Did the same this past weekend. Worth the effort IMHO.
drivers seat bottom
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
drivers seat bottom
I just picked up a 1998 in great condition other than the fact the driver's
seat lacks cushioning in the bottom (base). I don't want to replace the whole seat as the leather is in great shape. I saw I can pick up a replacement foam base. Anyone ever changed one of these out?
Any idea how involved a job?
seat lacks cushioning in the bottom (base). I don't want to replace the whole seat as the leather is in great shape. I saw I can pick up a replacement foam base. Anyone ever changed one of these out?
Any idea how involved a job?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I just picked up a 1998 in great condition other than the fact the driver's
seat lacks cushioning in the bottom (base). I don't want to replace the whole seat as the leather is in great shape. I saw I can pick up a replacement foam base. Anyone ever changed one of these out?
Any idea how involved a job?
seat lacks cushioning in the bottom (base). I don't want to replace the whole seat as the leather is in great shape. I saw I can pick up a replacement foam base. Anyone ever changed one of these out?
Any idea how involved a job?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 799
Likes: 160
From: Landenberg PA
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
Not hard at all, I removed my seat, bottom leather cover and foam and put in felt over the springs. My foam seemed to be in pretty good shape so I kept it. Disconnect electrical connections, remove 4 bolts and remove the seat. Cover is held in place by 4 hog rings and when I replaced it i used zip ties instead of hog rings. Raise seat up as high as it will go before starting and when all 4 hold down bolts are off, get a 2x4 block of wood to lift and scotch up seat to make access to electrical connections easier.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
seat bottom foam
I just picked up a 1998 in great condition other than the fact the driver's
seat lacks cushioning in the bottom (base). I don't want to replace the whole seat as the leather is in great shape. I saw I can pick up a replacement foam base. Anyone ever changed one of these out?
Any idea how involved a job?
seat lacks cushioning in the bottom (base). I don't want to replace the whole seat as the leather is in great shape. I saw I can pick up a replacement foam base. Anyone ever changed one of these out?
Any idea how involved a job?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 763
Likes: 15
You guys convinced me to order this foam kit and shim repair from southerncarparts. I am unhappy with the driver's seat cushion sag, with only 33k miles! The seat rock is starting to develop too. Hopefully it's night and day after $75 in parts and 2-3 hours of time
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 75
From: Medford, Oregon
I will throw in a small suggestion in regards to the installation of new foam. Try to find a upholstery shop or fabric supply house and purchase about 1 sq. yd.x 1" of a good dense foam and while you have your seat apart, remove the back seat cover off. Make a paper template (optional) of your side bolsters, cut the 1" foam, apply it to the bolsters with a can of 3M spray glue and trim any foam square edges to a rounded shape. Cover back of seat with a piece of plastic sheeting (optional) like a dry cleaner bag and re-assemble. By simply adding the 1" foam to bolsters you will find it far more supportive and comfortable while in the seat. Takes hardly any time to do this seat mod and makes a real difference in feeling more snug in your seat. Jus Say'n !! This also can be done to the bottoms to customize fitment. If you were in my locale I would lend you a hand.
Last edited by 2FAS4UU; Jun 9, 2015 at 02:38 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,826
Likes: 181
From: Pueblo, CO
Yes, you can pay the Corvette tax and buy ready-made seat repair kits for $40 each.
Or, you can go down to your local home improvement store and spend $15 for a door mat that's large enough to do both seat bottoms and $7.50 for 20 feet of clear vinyl tubing. When I did my seats, I chose to buy some hog ring pliers ($19 for economy set) rather than using nylon tie wraps because the nylon tie wraps will eventually decay and break whereas the steel hog rings will last for the life of the seats.
I used the Junkman's step by step instructions. (See: DIY - Replacing the Leather on the C5 Sport Seat)
Or, you can go down to your local home improvement store and spend $15 for a door mat that's large enough to do both seat bottoms and $7.50 for 20 feet of clear vinyl tubing. When I did my seats, I chose to buy some hog ring pliers ($19 for economy set) rather than using nylon tie wraps because the nylon tie wraps will eventually decay and break whereas the steel hog rings will last for the life of the seats.
I used the Junkman's step by step instructions. (See: DIY - Replacing the Leather on the C5 Sport Seat)
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,092
Likes: 120
From: orlando florida
St. Jude Donor '15
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Djmotorsports makes a stronger foam seat bottom if you want something firm. I put on in my z06 and it was a great upgrade compared to the stock cushion.