 1/4"-1/2" overlay, I figured I'd taper the top edge to give it a seamless transition to the original pad @ the upper edge. Any thoughts?

[ironwill2008]

I picked up a Sorinex adjustable preacher curl the other day, and want to rehab the preacher pad as it's rather beat up.



At first, I planned on just reupholstering, but I think I may replace/add some new foam as well, since the pad has some pretty decent indentations from use. I'm not sure of how thick the foam is (I'm assuming it's 2" rebond), or if it's one solid piece that's just curved around the upper edge, or multiple pieces. I'd like to avoid taking it apart until I have all of the materials to refurbish it, so I can still use it for the time being.

I'm contemplating if I should just pick up a new piece of 1/4"-1/2" rebond and lay it over the current, then reupholster, or if I should start new and go with 2" rebond and completely re-do the pad. Also, not sure how to handle the edge. If I go with a 1/4"-1/2" overlay, I figured I'd taper the top edge to give it a seamless transition to the original pad @ the upper edge. Any thoughts?

You'd probably be way ahead of the game to replace everything at the same time and be done with it. New upholstery over worn/damaged foam just won't be suitable.

I'm no upholstery wizard, but unless someone else here has worked on the same pad, and can advise you, you're going to have to take that one apart (carefully) to see what was used originally. Exercise equipment usually uses much denser padding/foam than furniture; you'll probably have to search the webz for suitable repair materials.


ETA:

If you haven't contacted them already, the manufacturer may have what you need to refurbish the piece or at least can direct you to a good source.

[snova031]

You'd probably be way ahead of the game to replace everything at the same time and be done with it. New upholstery over worn/damaged foam just won't be suitable.

I'm no upholstery wizard, but unless someone else here has worked on the same pad, and can advise you, you're going to have to take that one apart (carefully) to see what was used originally. Exercise equipment usually uses much denser padding/foam than furniture; you'll probably have to search the webz for suitable repair materials.


ETA:

If you haven't contacted them already, the manufacturer may have what you need to refurbish the piece or at least can direct you to a good source.

Thanks- the more I think about it, if I do move forward I might as well just replace the foam while I'm at it. I know the best way to go about it would be to break down the current pad to see the construction, but like I said I still want to use it in the meantime so that causes a bit of a dilemma. I'll probably end up doing that anyway and just not have it usable for a couple of weeks.

I know many mfgs use rebond for their pads, and it looks like Full Circle Padding's standard is the 8lb rebond that they sell, so that's why I assume that's what's in this pad, although, like you said, I don't know what is there now.

Hopefully others can chime in. Unfortunately, Full Circle Padding doesn't list Sorinex as a mfg they have pads available for on their site, but I'll probably contact them anyway. I'll also reach out to Sorinex and Reflex to see if they have replacements readily available, and at what cost.

[ironwill2008]

..... Full Circle Padding doesn't list Sorinex as a mfg they have pads available for on their site, but I'll probably contact them anyway. I'll also reach out to Sorinex and Reflex to see if they have replacements readily available, and at what cost.

Full Circle is a good idea.


It would be great if you'd return to this thread when you've reupholstered the piece, and post a couple of pics of the completed job.

[snova031]

Full Circle is a good idea.


It would be great if you'd return to this thread when you've reupholstered the piece, and post a couple of pics of the completed job.

I've already sent inquiries to Full Circle and Reflex. I'm not going to contact Sorinex at this time, since I'd imagine they probably won't want to deal with this lol.

My first option is to DIY this, but I'll see what these guys say. And I'll definitely update with pics if/when the job is done.

[Synthetickiller]

Keep us updated.

If those options fail (& I hope they don't), see if you can find a preacher curl w/ a pad that is very similar in design & dimensions. That might be a good back up plan.

[snova031]

Keep us updated.

If those options fail (& I hope they don't), see if you can find a preacher curl w/ a pad that is very similar in design & dimensions. That might be a good back up plan.

Heh, I just finished going thru the other mfgs on Full Circle's website to see if any of the pads looked similar. I'd imagine they'll all have different bolt patterns. I suppose I can go that route if need be and sink some t-nuts into the new pad to mount to the existing frame.

[snova031]

I think this may turn in to an all-out refurbish. In the process of purchasing some new uhmw for the arms and will probably re-paint the machine. Just have to decide on color- silver (like the two pieces it's sandwiched between now), black, or lime green (current bench color)..

[rpark]

I'm pretty sure that you could send the old pads to Full Circle and they can replicate.... but there you would lose use of the bench for a short time. That's my suggestion though, send the pads away, they'll remake everything and you can re-paint while waiting.... and just find other bicep exercises in the mean time.

