2009 Ford Flex - CGS Ford "ReFlex" SEMA Project

The cool retro rod leather perforated diamond tuck inserts help the seat breath and absorb heat built up between the occupant and seat's leather surface.

The cool retro rod leather perforated diamond tuck inserts help the seat breath and absorb

CGS Motorsports was involved in another SEMA project vehicle for the Ford Motor Company for '08 and we were right there to check out the progress. This year Ford pierces the crossover market with its introduction of the all-new '09 Flex. As a fullsize people mover Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) the Flex features a unique boxy long wheelbase exterior with plenty of room for up to seven passengers. The Flex's bold game-changing design could become a leader of the crossover invasion.

The first buildup segment of the CGS "ReFlex" SEMA project will feature an interior makeover. The factory cushy seats were refitted with retro rod seat covers. The team at Roadwire Automotive cut and stitched new leather/vinyl seat covers that feature black leather with perforated "Diamond Tuck" inserts and white French double stitching.

After removing the front and middle rows of bucket seats, the third row seat frames were left in their interior factory location. This would avoid the removal of the surrounding interior panels and moldings to allow the removal of the third row seats. The third row seat cushions were removed from the seat frames. All of the seats and cushions were then loaded into the CGS shop truck and delivered to Roadwire Automotive Innovations in Commerce, California.

Todd Abraham, Roadwire's International technical sales manager led us through the transformation of the factory seats to the all-new Roadwire diamond stitched retro rod style seats.

From The Driver Seat:After many years of experience in the industry, Todd Abraham made the installation of the six Roadwire seat covers appear effortless. The tight-as-a-glove fitment enhanced the seats overall appeal. After the Roadwire retro diamond tucked covered seats were installed into the CGS Motorsports ReFlex, the interior was instantly transformed into a timeless, back to the future dcor.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
Time Spent Working:	6 hours
Degree of Difficulty:	Advanced
Tools Needed: Assorted hand tools, steamer, vacuum machine, electric drill, air spray gun, adhesive spray, hog rings, hog-ring pliers.
Parts Used: Six custom seat covers with perforated leather diamond tuck inserts, and white French stitching	$2,195.00
Total Cost:	$2,195.00

(not including labor of installation)

The visionary mind and talented hand of Sean Smith transferred his mental image of the Ford Flex to paper. Sean's very cool rendering captures the unique boxy shaped exterior with lowered suspension and increased wheel and tire sizes.
The visionary mind and talented hand of Sean Smith transferred his mental image of the For
The front bucket seats of the Flex feature soft leather seats that were removed and destitched into flat patterns to insure the Roadwire upholsters exact fitment of the new Rodwire leather covers.
The front bucket seats of the Flex feature soft leather seats that were removed and destit
A pair of hog-ring pliers were used to remove the hog rings from the factory covers and foam.
A pair of hog-ring pliers were used to remove the hog rings from the factory covers and fo

An electric drill was used to disassemble the seat back from the bottom.
ReFlex's spacious interior comfortably seats six adults or seven when you through a child in the equation. The second and third row seats fold down flat making for 83.2 cubic feet behind the first row of bucket seats and 43.2 cubic feet behind the second row, allowing for hauling bulk cargo.
ReFlex's spacious interior comfortably seats six adults or seven when you through a child
Some of the factory front bucket seat hardware was disassembled. Notice all of the electrical connectors, wiring, motors, servos, and sensors hidden underneath the seat.
Some of the factory front bucket seat hardware was disassembled. Notice all of the electri

Todd Abraham from Roadwire removed the factory leather seat cover from the seat back.
To help bond the new Roadwire leather cover to the back section of the seat, Todd applied some adhesive spray before applying it to the factory foam.
To help bond the new Roadwire leather cover to the back section of the seat, Todd applied
After the Roadwire bottom cover was installed it was then moved around and hand-formed to its final fit-like-a-glove location.
After the Roadwire bottom cover was installed it was then moved around and hand-formed to

While the foam is compressed Todd effortlessly applied the new Roadwire headrest cover.
After the new Roadwire seat-back leather cover was aligned, it was then pressed into place.
After the new Roadwire seat-back leather cover was aligned, it was then pressed into place
All of Roadwire custom seat covers come with the factory-like labels (Side Airbag).

After the Roadwire cover was located into its correct location, the vacuum machine suction is released expanding the headrest foam to its tight fit.
After the Roadwire cover was located into its correct location, the vacuum machine suction
The same procedure was used to install the seat bottom section.
A Roadwire vacuum machine compresses the foam of the headrest to allow for easy installation of the headrest cover.
A Roadwire vacuum machine compresses the foam of the headrest to allow for easy installati

After the Roadwire embroidered headrest was fitted properly, Todd installed into the front bucket seat back.
After the Roadwire embroidered headrest was fitted properly, Todd installed into the front
Moving to the second row of bucket seats, Todd began to remove the seat back cover.
Todd worked the bottom cover into place.

A comparison of the Flex factory middle seat (left) and the Roadwire covered seat with diamond tuck inserts.
A comparison of the Flex factory middle seat (left) and the Roadwire covered seat with dia
The bottom cushion's factory cover was removed.
The seat back Roadwire leather cover was then slid over the middle seat foam cushion and frame back.
The seat back Roadwire leather cover was then slid over the middle seat foam cushion and f

To remove the third row seats from the Flex, the entire rear plastic side moldings would have to be removed. To avoid those complications, the team at CGS removed the bottom and back cushions from both seat frames.
To remove the third row seats from the Flex, the entire rear plastic side moldings would h
The smaller third row seats are constructed from thinner dense foam, allowing it to fold up into a small compact package.
The smaller third row seats are constructed from thinner dense foam, allowing it to fold u
The second row bucket seat was stripped down to its naked foam. The new Roadwire back and bottom panels were ready to be installed.
The second row bucket seat was stripped down to its naked foam. The new Roadwire back and

Comparing the Roadwire leather seat cover with its retro rod, diamond tuck insert, to the plain factory leather seat cover.

The new Roadwire leather cover was slipped over and fitted to the foam seat cushion.
The 'ReFlex" Roadwire diamond tuck front and middle row bucket seats show off their new retro style.
The 'ReFlex" Roadwire diamond tuck front and middle row bucket seats show off their new re
All late model Roadwire seat covers are fitted with identical factory DOT labels.