Hot leather seats - options? (kinda long)

[turbo6bar]

Seadweller, aka previous owner, of my '78SC installed a killer A/C system in the car. I constantly have to reaim the vents to reduce the risk of freeze drying my body parts. Yes, it is freezing cold air. The only problem is my back gets hot. The temps here are in the high 80s and low 90s with horrid humidity. Soon, it will be hotter. Are the perforations in the leather for show, or do they actually breath?

I have driven Mercedes with leather seats, and I don't seem to have that problem, but the Mercedes seats don't have large bolsters like the Porsche seats. I think the large side bolsters reduce/eliminate any ventilation.

I'm gaga for the Sparco Milano seats in Excellence magazine, but I'm not ready to spend $1600 + hardware. The SRDs might be a good try, but there isn't a dealer within 400 miles. I'm leaning towards cleaning up these leather seats, selling them, and buying cloth seats. Is that going to solve my problem? Does Porsche have any factory cloth seats?

I drive the SC at least 3-5 times a week, and I'd prefer an adjustable seat vs. the racing shell seats. I can't justify the reduction in weight and support for the lack of adjustment and inconvenience of getting in and out.

If these seats were not so hot, this car would be nearly perfect. I love the fact I can drive this car year round in reasonable comfort. I would appreciate hearing from those who drive their 911s in hot weather (85-100 degrees F).

Yeah, I'm a wuss, but at least I'm wuss driving a 911.

Jürgen

[Moses]

[RallyJon]

I'm embarassed to say I'm considering trying one of these with my leather sport seats. Maybe I can get a Porsche logo screened onto it.

[jmohn]

Originally posted by turbo6bar
------------SNIP--------------
I have driven Mercedes with leather seats, and I don't seem to have that problem, but the Mercedes seats don't have large bolsters like the Porsche seats. I think the large side bolsters reduce/eliminate any ventilation.
---------------SNIP---------------

Jürgen

I agree with your assessment, I think the intention of the perforations is to promote breathing (and perhaps they do, somewhat) but, I'm sure the bolsters DO prevent ventilation along your sides and back. The AC in my car works pretty well also, but in warm weather my back gets damp\wet also. I've pretty much accepted it. The only advice I can offer is some type of absorbent seat cover. I don't know if they're still available, but at one time a simple, "easy on-easy off", terry-cloth cover was available; intended, I think, for going to the beach, etc. to protect you from hot seats and to protect the seats from a wet bathing suit. BTW, to a lessor extent, the same thing happens to me in my wife's Volvo (with leather), maybe it's just us.

Jerry M
'78 SC

[turbo6bar]

I read the archives about neoprene seat covers. It sounds like a cheap alternative, but I'd hate to cover nice leather seats. The cool shirt sounds nice, but I'd look like a freak walking into Home Depot sporting an ice cooler by my side.

This is more of daily driver modification. The lighter bumpers and removal of rear seats will address performance mods.

[island911]

I've read those neoprene seat covers make the problem worse. . . .makes sense (zero breathability)

I'm with you on finding a cooler (more breathable) solution.
I picked up some Porsche Berber cloth with the idea of having a secondary upholstery set for the summer moths (at least)

Do you have Standard or Sport seats?
With my sports, the cloth would only cover the (seperate) center sections. . . .it should be a relatively simple change out.
I'll "know" very soon.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by jmohn

The only advice I can offer is some type of absorbent seat cover.

well... Jerry is in the right direction, IMO.

But,
I've been able to do big rides thru 110+deg. deserts .. a few times.. and I use the best seat cover available for that ride.. not for track though..
it's actually cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter.. and aircraft pilots use in to reduce transmitted harmonics about 40%.. I searched for the best mfg. in the country.. and it's a class act. if you like that sort of thing............Ron

[turbo6bar]

Alright, we're getting somewhere. My seats are the regular, powered Carrera seats. I'd hate to be in Sport seats this time of the year, although a cloth center section might be good. Of all the ideas, the sheepskin covers from Blue Ribbon seems to be the best way to reduce heat buildup. I never really liked the look, but they are comfortable. Thanks to Ronin LB for the info in the archives.

I've got a lead on a pair of RS America seats (cloth surface). The only drawback is they're powered. I planned to backdate my seats to the non-powered version to save weight.

Looks like I'll be opening the wallet to be comfortable. That's fine if it means I can enjoy my car more often.

