Oh boy, 

        I got it folks,  no cable ties.  This is a spare middle seat used only occasionally in the van and used more in my house!  I have the base fitted on rocking chair rails and it is a very comfy spot to play music.  I’m cleaning the upholstery.  If all goes well I will reuse the material.  If not I’ll look into getting the replacement fabric.  
I am always happy to get and learn to use a new tool, but I saved the rings and have them shaped so I can turn them on and clamp again in a pinch. 

I know crazy that I saved and preserved the rings but I always try to keep everything from the van just in case.

Great tips.

Eric Caron 
  
  
> On Mar 26, 2017, at 5:17 PM, JordanVw@aol.com wrote:
> 
> if you plan on owning the van for a while then this is a bad idea.    plastic cable ties have maybe a 5 year life.  metal hog rings last forever.   theres a reason why auto mantufacturers dont use plastic cable ties to attach seat upholstry.
>  
>  
>  
> In a message dated 3/26/2017 4:06:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ecaron1@COMCAST.NET writes:
> and those rings are going to have to now be cable ties. 
>