Power Seat Questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 12
From: Patagonia Arizona
Power Seat Questions
I have adapted a set of 87 Sport Seats to my 66 coupe. All the power stuff works except the lumbar stuff. The motor works but the bladders don't inflate. I figure they have a leak of some sort. Has anyone repaired these? I figured out how to get the seat bottoms off but can't see how to remove the seat backs, anyone know how they come apart?
Can you still buy the seat foam and related parts?
Thanks,
Nick
Can you still buy the seat foam and related parts?
Thanks,
Nick
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Power Seat Questions (Nick D.)
As I understand your post, the motor (lumbar pump) operates, but the bladders do not inflate. Before attacking the bladders, confirm that the pump is producing air flow. Activate the pump switch to "on", remove the tubing, and feel for air flow. If the is no air flow, remove and disassemble the pump and check the diaphragm. If the diaphragm is ruptured, you can make a replacement using an old bicycle inner tube. There are two tech tips on how to replace the diaphragm. If you need help on making a diaphragm, send me an email. If the bladders are leaking, you will have to remove the seat back for access by pushing on clips located between the seat back and cushion.
All the seat components are available from the usual Corvette catalogs.
[Modified by Oldman, 11:09 AM 7/7/2003]
All the seat components are available from the usual Corvette catalogs.
[Modified by Oldman, 11:09 AM 7/7/2003]
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 1
From: Las Cruces NM
Re: Power Seat Questions (Nick D.)
Check with the Last Detail, they sell everything you'll need and tend to have the best prices. I just recently aquired some sport seats from an '88. The bladders inside are a rubbery pastic and deteriate over the years. Mine were nothing but handfuls of brittle plastic chips the size of crushed potato chips. To get to them, you'll have to pull the staples holding the leather to the seat shell on the side bolsters, then unclip the upper head rest portion. The bladder is located in a pocket in the foam. I haven't figured a way to staple the leather back, and when I asked a while ago, no one else did either. One suggestion was to replace them with several interior screws on each side, painted to match the leather.
Good luck.
Chris
Good luck.
Chris
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 12
From: Patagonia Arizona
Re: Power Seat Questions (Oldman)
Oldman, you were right on, the diaphrams were shot so I went to the local bicycle shop ans they gave me a couple of old inner tubes. I made new ones and the pumps both produce air! When I inflate the bladders on either seat, it feels like only 2 of the 3 are working. The two lower bleeder switches work but the upper one doesn't seem to be doing anything. I can feel the bladders down around the lower back working and thats all. Where is the 3rd bladder at? Is it common for this one to go out or am I missing something?
Thanks,
Nick
Thanks,
Nick
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Orange Park Fl
Re: Power Seat Questions (Nick D.)
Try disconnecting the 3 hoses from the trumpet switches in the side bolster.
If you have a vacuum gauge you can check the see if all 3 bladders are tight 1 at a time. If they are, the switch might be stuck open or one of the connections or hose is broken. I got all my parts from Jasco Products who are the OEM for these the entire system Saved a bundle !!!
If you have a vacuum gauge you can check the see if all 3 bladders are tight 1 at a time. If they are, the switch might be stuck open or one of the connections or hose is broken. I got all my parts from Jasco Products who are the OEM for these the entire system Saved a bundle !!!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 10,864
Likes: 196
From: Southern CA
Re: Power Seat Questions (Kens86)
On the same topic, is there a way to pump up the bladders a "little" more? In other words, what limits/shuts off the pump? And how do you cheat it a little to get a bigger lumbar bump on your back?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Power Seat Questions (Nick D.)
OK, Nick, let's see if I understand...the two lower bladders are inflating, but the top bladder is not inflating. It is assumed that the three tubes from the pump are connected to the bladders. It is possible that the 3rd bladder may have a leak and won't hold air. If you are confortable with just the bottom two bladders inflated, stop. If you really need that third bladder, you must remove the cushion from the seat back by releasing 4 clips that are accessed by sliding your hand inbetween the cushion and seat back.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Power Seat Questions (froggy47)
.... is there a way to pump up the bladders a "little" more?...
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 10,864
Likes: 196
From: Southern CA
Re: Power Seat Questions (Oldman)
Any way to make the pump put out a little more pressure? I'm really talking only about 1/4 to 1/2 inch more inflation to make it perfect. Or could I go inside the seat & insert a thin foam pad (or bubble wrap or ?) to make it more?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Power Seat Questions (froggy47)
Any way to make the pump put out a little more pressure?
