Driver seat spring base.

[Stimorolgum]

I think my drivers seat has become compressed after many years of use.
I'm looking to restore the whole seat but instead of using the spring base, changing it to the foam base.
Just because of the higher cost of the spring base.

May there be any problems changing from a spring based seat to foam base?
Any other considerations or advice for restoring the seats?

911 2.4 T from 1973



Regards

/ Martin

[Discseven]

Martin... I've done foam seats. Is nice material to work with. Had original foam in fairly good condition. Tedious part is making covering material templates. Then shrinking templates slightly to allow for leather to stretch tightly over foam. Am sure shrink amount is dependent on cover material is employed. If using leather, want stitches to have some length to them---too short a length is not good with leather. Need machine that will handle leather well or there are constant issues. Leather is not forgiving like woven fabric. One mistake in leather and it's there to stay.
Typically burlap is used on bottom of foam to keep seat's support from digging into foam. Believe burlap is traditional only because it's a cheap material. There's a felt-like material that goes over foam to keep foam base from wearing. Before installing cover, put thin garbage bag over felt. Allows cover to slip on easily without moving felt. Thin is key. With leather or any thick covering material, bag material is not noticed once cover is on. Also makes removing cover downstream easy.

[Stimorolgum]

Great info Karl.

There are also pre-made artificial leather seats available for 400€ per seat.
Maybe worth paying for to get it right.

And I suppose those covers do nod differentiate between spring base or foam base.

[Discseven]

I looked all over for full grain, premade leather seat covers. Not happening any more. Seems more efficient to take full grain and coat it in some sort of vinyl/plastic---not sure what the coating is. No offense to any who this appeals to. I happen to like feel and then patina full grain leather achieves when worn. So bullet was bit---rebuilt and recovered seats myself. Was worth it both from creative challenge, and, now that their done... is good stuff to sit in.

Not sure it can be said there's no dif between spring base and foam covers. Think seat's year & model is ref any retailer/source will want to work from. Would check that while/if ordering premade covers. What's increasing online and with retailers is... whatever they have in stock, "It fits." Is comical in a way and not in another!