280z Seat Foam Question

[S30Driver]

I am awaiting delivery of my custom leather seat kit from Interior Innovations and am looking for feedback, ideas on the replacement seat foam.

 

First, I am tall (6'2) and am concerned that if I renew the driver seat foam, I will bump up against the headliner due to the new less compressed foam.

 

My idea is to put the older passenger foam (likely much less compressed) in the driver side & buy one new foam for the passenger side.   With the savings from one less new seat foam, I can put that into sound deadening material with the new carpet kit that is also on its way.

 

What do you think?   Any feedback or ideas most welcome.

[SteveJ]

Dang, you should have tried on my car in Memphis. I have the 240Z foam in my seats. It does cause some head bumping, and I'm a couple of inches shorter than you.

[siteunseen]

Don't know if you've read this or not but you might find something useful in there, http://www.classiczcars.com/topic/44331-diy-how-to-recover-your-z-seats-lots-of-pictures/

[rossiz]

hey jim,

 

i used new foam from msa when i restored my seats and the base foam is definitely a little taller than what was in previously. not sure if the new foam is the oem height and my original was just way worn down or what, but it's a little too tall for my tastes and i'm betting you'd be unhappy as it comes. simple solution is to just shave some off prior to installing. i would shave it off the bottom to ensure you keep the seat profile and the new leather fits correctly. when you install the seat covers, the edges are long and you pull them around the frames until tight and fasten with hog rings - easy, and it will compensate for any changes in the foam's overall height. just shave off 1/2" at a time and do a quick test fit until you hit the right dimension. i would definitely go this route vs. re-using old foam under new leather - the old foam in mine was really falling apart and was clearly done for.

 

another thing i can't recommend enough is to install a seat heater kit while you're at it. i picked up a set off ebay for $50 new - includes the 2-level switches (low and high heat), relays and 2 seats (base and back) and it is a total joy on cold mornings!! i've got a thread on here somewhere showing the install - i mounted the two rocker switches in the console just ahead of the ashtray and they look very subtle completely oem. 

[S30Driver]

Thanks for the tips Geoff!

I will likely take your advice on buying the 2nd seat foam for the driver side.  Be interesting to see what mine look like when I disassemble the 2 seats.  

 

You read my mind on the seat heater kit, & got a great deal!  Way more from Amazon.  I remember seeing your console switches & they did look factory - great job.

I'll probably give you a call when all my parts get here & get some more install info from you if you don't mind.