Modify your stock seats! - Page 5

timv · 03-27-2005, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timv

Here are some pics from my mod, inspired by the pics I saw on this forum.

The difference is that I pulled out the wires that held the cloth against the foam, and pulled the covers alot higher. Then I pulled the foam away from the seat, stuffed the inside (between the seat "rails", -- the one that holds the foam and provides "bolstering") of the foam with some viscoelastic foam, which I got by quartering one of those tempurpedic type pillows I bought from costco.

Now the seat feels similar to a the recaro type seats that come with VW cars, GLI and 20th av. GTI.

The bolster are still kind of shallow, but the improvement in the way the chair hugs your sides is a definately worth it.

Total cost: $25.00

[edit] i wanted to post pics, but got this..

Sorry, you have reached your maximum Upload Quota Limit of 1 Bytes

sorry guys. >_<

[/edit]

After about 2 weeks using the "memory foam" it still felt like alot was lacking. So this weekend my bro and I started tearing apart the passenger seat, thnking what could we do to make the seat hug better.

My complaint with stuffing the seat is that it still feels too shallow. and if you use soft stuffing, it will compress during hard cornering, which is still alot better than when it doesnt hug, but not quite satisfying.. anyway..

After disassembling the passenger seat we came to the conclustion that removing the seat back springs (there are 3 of them) allowed to seat to "sink" into the frame and hug the body better.

We decided to use a ratcheting towing strap to add some support to the seat, so that the foam doesnt take all the stress and rip. Using 1" x 10' straps, we created a back support system that works pretty well, and added the weakest spring (the one from the top) to the lowest position on the frame.

The overall effect is that it feels like the bolsters are alot closer to each other, still feels kinda shallow, and I belive that it can be made "deeper" if one were to cut the foam into parts (seperating the back support from the side supports).

I have pics, if someone will host them.. anyone?

timv · 05-30-2005, 02:42 PM

Update to my last post..

After trying the memory foam and removing the springs but adding the towing straps, I finally just removed all the springs and actually cut of that welded bar on the inner sides of the seats and it has made a great improvement in the comfort of the side bolsters.

One drawback is the lower part of the seat, now the pipe which the foam tucks under is applying pressure to my tailbone depending on how I sit on the seat. Either way, this is the mod that worked best for me, now My frame actually sinks into the seat much more than the stock or when I did the other mods.

I'm not worried about the foam pushing through since the seat frame is too narrow for my shoulders to push through, so that's what keeps my back from falling in.

Works for me, if anyone in the sf bay wants to check it out, let me know, i can give you a demo.

STi05' · 06-26-2005, 01:58 PM

Bump, This is pro. I just tried it.. SO MUCH BETTER! Easy too. I didnt have to take the seats out by any means.

STi05' · 07-01-2005, 06:48 PM

I just picked up 18x20x1 sheet of foam that I plan to cut out pieces to fit into my seats. Ill try to take pics

bert_STi · 07-12-2005, 08:14 PM

anyone have anymore have more info of how to get to the bolsters on the bottom?

**WC LATHE WERKS** · 12-27-2005, 09:26 AM

I just did this mod yesterday, but i only bostered the sides of the seat back on my wrx.
I used 2 sizes of the pipe insulation foam. Larger for the lower back sides, and thinner for the upper part where the shoulders are. It may even be a little too tight, but as the foam settles it feels better. Alot of lateral support is added.
I initially put two pieces across the back as a lumbar but it ended up pushing me too forward, and was just uncomfortable. I havent gotten into the seat bottom yet

Bootsie · 12-27-2005, 08:13 PM

I did the seat mod a few months ago. I used foam normally used under a sleeping bag (polyolefin, from WalMart), and doubled it over. Even developed 10 different shapes for the perfect fit. In my opinion, the car's seats now fit nearly as well as the stock Evo's. (Have not done the bottoms, though.) Also, most of the improvement comes making the bolsters come more forward, rather than just narrower.

Also, I have templates that I can show to anyone in my area (Colorado). While I am not interested in shipping them, I would be happy to bring them to a meet and greet this spring. Or come by my work in Breckenridge sometime.

Thanks for bringing this mod to my attention, guys.

Jeff

RAFALsti · 12-28-2005, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4MLA1FN

i think he stuffed it; like padding a bra.

No, he just stuffed it...LOL

MySti06 · 12-30-2005, 03:39 PM

I just finished with this mod. Cost me only $9.76, and it feels a LOT better and hugs a lot more than stock seats. O yeah, total install time was about 30mins. Thanks guys!

Just had one questions though, how do I do the same the to the bottom part of the entire seat (the part where you sit on) I want to add the pipe insulation to the two sides of it, but I couldn't find any zippers like the ones on the back.

KiNgMaRtY · 01-02-2006, 01:13 PM

I hope to finally do it because I am all over the place in my seats

MySti06 · 01-04-2006, 05:00 PM

Just had one questions though, how do I do the same the to the bottom part of the entire seat (the part where you sit on) I want to add the pipe insulation to the two sides of it, but I couldn't find any zippers like the ones on the back.

silver arrow · 01-04-2006, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timv

Update to my last post..

After trying the memory foam and removing the springs but adding the towing straps, I finally just removed all the springs and actually cut of that welded bar on the inner sides of the seats and it has made a great improvement in the comfort of the side bolsters.

One drawback is the lower part of the seat, now the pipe which the foam tucks under is applying pressure to my tailbone depending on how I sit on the seat. Either way, this is the mod that worked best for me, now My frame actually sinks into the seat much more than the stock or when I did the other mods.

I'm not worried about the foam pushing through since the seat frame is too narrow for my shoulders to push through, so that's what keeps my back from falling in.

Works for me, if anyone in the sf bay wants to check it out, let me know, i can give you a demo.

