Hi everyone.
My wife and I just got a really nice C5 and naturally took it for a spin. That spin turned out to be 400 miles long, but we enjoyed every minute of it. I was searching the forum if someone had the same problem already, but to no avail. If a thread like this does already exist, please point me in the right direction (thanks!).

The one thing that bothered me were the seats. I'm 6.6 / 190lbs so I just about fit, but the thing is c5 seats are not the best out there. I've ordered bladders to fix the leaky ones, and I'll order the seat bottom foam, but I like to have a plan if that does not work out.

My lower back is pretty picky, I usually I look for a snug fit (36"), side bolsters, adjustable lumbar support and lately (because of corvette seats) upper back support. For some reason the stock seats hurt my neck (maybe I'm sitting too high? I have them bottomed out though).

So I started looking at aftermarket alternatives and Corbeau looks like the most wallet friendly solution (A4, Evo X, FX-1). My problem is, I have no idea how comfortable those are on really long road trips? We drive 8h+ per day with minimum stops. Most of our trips were done in a 1988 E30 (bmw) which has excellent recaro seats. We did one 3k trip with the new Mustang, I liked those seats too.

So this is where I'd like to ask you fellow roadtrippers, which seats would you prefer, for long trips?

 

Apparently the foam goes bad over the years and gets uncomfortable.

I have been trying to find the bladders. do you have a part number or source for them?

 

I'm on my grandsons laptop and not very comfortable with it...having said that you need to research using a blood pressure cuff for the bladder it's a cheap, easy fix...sorry I would have looked it up for you if our PC hadn't been hit by lightening....

 

Yes you can replace the foam and protect it with some carpet. Some kits also have additional foam support.

The bladders you can get on ebay - from blood pressure gauges. I'll get you the link. Supposedly they fit perfectly.

 

For long trips I use some one inch thick memory foam chair cushions I found online. They work great and make a big difference. I also put my wallet in my front pocket.

 

I carry a money clip and it has no money in it !!!! So there it is !!!!!

 

Main pictures are missing on this thread but there are some pictures on page 5
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ters-pics.html

Another thread,
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...vil-style.html

 

Thanks, I'll check into that.

Sorry about your computer, It's probably the power supply.

 

I wouldn't have thought of that. I'm rebuilding my seats soon. I think there is a bladder in the bolsters too, right?

 

I bought mine in NJ and drove it out to CA. 3500 miles in 3 days. No real back or neck discomfort. Stock seats. I think the right bolstering with bladders is key, as is the correct seating position.

 

You really pushed it. My wife and I just finished 5,500 miles in 18 days. Stock seats, had new foam and covers installed three years ago. Comfortable all the way. I have a herniated disc at L5 since 1984. Don't understand all the complaints about the C5 sport seats.

 

^Wear and tear on any seat over time can make them uncomfortable. Like with old furniture.

 

I carry my padding with me

 

My neck started hurting after my lower body was tilted to the left due to the failed foam support. That's my theory at least. Also, the lateral support is almost non existent and lets you slide around way too much for a car of this caliber - especially with the Z51 package.

The point of this post was not to dispute the stock seats, but to get some info of good alternatives for long trips

As for the seat tutorial; Junkman made a very nice write up here.

Bags: Ebay (2x child, 2x Adult) cca $25 per seat
Foam: Corvetteparts cca $70 per seat

 

Look through these files - they should give you some ideas.

 

That is great information.

 

MiIs it the seat bottom or seat back? If it is the seat back, your latches my be out of sync. Hold the tilt lever and rotate the seat all the way forward then release the lever and return the seat to the normal position. If that isn't it, it could be the foam.

 

Thanks for the info, I'll try that today. But the foam is shot, since the whole bottom of the seat is a bit askew. I already ordered new foam, bladders and a rail rebuild kit. Hopefully that will solve it. If not, I was thinking about Corbeaus A4 or Evo X. Any tall people using those?