Re-webbing vintage lawn chairs

[Jezibels]

Im starting a new project:

Anyone re-web old aluminum lawn chairs? I just won 71' of webbing on Ebay to do two chairs and unscrewed the screws holding the webbing on and found I need to install grommets on the new webbing.

Is installing the metal grommets easy? Is it a plier like device that you use to crimp them down?

[flyfshr]

They have grommets and a grommet installation rig at the home centers. Only one size grommet though, so I hope its the right size.

Neat project. Good luck and post some pictures when you're done.

Brad
FF

[Jezibels]

Here are the "before" pics.

[altnbndr]

I have re webbed this type of chairs for years and have yet to use grommets. When you fold down the corners to form the ends you will have four layers of material to screw through. All you will need would be washers under the screw heads. I have never had a screw pull through doing it this way.

[war eagle]

Agree with altnbndr - grommets not needed. I used an old soldering iron with a pointed tip to make the holes for the screws. The heat makes it easy to make the holes and also fuses the webbing fibers together to prevent fraying. A fun project! Best wishes!

Steve

[jal4509]

We just today found 2 old aluminum folding lawn chairs stored in our attic; now I know where to find the webbing! Thanks!

[flyfshr]

Before putting the webbing back on, give it a once over with some polish. This is what happened when I found this one at a garage sale. I stripped and re-varnished the wood slats. I have a lounge chair I've been working on too but it still needs an appropriate vintage-looking cushion.

I know, it's a disease.

Brad
FF

[Jezibels]

So Im not the only one contemplating polishing the chairs too huh! ; )

[flyfshr]

Not at all. We're a certifiable lot. Welcome to the loonie bin.

Brad
FF

[wmarsha]

I thought that was a log, or a rock! How do you polish one of those? and speaking of polish-are y'all polishing the aluminum before webbing? on a serious side...my nephews found a way to use jute to make new "seating" for such chairs-colored and in patterns-they weaved it. Wove? Well, they "Woved" a lot when done.
yeah, i know, I am looking for a photo, now...

[Jezibels]

Ok ya talked me into it (didnt take much)

I will polish before I reweb them.

I will def post pics guys!

WMARSHA~The jute idea sounds pretty cool too! Will watch for pics if ya find 'em!

[Jezibels]

Here is before, after polish and after new webbing photos.

[InsideOut]

Looks GREAT!

Shari

[flyfshr]

Now that is classy!! Great job!!

Brad
FF

[wheel interested]

My aunt in Mesa used to collect old chairs and macrame them but I can not find any pictures or patterns of them now online but they were very nice and a super idea if anyone likes to macrame. Here is a picture from the web but the ones she did were folding chairs and lounges and looked very nice too when completed. We have some chairs that I have been keeping to refinish the wooden arm supports. It's a rocker and chaise set with tubing. The refinished chairs here look very good.

[mello mike]

Sweeet!!

[driftless]

Very nice chairs. Looks like a nice winter evening project. The thing is, those chairs are actually quite comfortable. Now if they just had a cup holder built in....