Adding foam may inhibit the side bags from deploying correctly, but cutting welds and removing springs from the seats sounds real iffy to me. Do you think you have affected the integrity of the seats structure with your mods? I use a harness to autocross and don't want to weaken the seat.

FQSTI · 01-12-2006, 02:44 PM

I just modded my seats yesterday as well and they came out great i think. They feel soooooo much better, thanks guys your the best.

QualityOregon · 01-14-2006, 02:36 AM

damn, you ubers are modding your seats !!! im such a noob, havn't even shapried my shift cover yet...

**Interior Flaire** · 01-17-2006, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QualityOregon

damn, you ubers are modding your seats !!! im such a noob, havn't even shapried my shift cover yet...

"shapried"???????

12-27-2005, 08:13 PM	#67
Bootsie Junior STI Driver Car: 05 CGM STi Fav Mod: ski boot alignment and fitting Location: Summit County, CO Posts: 151 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	I did the seat mod a few months ago. I used foam normally used under a sleeping bag (polyolefin, from WalMart), and doubled it over. Even developed 10 different shapes for the perfect fit. In my opinion, the car's seats now fit nearly as well as the stock Evo's. (Have not done the bottoms, though.) Also, most of the improvement comes making the bolsters come more forward, rather than just narrower. Also, I have templates that I can show to anyone in my area (Colorado). While I am not interested in shipping them, I would be happy to bring them to a meet and greet this spring. Or come by my work in Breckenridge sometime. Thanks for bringing this mod to my attention, guys. Jeff Last edited by Bootsie : 12-27-2005 at 08:17 PM.

05-30-2005, 02:42 PM	#62
timv Amateur STI Driver Posts: 31 Join Date: Mar 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Update to my last post.. After trying the memory foam and removing the springs but adding the towing straps, I finally just removed all the springs and actually cut of that welded bar on the inner sides of the seats and it has made a great improvement in the comfort of the side bolsters. One drawback is the lower part of the seat, now the pipe which the foam tucks under is applying pressure to my tailbone depending on how I sit on the seat. Either way, this is the mod that worked best for me, now My frame actually sinks into the seat much more than the stock or when I did the other mods. I'm not worried about the foam pushing through since the seat frame is too narrow for my shoulders to push through, so that's what keeps my back from falling in. Works for me, if anyone in the sf bay wants to check it out, let me know, i can give you a demo.

06-26-2005, 01:58 PM	#63
STi05' The Next Petter Solberg Car: 05' STi CGM/Silver Fav Mod: Recaro Sports Location: Mercer Island, Wa Posts: 976 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (1)	Bump, This is pro. I just tried it.. SO MUCH BETTER! Easy too. I didnt have to take the seats out by any means.

07-01-2005, 06:48 PM	#64
STi05' The Next Petter Solberg Car: 05' STi CGM/Silver Fav Mod: Recaro Sports Location: Mercer Island, Wa Posts: 976 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (1)	I just picked up 18x20x1 sheet of foam that I plan to cut out pieces to fit into my seats. Ill try to take pics

07-12-2005, 08:14 PM	#65
bert_STi Amateur STI Driver Posts: 30 Join Date: Feb 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	anyone have anymore have more info of how to get to the bolsters on the bottom?

12-27-2005, 09:26 AM	#66
WC LATHE WERKS Authorized Vendor Car: 04WRX /STi Swap Fav Mod: TiC AST Coilovers!!! Location: Tri-State, USA Posts: 1,293 Join Date: Nov 2005 Trader Rating: (88)	I just did this mod yesterday, but i only bostered the sides of the seat back on my wrx. I used 2 sizes of the pipe insulation foam. Larger for the lower back sides, and thinner for the upper part where the shoulders are. It may even be a little too tight, but as the foam settles it feels better. Alot of lateral support is added. I initially put two pieces across the back as a lumbar but it ended up pushing me too forward, and was just uncomfortable. I havent gotten into the seat bottom yet

12-30-2005, 03:39 PM	#69
MySti06 Professional STI Racer Car: 04 STi Fav Mod: Cobb St. 2 =) Location: Bay Area Posts: 672 Join Date: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (6)	I just finished with this mod. Cost me only $9.76, and it feels a LOT better and hugs a lot more than stock seats. O yeah, total install time was about 30mins. Thanks guys! Just had one questions though, how do I do the same the to the bottom part of the entire seat (the part where you sit on) I want to add the pipe insulation to the two sides of it, but I couldn't find any zippers like the ones on the back.

01-02-2006, 01:13 PM	#70
KiNgMaRtY Spec C Club Car: 05 STI Fav Mod: Invidia N1-R Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 1,310 Join Date: Sep 2004 Trader Rating: (5)	I hope to finally do it because I am all over the place in my seats

01-04-2006, 05:00 PM	#71
MySti06 Professional STI Racer Car: 04 STi Fav Mod: Cobb St. 2 =) Location: Bay Area Posts: 672 Join Date: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (6)	Just had one questions though, how do I do the same the to the bottom part of the entire seat (the part where you sit on) I want to add the pipe insulation to the two sides of it, but I couldn't find any zippers like the ones on the back.

01-12-2006, 02:44 PM	#73
FQSTI Junior STI Driver Car: 05 Subaru WRX STI Fav Mod: all of them Location: GMR Posts: 102 Join Date: Jan 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	I just modded my seats yesterday as well and they came out great i think. They feel soooooo much better, thanks guys your the best.

01-14-2006, 02:36 AM	#74
QualityOregon Banned Car: 04 UbaR STI Fav Mod: Call out her best friends name, and see how long you can hang on ! Location: Lake Oswego, OR Posts: 241 Join Date: Jan 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	damn, you ubers are modding your seats !!! im such a noob, havn't even shapried my shift cover yet...