WBLskier Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 I have a small silver dollar sized hole in the backrest vinyl of the backseat of my 1998 Malibu Echelon. I either need to get it repaired or just order a new skin for the whole seat. I can get the skin for $185. I haven't priced out getting it repaired, but I have to think it is close to that or more. Has anyone installed that skin, and how difficult is it? I think it is pulled tight and stapled on the back, but i don't really recall. I'm not sure if I would need to hire a professional to install the skin anyway. Any thoughts? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jordan Posted February 28, 2014 Members Share Posted February 28, 2014 You can install any skin yourself if you have patience and an electric staple gun. The trick is to get the tension right...too loose or too tight and you will get wrinkles. FWIW I redid all of the skins in my boat, it turned out as good as any that I have seen. That said, it definitely took me longer than I thought it would. Since you are only doing one piece, it shouldn't be a big deal. One key tip is to get the piece warmed up before you install it...I laid my pieces out in the sun for 15 or 20 minutes before installing. It makes the vinyl much more pliable and easier to stretch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Wayne Posted February 28, 2014 Baller Share Posted February 28, 2014 Get the skin, overall you will be happier with the result. In addition to what Jordan said you could trial fit the new skin over the existing one just to see if you have the courage to attempt it. An upholstery shop will probably swap out the skins in a hour (labor) if you bring them the piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
east tx skier Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 Start in the middle and work your way out. Be patient, and use stainless steel staples. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldjeep Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 Getting a skin installed is cheap. I paid a local upholstery guy $20 do install one on my bayliner after the seat base had gotten cracked from someone stepping on it. Mine were plastic bases and you needed a "real" staple gun to shoot them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef23 Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 I helped a friend do his last year and I would say the back seat backrest should be pretty easy to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Steven_Haines Posted March 1, 2014 Members Share Posted March 1, 2014 I just upholstered my entire boat. It was a very simple process! You can do it! I couldn't find stainless staples in my area so I ordered monel staples from west marine. A box of 1000 staples is 29.99 plus tax and shipping. Good luck! Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Steven_Haines Posted March 1, 2014 Members Share Posted March 1, 2014 where are you getting the skin from Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DW Posted March 3, 2014 Baller Share Posted March 3, 2014 @WBLskier: I would go to the Malibu Crew website and get the information on Malibu skin replacement. Best source for them on that site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldManRiver Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 I bought skins from Chee for my '98 Echelon. He has all the > 7-year-old Malibu boat seating patterns. Pretty much anything you need to know is in the link below. I still have a couple skins yet to install, but it's not too tough with the right porter cable pneumatic stapler and right SS staples. Hope your skins/install goes well. http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/47163-chee-skins/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Steven_Haines Posted March 4, 2014 Members Share Posted March 4, 2014 I got my skins from Chi also. I got complete interior for a closed bell delivered to my door for 1100 dollars. the upholstery is thick and well put together! Che has been doing Malibu's upholstery for years and is the only one you'll find recommended on the Malibu crew web site. if you want his personal email address I can pass it on to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1jeremy Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 Hey everyone, new to this forum, but have read some posts about chee building replacement seat skins for older malibus. I have a 97 sunsetter lx that is in good shspe but the rear seat has come apart in the usual spot. Can I please get chees contact info to see if he would still be interested in making skins? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DonT Posted January 31, 2015 Baller Share Posted January 31, 2015 I've been following the ongoing saga of Chee on the malibu forum and it appears that he is missing in action. I do not know the details, but several have paid for skins with no delivery of product. I cannot comment on the reasons, only the net effect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1jeremy Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 Ok, thanks. Thats too bad, really hard to find good craftsmanship and someone you can trust with your stuff. I do have a local guy I can use for a good repair as long as the vinyl can be matched decently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy_728 Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 +1 for Chee Maua Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Steven_Haines Posted February 1, 2015 Members Share Posted February 1, 2015 1jeremy, I sent you a pm w Chee's contact info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kstateskier Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 Word of warning about Chee. He has been an institution on the Malibu Crew for years as the "guy" for Bu skins. However, over the last 4-6 months 10-12 members have sent money to Chee for skins and to date, Chee has disappeared with their money. Obviously there are alot of theories but our hope is its something medical and Chee is alive and well. But who knows, things happen. Several of the members are out $2500+ with no responses from Chee since summer 2014. I wouldn't recommend going the Chee route at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldjeep Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 Yup - there is a thread over there with another source - guy who currently works for Malibu and does skins for the older boats in his spare time. No cash until they are ready to ship. - Contact info is in first post http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/52994-malibu-interior-work-recommendation/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Steven_Haines Posted February 2, 2015 Members Share Posted February 2, 2015 If that's true, I guess I got really lucky! I got mine in no time and also got a replacement skin at no charge. The one replaced had some stitching coming loose. I hope all is well with Chee and that the Fellas from the Malibu Crew get they're issues resolved! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrB Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 @WBLskier I had a skin replaced several years ago by the dealer but they didn't use stainless steel staples and they rusted off. Be sure to use STAINLESS STEEL staples. They cost more but it's worth it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldjeep Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 @MrB Better off using Monel than stainless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Steven_Haines Posted February 3, 2015 Members Share Posted February 3, 2015 +1 on the Monel staples! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrB Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 @oldjeep @Steven Haines I'll have to google Monel staples. Not familiar with them. But Thanks, I'm sure you're correct. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Steven_Haines Posted February 3, 2015 Members Share Posted February 3, 2015 I got mine at West Marine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldjeep Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Home depot sells them too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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