Uncomfortable Seat Fix
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 149
Likes: 6
From: Kuna ID
Uncomfortable Seat Fix
My '96 has 19k mi on it, but just did 6 hr drive & thought I would die. Specific to left hip & sciatica. I know C4s are not known for their comfort. Anyone with thoughts on best cushions, etc? There are so many on Amazon. Not looking to replace seat. Despite low miles I know time can break down material, but not sure that a rebuild is answer. Car is fine for shorter drives.
Thx
Thx
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,865
Likes: 67
From: 1000 Vin Scully Ave, L.A California
sport or base seats?
I found base to be more comfy than sport.
my 94 had base seats and they werent bad at all.
my 92 has base seats as well and they are WAY more comfy than my 94.
I found base to be more comfy than sport.
my 94 had base seats and they werent bad at all.
my 92 has base seats as well and they are WAY more comfy than my 94.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
And, as it happens, I have those same afflictions as the OP (arthritis in the hips AND sciatic issues). And, I found the base seats in my 95 LT1/M6 made that car the most comfy car I've ever driven! Either my tank would empty or my bladder fill way before the seats got uncomfortable. (In fact, I replaced the sport seats in my 90 Z with standard seats from a 95 and love 'em! Just returned from an eight day trip and romp in the Rocky Mt and NEVER had any comfort issues.)
If the OP has sport seats, I can relate: 90 sport seats were THE worst damn seats I ever had the displeasure to endure! But the 96 seats I've sat in are nothing like the ones from the 90 MY.
So, I guess my point is I would have to think maybe the comfort issues the OP complains about are more related to arthritis than the C4 seats themselves (which I think are the best, most comfy seats of any car I've ever driven cross country.) JMO.
Last edited by Paul Workman; Aug 3, 2018 at 05:00 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Same issue..bursitis in hips. 90 Sport seats made them flare up bad...the 89s std could drive all day....Those bolsters will do that-
agree with the later C4 std seats being the best. These cars, even the C7 were made for little guys I guess.
agree with the later C4 std seats being the best. These cars, even the C7 were made for little guys I guess.
Last edited by cv67; Aug 3, 2018 at 02:02 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 144
From: on Barnegat Bay Joisey
My '90 with base leather seats had bottom cushion bolsters that pressed in against my thighs with resulting hip pain. I took out the cushion and tried to flatten the bolsters but found the wire support inside was made of tempered steel. Finally placed the cushion, bolster side down on the garage floor, and slowly rolled the car over it once. It flattened enough to make a difference but to force the cushion between the E brake cover and console makes adjustment impossible. Since I'm the only driver its a non issue.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 149
Likes: 6
From: Kuna ID
Thank you all for input. The '96 has "Leather Adjustable Sport bucket Seats" (AQ9) . I guess the '96 would've been the best year of the Sport Seats. I think I'll try a gel pad on base as it seems pretty flat & unforgiving. It could also be this is my fate regardless of the seats. I'll try experimenting with the setting some more-maybe relaxing the side wings is the answer. I'll also research base seats. Can anyone tell me what structural difference there is between the two?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Linton Indiana
I tried out a 92 last week that had sport seats and that and a couple of other issues kept me from considering purchasing it. The seats were very narrow and the bolsters jabbed me in the side, very uncomfortable for even a short drive..My 85 on the other hand is very comfortable but it has regular seats.
Last edited by joe wilson; Aug 6, 2018 at 12:16 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 149
Likes: 6
From: Kuna ID
I tried out a 92 last week that had sport seats and that and a couple of other issues kept me from considering purchasing it. The seats were very narrow and the bolsters jabbed me in the side, very uncomfortable for even a short drive..My 85 on the other hand is very comfortable but it has regular seats.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I guess it all depends on the individual. I have had a bad back for almost 30 years (two lower spine surgeries) and I think that the sport seats in my 95 are the most comfortable seats in any corvette and I have sat in and driven C4s, C5s, C6s, and several C7s (though not for hours long rides in the C7 like in the other generations). I must admit though that due to other age related issues I have to make a pit stop about every hour anyway.
One thing to check in your 96 is the two straps under the seat cushion that support the seat cushion. It's a real long shot but ... if one of those straps is slightly torn it's possible that the seat bottom is not positioned correctly.
One thing to check in your 96 is the two straps under the seat cushion that support the seat cushion. It's a real long shot but ... if one of those straps is slightly torn it's possible that the seat bottom is not positioned correctly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 545
From: Land of the free, home of the brave...
'95 has sport seats. I removed the bottom seat cushion and installed a 3/4 inch foam on top of the "straps" that are on the seat frame. Re-installed the bottom seat cushion and found my comfort level increased a lot.
Sitting on a memory foam cushion on the seat bottom may give the same relief, but it may get annoying keeping it in place as you get in and out of the car - which is a chore in itself..... .
Sitting on a memory foam cushion on the seat bottom may give the same relief, but it may get annoying keeping it in place as you get in and out of the car - which is a chore in itself..... .
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 149
Likes: 6
From: Kuna ID
'95 has sport seats. I removed the bottom seat cushion and installed a 3/4 inch foam on top of the "straps" that are on the seat frame. Re-installed the bottom seat cushion and found my comfort level increased a lot.
Sitting on a memory foam cushion on the seat bottom may give the same relief, but it may get annoying keeping it in place as you get in and out of the car - which is a chore in itself..... .
Sitting on a memory foam cushion on the seat bottom may give the same relief, but it may get annoying keeping it in place as you get in and out of the car - which is a chore in itself..... .
Thx, I'll consider that for a longterm fix, but for the moment I'll stick with the cushion as a matter of convenience. Would be interested in the procedure to put the new foam in. Yes, they are a challenge to get in & out, but so fun to drive once you're in!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 278
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
When i had my base seats re trimmed with new leather, they added more cushion / support in base and backrest.
Very comfortable for my butt and back, have been on a few over 1,100 mile 18 hour trips from Melbourne to Queensland here in OZ.
No sore back, comfortable and good support. Ready to go no need for spinal work afterwards.
Even with my stiff suspension...
Very comfortable for my butt and back, have been on a few over 1,100 mile 18 hour trips from Melbourne to Queensland here in OZ.
No sore back, comfortable and good support. Ready to go no need for spinal work afterwards.
Even with my stiff suspension...