I am in the process of modifying the seat pans in my 1974 and could really use a recomendation as to what materials to use.

I am a big man at 6'5" and not a light weight either. Seating in almost any car can be a problem, as an example in my 1955 Chevy I moved the seat back 4" and now that car is the most comfortable I have to drive. The Corvette is a complettly different thing for a Big Man. In my case I need both head room and a little more leg room with this 4 speed car. The head room doesn't look like that big of a deal, I have purchased seats from a 79 up Corvette and they mount in a different way as well as they are lower in the car. I also plan on cutting the drivers side pan out and moving it down another two inches. As to the back that is a whole different problem, I believe I have found away to modify the seat pan on the drivers side to gain another 2 1/2" in leg room.

That brings me to the materials to use. I plan on since this will be structural to use the woven cloth but I dont know what "Resins" to use. There are plenty of supplies on the net, but that creates as many problems as it solves. I know some folks on here are very knowledgeable on this subject so HELP!!!!

Roland

 

Hey R, you also need to add some "mat" into that mix, ounce and a half mat will work about the best, the unidirection of the mat fibers means it will have less of a tendency to fracture along the fiber lines. Use the two together....layer of mat, layer of cloth, layer of mat...etc..etc

Resin....... analysis paralysis is extremely common here....I did commercial f'glass production some years ago. Lots of formulations then, tons more now and from the folks that think they have the market cornered on corvette??? even more choices. AND, much conflict about using epoxy on some years and polyester on others.....

I have been using Evercoat resin for a bunch of years. If you get the bonding area scratched up real good (16 grit), it will make for a good mechanical and/or chemical bond. Evercoat has an additive that allows it to set without being gummy/sticky. Recommend grinding between layers if you need to add more layers after it sets.
I buy my Evercoat from Advance Auto, gal runs about $32. I think Walmart sells it also (ain't that a hoot....I bought the stuff to fix my vette from Walmart) MAKE SURE:
You agitate the can ridiculously well...the thickeners will migrate to the bottom if it has been sitting for any length of time. Store the can upside down and shake it every time you walk out into the garage when your significant other agitates you....
You activate a small amount as a test to be sure the hardener is still good. With Evercoat, there will be a slight color change when the catalyst has done it's job. Sunlight is about the only thing that will cause the catalyst to go bad...

Post your questions, we're here....

 

Just me again....dust yourself REAL good with baby powder before you start grinding......Your vette won't care if it is lavender or vanilla flavored, the talc in the mix will prevent a lot of the glass fibers from getting to your soft parts....don't forget your face/neck AND EARS!!
MASK!!!

 

I would also use some metal (galvy) build the pan hook it to the floor with rivits and then glass the crap out of the pan top and bottom. just did this to My 1983 944 Im re-building.Start out with 3/4 Oz Matt and some fiber glass cloth then back to another layer of once and a half matt. finish with one layer of roven Woven Fiberglass material ,top off with 3/4 inch matt get ALL the air bubbles out .the last thing is to do is cover the area with clear seran rap .It makes the resin set quicker and you can smooth the whole patch area by softly rubbing the seran wrap.I found the seran wrap thing out by accident and have been using it ever since .I use to make sail boats with Gel coat and hand layed fiberglass.
Wear long sleeve shirts and dont wash with hot water.The glass wont be a problem beacuse if you do it in the layers I recommend you wont have to ruff anything up for the next coat .I would also put the seat bolt attachment area under the glass it will be stronger.Make sure to keep fitting everything so you wont have to do it twice.