240z Seats: Gap Between Top & Bottom

[lm71z]

I just finished putting the reupholstered driver's seat out of my 240z back together. The seat has all new cushions and all new vinyl upholstery from motorsport. After putting the seat back together, I noticed that there is a large gap between the back of the seat and the bottom of the seat. Before the seat was rebuilt, there was almost no gap between the two parts of the seat. Has anyone else noticed this after they rebuilt their 240z seats?

[Zak's Z]

The seats I have the gap isn't too bad.. but it's there. I have seen lots of seats on Ebay, and a few in person that have had noticeable gaps. Don't know why though... but would it make sense to say that the new seat cushions might be a slightly different size, or more 'compressed' because they are new?

Edited January 25, 2009 by Zak's Z

[Arne]

My seats have never been recovered. They both have a noticeable gap. I've always considered that normal.

[lm71z]

The gap on my newly reupholstered seat is quite a bit larger than yours, but I guess it's normal because the new cushion is probably more compressed at the back then the original one was.

[ConchZ]

My seats are pretty much like Arne's. They were redone back in 1985. I've always like the gap in mine. It provides a little ventilation.

[MidLifeCrisiz]

I re-did my seats this past summer. I think the gap is due to the new vinyl being stretched so tight. As it wears it may relax and fill the gap. I'm with previous post...it allows for a little ventilation as the the vinyl doesn't breathe.

[rdefabri]

The gap on my newly reupholstered seat is quite a bit larger than yours, but I guess it's normal because the new cushion is probably more compressed at the back then the original one was.

Same with mine. I just chalked it up to compressed cushion, because my seats are hell on my back (no lower back support at all)!

[Carl Beck]

If your seats have been reupholstered, it might be useful to list the vendor that supplied the upholstery kit. Could be some are cut a little to tight??? I have noticed rather large gaps on some seats, but less obvious ones on others. With new foam there should be a small gap I would suppose.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[mally002]

I have really never noticed the gap but it's there. Mine have all new foam and the seat covers are from Les.

[lm71z]

Your seats look amazing. I wish I would have bought that upholstery instead of the motorsport stuff. Your upholstery is more original looking. Where did you buy those covers and cushions at? I don't know what/who Les is.

[mally002]

Thanks,

Here's the link to Classic Datsun........

http://www.classicdatsun.com/

[jbraden]

I purchased my seat kits from MSA as well. Started with the passenger seat. Large gap that looks odd. When I got around to drivers seat I reread the instructions supplied and they actually mentioned the gap issue. They suggested placing wedge shaped foam on the bottom cushion and in the seat back. I looked at the foam that came out and sure enough there were foam wedges. When they were in place the gap was gone. The instructions are terrible and you have to fill in the blanks as it was obviously written by a non english speaking person.

On a side note, I did not replace the webbing on the pasenger seat and did on the drivers. It was non existent. I now sit about 2 inches higher than previously. It is a good thing I am bald!