[vonschnapps]

I replaced the pad on my preacher curl and it wasn't that bad. Also repainted it. Don't know if I bought the padding from Full Circle but it was 2" 8lb rebound. Got some marine grade vinyl off eBay. Carefully remove the staples, so you don't rip the vinyl, and use the old vinyl as sort of a pattern. While I cut the foam to size, I do remember having to trim it down smaller, the original foam compressed easier than the rebond so to compensate for the firmer new foam I had to take a little more off the sides of it. I used a staple gun and it was very easy. Pull the vinyl tight and compress the foam a little then staple, that makes the pad very smooth and firm. I've since done three more pads. The hardest part was removing the staples from the original piece.

[snova031]

I'm pretty sure that you could send the old pads to Full Circle and they can replicate.... but there you would lose use of the bench for a short time. That's my suggestion though, send the pads away, they'll remake everything and you can re-paint while waiting.... and just find other bicep exercises in the mean time.

Full Circle got back to me and sent over the order form to get a quote. I think I'm leaning towards refurbishing the pad myself at this point. I'll probably purchase the vinyl and rebond from Full Circle today.

Also decided to paint it this weekend. I'm thinking I'll go with hammered silver. I'll post some progress pics.

I replaced the pad on my preacher curl and it wasn't that bad. Also repainted it. Don't know if I bought the padding from Full Circle but it was 2" 8lb rebound. Got some marine grade vinyl off eBay. Carefully remove the staples, so you don't rip the vinyl, and use the old vinyl as sort of a pattern. While I cut the foam to size, I do remember having to trim it down smaller, the original foam compressed easier than the rebond so to compensate for the firmer new foam I had to take a little more off the sides of it. I used a staple gun and it was very easy. Pull the vinyl tight and compress the foam a little then staple, that makes the pad very smooth and firm. I've since done three more pads. The hardest part was removing the staples from the original piece.

Thanks for the info, gives me a little more confidence in doing the reupholster myself.

[morebarbell]

I haven't compared prices but rebond is commonly available. It may or may not be cheaper to by the foam and vinyl locally. Local upholsterers might be willing to sell you materials and they probably get it cheaper than most. You might also ask the local upholsterers for quotes to redo everything. I paid $30 to have a fid backpad reupholstered locally.

[snova031]

I haven't compared prices but rebond is commonly available. It may or may not be cheaper to by the foam and vinyl locally. Local upholsterers might be willing to sell you materials and they probably get it cheaper than most. You might also ask the local upholsterers for quotes to redo everything. I paid $30 to have a fid backpad reupholstered locally.

I'm going to hold off on purchasing the materials from Full Circle- with shipping, it'll cost close ~$80 for the vinyl and rebond. I'll check around locally.

[RemainDieHard]

I checked several local auto upholstery shops, marine upholstery shops, and fabric wholesale shops; nobody had 8# rebond. I think the wholesale shop had 6#.

I did find some on ebay pretty cheap but I cant seem to find it anymore.

[Synthetickiller]

I checked several local auto upholstery shops, marine upholstery shops, and fabric wholesale shops; nobody had 8# rebond. I think the wholesale shop had 6#.

I did find some on ebay pretty cheap but I cant seem to find it anymore.

I just did the same thing.
Is it made still? I'm just wondering what lb pads certain manufacturers are using. That might be an option too, just to call up a place & ask. The least they can say is that it's a secret.

[Stasher1]

I found Jo-Ann Fabric to have much better prices on vinyl than my local upholstery shops, and coupons are usually available online to make it even cheaper. I bought about 6 yds of red marine grade vinyl and not only was it cheaper, it's also thicker and sturdier than the stuff the local shop used when they redid my benches.

[snova031]

I may try Joann. I'm going to check my options over the next week or so before I get the vinyl/rebond.

I decided to paint today. We're supposed to get some rain but I lucked out and got it done this AM.

I started by sanding with a combination of my palm sander w/ 80grit and some wire wheel attachments on my drill for the corners/tougher to reach areas. Picked up some Rustoleum Metallic Satin Nickel and applied 2 coats.

After one coat:



And completed:




I also cut some new UHMW strips for the bar catches. I'm also going to pick up some new pop pins as the current ones are a little rusted/beat up.

I'll keep this updated as I move forward with the reupholster. Thanks for all the suggestions thus far

[RemainDieHard]

I'm just wondering what lb pads certain manufacturers are using. That might be an option too, just to call up a place & ask. The least they can say is that it's a secret.

I tried making a thread of that exact info complied, but nobody else besides me contributed and it good filled up with useless BS posts. It's hard to compare because the 8# rebond rating really isn't a measure of firmness, just weight. Firmness would be measured in ILD or IFD but not all types of foam sold provide that rating either.