[jmohn]

I've had sport seats in both my 951 and, now, in my SC. The seats in the 951 were cloth (well, cloth seating with vinyl bolsters) and have had the "damp back syndrome" with both cars, although, perhaps, less so with the 951. I like the look, feel and smell of leather but it does have it's drawbacks. Still, leather is sure is better than the "sporty" all vinyl (naugahyde) seats we had in cars in the 60's ... talk about hot and sweaty! Sounds like an absorbent cover is the best solution, RoninLB is the expert here, he's made some long rides through some hot country.

Good luck,

Jerry M
'78 SC

[plain fan]

I've got a "cool cushion" in my car that looks a lot like the picture posted by RallyJon. Sure it doesn't scream high quality but it works, very well. I've found that it is the right size for keeping just my body off the vinyl which allows air to circulate. Cured by wet back problems, but when the temp reaches 99+F w/o a/c sweat is inevitable.

[jyl]

I think you need to run a tube from the under dash duct (butterfly vent) along the center tunnel and up into the innards of your seat cushion and seat back, thereby forcing cold air through the perforations.

If that doesn't work then stick the tube down your shirt collar.

[SeaDweller]

Germantech in Largo, Florida installed the seats in the SC, and removed the original cloth seats. You might check with them to see if they still have the original's. Being a Euro car, the original cloth seats were a black and white checkerboard pattern, which of course my wife wanted back in the car!!!!

I must admit, they're pretty spiffy looking..........

[JonT]

couldnt you just pull a sweatshirt or tshirt over the leather seat? any peice of fabric will do. If you really need an excuse to buy SRD--I say definitely do it. My SRD's can sit out in the sun in 96 degree weather for an hour and I can sit on it comfortably--barely even warm--do that on black leather and you get branded.

[masraum]

My regular seats do the same. you could always get a short sleeved Porsche t-shirt and slide it over the back of the seat. That would help some. Otherwise, I think you are pretty well stuck with the hotness.

Weirdly enough you can often direct a vent at your shirt sleeve opening. That works wonders toward keeping you cool.

[350HP930]

Originally posted by jyl
I think you need to run a tube from the under dash duct (butterfly vent) along the center tunnel and up into the innards of your seat cushion and seat back, thereby forcing cold air through the perforations.

If that doesn't work then stick the tube down your shirt collar.

I do the poor mans equivalent and just aim one of the large centervents right at the seat back behind my neck.

The cool air never seems to have a problem going down the back of my shirt and the seat center but that could be cause I'm only 5'11".

With the proper and efficient use of what cold vent air my A/C does give me I have never gotten out of my car sweaty.

The only time I ever have a hot seat to deal with is when I first get into the car when its about 130 degrees inside but several miles of driving always takes care of that problem.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally posted by jyl
I think you need to run a tube from the under dash duct (butterfly vent) along the center tunnel and up into the innards of your seat cushion and seat back, thereby forcing cold air through the perforations.

As a side note, my wife's new Saab has this feature. The leather has perforations, and a separate fan moves air through them. It makes a huge difference, especially if the car's been sitting in the sun.

What'll they think of next?

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by JackOlsen
As a side note, my wife's new Saab has this feature. The leather has perforations, and a separate fan moves air through them. It makes a huge difference, especially if the car's been sitting in the sun.

What'll they think of next?

That's old technology. The Cobra gunships I flew all had airconditioned seats.

[CHILI]

I have black vinyl in a dark blue (almost black) car with no A/C in So. Cal, so you get NO sympathy from me! Hehehe!
But, I too love the Sparco Milano's and am temped to get them. Just a side note since you're concerned with weight, like the rest of us. I asked a Sparco Sales Rep the weight of the Milano. He said it was 48 lbs! Man, that's heavy! But he said it's the only reclining seat that meets (?) guidelines. I assumed he meant it will act like a racing seat and won't break in a collision?

[speeder]

Jack, New Saab? Which model? I come from the land of Saab, (and Volvo and Coen Bros., etc.). Please share. She liked it better than the other cars that she looked at, I guess?

Mercedes has had this feature for a couple of years, but I thought that it was only in S-class, so in a Saab it is notable, I think.

[speeder]

Also, Jurgen or Micheal, could you list what the exact A/C set-up/parts is on the SC? Sorry if it has been covered already here, just trying to build a data base of A/C upgrades. TIA.