Back Panel Removal: 2032NB Austin Tilt Back

I need to replace the gas strut in my Austin Tilt Back. I note from reading this forum that the the back cover must be removed to access the strut.

Is the best way to open the back is to remove the nail head trim and then fold back the leather cover?

If so, do you have any tips or tricks to offer me to remove the nail heads, etc.? I am a trim carpenter which skill hopefully will be helpful to carefully complete the removal and re-installation!

Thanks for the great advise you provide on this forum.

Henry

Hi Henry,

If you are REALLY good, you can replace the strut without removing the back panel. You are working blind and fishing around with your hands to engage the upper and lower clips of the strut, but it can be done. I see the guys at H&M do it in a few minutes and they never remove the panel. However for most us mere mortals, its easier to pull the panel partially off. It's held on with staples, and you simply pry it off carefully, I like to use small plastic pry tools made for automotive trim. Take off just the lower 6" below the gap fold. When done and the new strut is in, use a soft blow plastic hammer to reset the staples into the edge area.

Now here's the really important part. When you get the new strut, DO NOT TEST IT PRIOR TO INSTALL. You must have the strut fully installed into the chair before you pull off the safety retaining clips. If you do test it before hand, you will be unable to compress the strut and will have to get a new one. I can't tell you the number of customers who have foregone my warning on that and regretted it.

Replacement struts are $ 60 + $ 25 shipping (48 state) from my store, and take about 2 weeks to arrive. Good luck!

Thanks for the quick reply. I have a follow up question or two:

1. Do I fish around thru the gap between the seat bottom and the back.
2. If I go the panel removal route, do I remove the stapled leather just down to the welt? (It appears the the welt goes completely around the chair bottom).

1. Yes, if you want to try to do it without panel removal.
2. Yes, usually the welt will stay on - its sewn onto a panel. Pry off the panel using something like these tools.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Capri-Too...Q&gclsrc=aw.ds