Rogue - Neoprene
Original Icarian - polyurethane closed cell, high resiliency
New Icarian/Precor - 8# polyurethane
Promaxima - closed cell polyurethane like pool noodles (it sucks)
Legend - 8# rebond
Full Circle - 8# rebond but completely different consistency than Legend. I love the Legend foam, but I hate the Full Circle foam. I asked their shop foreman what's up and he didn't have an answer.

[big420atx]

That paint came out looking great....well done

[AttyGuy]

I tried making a thread of that exact info complied, but nobody else besides me contributed and it good filled up with useless BS posts. It's hard to compare because the 8# rebond rating really isn't a measure of firmness, just weight. Firmness would be measured in ILD or IFD but not all types of foam sold provide that rating either.

Rogue - Neoprene
Original Icarian - polyurethane closed cell, high resiliency
New Icarian/Precor - 8# polyurethane
Promaxima - closed cell polyurethane like pool noodles (it sucks)
Legend - 8# rebond
Full Circle - 8# rebond but completely different consistency than Legend. I love the Legend foam, but I hate the Full Circle foam. I asked their shop foreman what's up and he didn't have an answer.

This is awesome stuff. Why not resurrect the thread?

[snova031]

I tried making a thread of that exact info complied, but nobody else besides me contributed and it good filled up with useless BS posts. It's hard to compare because the 8# rebond rating really isn't a measure of firmness, just weight. Firmness would be measured in ILD or IFD but not all types of foam sold provide that rating either.

Rogue - Neoprene
Original Icarian - polyurethane closed cell, high resiliency
New Icarian/Precor - 8# polyurethane
Promaxima - closed cell polyurethane like pool noodles (it sucks)
Legend - 8# rebond
Full Circle - 8# rebond but completely different consistency than Legend. I love the Legend foam, but I hate the Full Circle foam. I asked their shop foreman what's up and he didn't have an answer.

Great information, may I ask why you hate Full Circle's foam? I've yet to find any other sources of 8lb rebond.

That paint came out looking great....well done

Thanks

[snova031]

So I measured the pad this morning, and found that the overall pad thickness is right around 2.5", however the padding itself seems to be only 1" thick, with 1.5" being the pad board. I'm thinking 1.25-1.5" rebond would suffice.

[RemainDieHard]

Great information, may I ask why you hate Full Circle's foam? I've yet to find any other sources of 8lb rebond.



Thanks

The Legend foam has a slight lumpy appearance. It conforms to the pressure as in the way memory foam would.

The Full Circle foam appears smooth. It deflects over a much larger area than the Legend foam. Not sure if it's a characteristic of their foam or if it's their cover; but the pad has a slightly round profile overall.

If your foam is a high quality foam and it's not deformed I don't see any reason to replace it.

[snova031]

The Legend foam has a slight lumpy appearance. It conforms to the pressure as in the way memory foam would.

The Full Circle foam appears smooth. It deflects over a much larger area than the Legend foam. Not sure if it's a characteristic of their foam or if it's their cover; but the pad has a slightly round profile overall.

If your foam is a high quality foam and it's not deformed I don't see any reason to replace it.

Thanks- unfortunately, the padding could use replacing.

I think I'm down to either Full Circle's rebond (which seems to be the only readily available 8lb rebond I've been able to come across), or Neoprene, ala:

http://www.foamforyou.com/neoprene.htm

[snova031]

So it looks like foambymail.com sells 7lb rebond at a pretty reasonable cost, about $43 shipped for a 1x25x80 sheet. May go that route.

[snova031]

Purchased rebond and vinyl today. I grabbed a quarter sheet of 1" and a half sheet of 1/2" rebond, when I get it I'll lay it out and see what thickness I want to go with- 1", 1.5", 2". I'll get some pics up when I do the reupholster.

[snova031]

Received the vinyl and rebond in the mail today and wasted no time. Pic heavy:

Old pad, quite beat up



After removing about 100 staples, here's what I was left with



Old foam- 1" rebond. You can see on the right side that it's degraded where the elbows sit.



New 1" rebond laid under the board, used spray adhesive to adhere it to the board



1" rebond glued to board



Glued a layer of 1/2" rebond on top to give me a total of 1.5" of padding

[snova031]

Next up is the upholstering, didn't get any pics of the process as I kind of just went to town. Went a little staple happy ala Pendlay, but the entire back gets covered by the mounting bracket.



Finished pad



Side shot- wrapping the edges was the toughest part, but it came together pretty decent




And the finished product





I'm about $160 all in on this bench. Purchased for $100, ~$10 for new UHMW strips, $12 for spray paint, and about $40 on vinyl and padding.

[dieselmike]

Well done. Looks brand new.

[Mech6]

lol, this is pretty much the exact way I make the RH pad. Only slightly bigger obviously, and I use 3/4" closed-cell on top of 1" rebond. But the overlap on one side, same thing.