C-4 Seat Problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Gilmanton New Hampshire
C-4 Seat Problem
Does anyone have any information that would help me with the seat of my C4 Corvette?? I'm having problems with the lumbar support of the driver's seat it feels to me as if its not pumping up the way it should be. It's a 1996 coupe that we bought new and I've never had any problem with the seat until just recently. After driving it a full weekend a month ago I ended up in the hospital with severe back pain, lower back lumbar, and sciatic nerve down my left leg. If anyone has any insight into this problem whether it be an aftermarket or some type of a adjustment in the stock seat or additional lumbar support of any kind I'd appreciate the help.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 528
Likes: 57
From: Fort Myers FL
St. Jude Donor '14 thru '20, '23 thru '26
I know the earlier Sport Seat bladders can be retrofitted with blood pressure cuffs, and a rubber dishwashing glove to repair the diaphragm in the pump.
Is the pump not functioning, or are the bladders not holding air?
Is the pump not functioning, or are the bladders not holding air?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 16,872
Likes: 4
From: Owings Mills, MD 21117
Just a shot in the dark, but your issue my not be with the lumbar support bladder, but the two (2) support (trampoline) straps under the seat. They can either become weak or in some C-4's removed and never replaced. The seat will sag and not give you any support. Here are some shots and a link from Ecklers,
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1984-1996.html
Further, your foam is old and if original should be replaced as well. I have heard some owners buying extra foam or pillows from stores like Bed Bath & Beyond and putting it between the seat bottom and the support straps after cutting down to size. Good luck with the back issues.
Regards,
Mark
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1984-1996.html
Further, your foam is old and if original should be replaced as well. I have heard some owners buying extra foam or pillows from stores like Bed Bath & Beyond and putting it between the seat bottom and the support straps after cutting down to size. Good luck with the back issues.
Regards,
Mark
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Gilmanton New Hampshire
I think the bladders are not holding the air, when pumped up full. At least the middle and the top one seem to not even fill up. So I would have to say the pump is working and when switched over to the passenger side it seems to pump it up fully. But,,,, having said that it could be the support that is behind it all that isn't right!! Thanks
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Gilmanton New Hampshire
MARKRUBYRED, GUNHO, Thanks for the schematics on the seat. I'm located in New Hampshire and there is a Company in Hooksett, NH called Superior Interiors that I am going to give all this to and see if they can either fix the problem or rebuild the seat.
Thanks for the help. I really hope this can get fixed, as my Wife and I have had Corvettes since the mid '80's and I hate to think that I've bought my last Vette.
