Changing Front Seats

[RichD]

One of the few threads I had not read, this one. Googled it after chatting with Felix the other day about my knackered driver seat, and my sore back.

Well, I pulled apart one of the captain's chairs today and had a look-see at the guts. The foam is in great condition and the covers are also in good repair. And the moment of truth: both match up nicely to the front seats.

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So I moved on the busted driver's seat. This is where I discovered that someone had disassembled it and neglected to put it back together right. The back was not connected to the base on one side!

After removing the cover from the base I could see that the foam was completely collapsed on the right side, where the driver "dismounts" from the Delica.

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There was also a split in one of the seams, which I'll sew up before I reassemble. Considering a run through the delicate cycle and hang dry for the covers...

Going to re-use the foam from the captain's chair for the driver's seat. Quick fix for now until I can get cracking on new foam top and bottom, and sew up some custom seat covers (the microfibre does not age as well as real car upholstery).

[RichD]

The foam went on cleanly; only had a to make a slice to fit a support on the left side of the seat. The back of the captains chairs is a bit longer but the foam compressed easily and actually fit a bit better than before.

The original cover went back on, although it is thrashed inside and out, and I'm committed to making new ones. I had to sew on replacement muslin to anchor the front of the seat panel, and didn't even bother with the back (hence some wrinkles; its temporary.)

The seat is much more supportive and evenly balanced now (there is actually some foam left on the right side!) - yay! I'm not sitting crooked.

I agree with Felix that the stock foam is too soft and squishy (even with the much firmer captain's chair foam). I will definitely upgrade that too.

[mararmeisto]

I agree with Felix that the stock foam is too soft and squishy...

Probably got something to do with 20 years worth of use/deterioration. Even if it's not been used as frequently as the front seats, the foam is still breaking down over time. It becomes dry and crumbly.

Getting back to the OP, did anybody find a suitable replacement seat that would fit into the front? I know this was pot of gold at the end of the proverbial rainbow - just wondering if somebody found it. The one suggested replacement now has no photos, so I don't know what they look like.

[RichD]

Fit the re-foamed seat in the truck and went for a drive. Holy **** what a difference. I am literally sitting 2-3 inches higher. Mirrors had to be adjusted, I can see more out the back window (closer to my bumper). First time I took a big corner I noticed - I'm not being dumped into the door any more. Totally different ride!

Was checking out this place today. Leather anyone?

[Frisch]

I've spent more than a few hours in the drivers seat and yes it seams to suck. Up til now, I thought the high seat and uprightness of the whole setup (bent knees, bent hips not to mention off center steering wheel and wrong height elbow rests) was the problem. But now I'm 36hrs into this summer trip and my back and knees are yet to complain. The difference...wooden beads seat cover from cantire. Improved air circulation and seamingly better blood circulation. $20.

[Chewy]

Given the limited space you'd be hard pressed to find a more comfy long haul seat (the beads seem like a cool idea. There are non-powered recaros out of some early VW's that may work since they are narrow, while the bases sit lower than most I've seen. But I'm not too sure if they'd improve comfort much (they're kinda stiff). I've seen the odd modded l300 at auction with what looks like Hilux SSR-G "Rekaroshito" on the driver's side so the mod might be more appealing to those of us who are a little more snake-hipped and can opt for a narrower JDM aftermarket recliner. I also recall that Honda Civic Del Sol seats sit VERY low and aren't overbolstered to the point of making egress a painful process.

these sit quite low despite the illusion of them being quite high due to the nature of the angled mounting hardware (easily modified)

[Mikadog]

Hello Everyone,

Just jumped onto this thread and I was wondering if anyone has figured out how to sit lower in our delis? I'm 6' and cannot see out the windshield.

Thank you.

[dfnder]

Well I'm sure that you can see out the windshield, just that you don't like the view much. I am resigned that when I am stopped at the "line" I will look to the left kiddie corner light to tell me when it is green to go otherwise I need to crane my neck like a sleeping duck to see the overhead light.

You know I was all concerned when I got my truck that I wouldn't like my seat as I have heard a few complaints here but you know I think besides my MG it is the best seat I have ever had. It doesn't bother me in the least, usually I have a back ache after an hour or two driving. Maybe it is the exercise I am doing these days :) Most peoples ham strings are too tight and this may lead to a sore back driving. Try some stretches twice a day!

[ShaneA]

I am resigned that when I am stopped at the "line" I will look to the left kiddie corner light to tell me when it is green to go otherwise I need to crane my neck like a sleeping duck to see the overhead light.

I do the same thing, and had the same issue with my Mazda 3. I think it's pretty normal in many vehicles these days if you're over average height. Unless you drive gansta style with the seat reclined more than 30 degrees.

Shane

[Delicar 300]

IMG_1159 by Delicar, on Flickr


IMG_1158 by Delicar, on Flickr