Navy SH-3A,D,G & H Seaking, USCG HH-3F Pelican & USAF HH-3C/E Pilot and Crew Seat Restoration and Conversion

Navy USCG USAF H-3 Helicopter Pilot Crew Seat Crew Seat Office Chair Conversion Plans

I used Rustoluem Automotive Sandable Primer Gray to paint my H-3 seat followed by Rustoleum Smoke Gray Gloss paint as the top coat. Pretty darn close to good ole Navy Gray paint. I purchased fabric for the seats purchasing Byrne Woolen 55 Performance Tweed, 3 yards and Bryne Black Magic 55YRRL Performance Tween for the second seat. I purchased 3 yards for each seat based on the trim shop recommendations after reviewing my drawings made of a Siller Brothers Helicopters H-3/S-61 Pilot Seat and back cushion. I could not find the proper 3 inch thick styrofoam base material and instead purchased 3 inch thick foam (stiffest available) for use as a basis for the seat and back cushions with additional comfort foam.

Now that two sets of cushions have been made, the trim shop indicates a set of these cushions would only require 2 yards versus 3 yards of material.

I purchased the seat fabric from Keystone Brothers in San Diego, a large upholstery wholesaler for all types of Upholstery.