71 seat problems
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 1,181
From: La Mesa CA
71 seat problems
My 71s seats are disintegrating. It is primarily the foam. The foam has turned to powder, so that the lightest touch causes the powder to spill out of the mesh of the seat. It is a tremendous mess. So obviously I need seat foam. It also needs new covers.
But here are my questions.
1. How can I make these seats more comfortable? More/different foam? The original seats are vinyl with a mesh insert. Would upgrading to a different fabric or leather make any difference? I was spoiled by my 90 seats.
2. Unfortunately my car is ridiculously original (another thread). But ignoring that for a second, has anyone out there put in later model corvette seats, like from my 90? How was the fit? Difficulty to install?
Thanks
But here are my questions.
1. How can I make these seats more comfortable? More/different foam? The original seats are vinyl with a mesh insert. Would upgrading to a different fabric or leather make any difference? I was spoiled by my 90 seats.
2. Unfortunately my car is ridiculously original (another thread). But ignoring that for a second, has anyone out there put in later model corvette seats, like from my 90? How was the fit? Difficulty to install?
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
Later model seats have been done quite often. Your tracks, late model seats, some minor fabrication. Search the archivesfor seats and you should come across several informative threads on installing later model seats in a C3.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
gw -- I had same foam disentigration problem with my 73 vert. I just redid the frames, the foam and covers. Came out great, HOWEVER, they still arent comfortable, nor will they ever be....
If you want comfort, my recommendation is to get something aftermarket that doesnt require much/any mods. For example, Durangoboy was putting toyota celica seats in his C3 and the price was cheap, they fit nice and they were very comfortable.
The thread below has great examples and tons of info on aftermarket ideas.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=celica+seats
Cheers,
Crunch
If you want comfort, my recommendation is to get something aftermarket that doesnt require much/any mods. For example, Durangoboy was putting toyota celica seats in his C3 and the price was cheap, they fit nice and they were very comfortable.
The thread below has great examples and tons of info on aftermarket ideas.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=celica+seats
Cheers,
Crunch
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
I just restored the seats in my 71. I had the same problem as you. My seats were terribly hard and uncomfortable. After getting the new foam and new repro seat covers (factory type mesh/comfort weave) they are now VERY soft and comfortable. Very pliable. I mean I doubt they feel like late model vette seats but....lol they are comfortable enough and original looking. I also had to buy the seat backs, head trim, rear release buttons and bezels and hardware. I got about $700 in my seats but they are nice and comfy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 11
From: Toronto Ontario
I just restored the seats in my 71. I had the same problem as you. My seats were terribly hard and uncomfortable. After getting the new foam and new repro seat covers (factory type mesh/comfort weave) they are now VERY soft and comfortable. Very pliable. I mean I doubt they feel like late model vette seats but....lol they are comfortable enough and original looking. I also had to buy the seat backs, head trim, rear release buttons and bezels and hardware. I got about $700 in my seats but they are nice and comfy.
I also reinforced the seat frame when I did mine, added the bottom frame repair
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1702
it helped provide additional comfort and still original looking.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 1,181
From: La Mesa CA
I also reinforced the seat frame when I did mine, added the bottom frame repair
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1702
it helped provide additional comfort and still original looking.
Did you buy foam out of a catalog or did you have an upholstery shop make it?
Where did you get the covers?
Thanks
Glenn
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 11
From: Toronto Ontario
The frame repair from Ecklers, it sit over the existing part of the frame, has holes, and they bolt right through, no additional work involved.
see my pics
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