Plycraft shell chair restoration Part 1...and away we go...

As promised, here's the first update on the Plycraft chair restoration. After looking at Mr. Modtomics recover of his Plycraft Eames style Mr. Chair (link to the sight on an earlier post) I figured well, how hard could this be...Well here's the initial teardown...

Well the seat and back were pretty easily removed just pulling the screws that held them on. The chair came to me minus only one of the original screws and maybe one of the dimpled washers under another. Obviously had been disassembled previously to recover the seat and someone had tacked a piece of non matching fabric to try and cover a rip in the top of the back. Why even go to the trouble if you're not going to replace? After this point the project went from, this could be fairly simple, to hmm, this may be a bit more complicated, to well this may end up being something totally outside my normal realm of expertise. As much as I love the challenge I'm now so totally glad I own this chair and it's not a job I took on for a customer for restoration. If I screw it up at least I don't have to explain what went wrong!

As you can see in the pics, although the outside panels are screwed down on the outside they are pulled and stapled inside the frame area. The outside panels have both plywood and foam on the underside and are looking quite complicated to try and rework back to original. Going to try and just replicate one at a time to be able to get this just right and will need reference for at least the first side.

First order of business is getting the shell back to some resemblence of original. This is turning out to be a very multifaceted project and a lot more than I had anticipated...

For those of you that have had the fun of trying to pull multiple staples with a screwdriver and pliers on any given piece you're working on I will offer this suggestion. This handy little tool will save you the money spent on the first project alone. Berrys staple remover for about $15 bucks and American made. Just don't put your hands in front of what you are working on as if it slips off it may cost you a trip to the walk-in clinic. Efficient, but non-descriminating on your flesh...

There are several areas that the veneer was lifting and missing some small chips here and there. Not too worried about the missing chips right now, but the lifting has to be addressed before refinishing which is going to set me back a day on the refinishing. Everything has to be solid before starting any project like this. Otherwise it will be more difficult and possibly death to the veneer if ignored. This is the current progress and hope to get started on working on the shell tomorrow. Don't plan on picking a fabric until the shell is up and running along with the base. Restain options are still in the air but considering a golden oak for starters and I can darken if needed. Always better to start lighter and work up as needed. If anyone has any experience restoring one of these I'd love your input. I'm always happy to share and receive any constructive input...