seat restoration

[moogrr]

I am in the process of restoring my 73 240 seats. I purchased new covers and foam. My seats had been apart before and some fabric stitched into the center sections. I have two quick questions: 1) Is the 1/4" foam glued to the seat back original? 2) Does anyone have any suggestions what to use in place of the sisal/hardboard that protects the foam from the springs on the seat? Mine has broken down into a nest of fibers.

Thanks;

Ted.

[ZCurves]

The original covers had a foam sewn to the back of the vinyl, but I think that you might be referencing the actual metal seat back, so yes it did have a thin layer of foam on it. It has probably long since flattened out or dissolved.

What I did when I recovered my seats is painted the frames and then went to a hobby/craft store and purchased this thin foam which resembles thin koozie foam (I think people use it for hats, flip-flops, etc.). They sell it in 30' rolls and 11"x17" sheets. Get A roll -in Black. Use spray adhesive or contact cement to glue this to the seatback frame. Be sure to glue it over the frame towards the front where the new seat foam will rest.

For the 'Sisal' packing you are referring to, mine was ok -but I recognized that it was not going to last another 30 years so I put a layer of sheet flooring (vinyl) under that(I had the vinyl laying around so I made use of it). I would suggest that you find a section of commercial carpet like what is used in an office and place that fiber side up against the springs. I did replace my springs (still have plenty left ) which makes the seats tight and like new!

I would allow the new covers to sit out and 'relax' prior to being installed. It would be best if you could warm them up by placing in the sun or in a clothes dryer after a load has finished(Do not run in the dryer, just use the remaining heat). Relaxed, warm covers are much easier to work with and will look nicer going on, since you will be able to align them better. That's all I have for you. I do have some pics of my seats, If I find them I'll add them to this post.

[moogrr]

Thanks. That's a ton of help. I'm going to try the vinyl trick. My pads were all there - just the front was still rigid though.

I only drove the car about 500mi so the truth is I don't recall how the springs were. They're easy to replace though. How much will I need? About 15 lineal feet? What's that worth? I'll give it a go. Seats are kind of important.

[ZCurves]

Thanks. That's a ton of help. I'm going to try the vinyl trick. My pads were all there - just the front was still rigid though.

I only drove the car about 500mi so the truth is I don't recall how the springs were. They're easy to replace though. How much will I need? About 15 lineal feet? What's that worth? I'll give it a go. Seats are kind of important.

If you are interested, pay for shipping and you can have my leftovers.

[leftover z]

huh.....??? leftovers ???? on a Z ???????

[ZCurves]

huh.....??? leftovers ???? on a Z ???????

Well, lets just say the extra material that could be used by someone else.

[sparrow6190]

Where did you buy those springs? Were they specifically for the Z seats or just generics that matched spec?

[ZCurves]

Where did you buy those springs? Were they specifically for the Z seats or just generics that matched spec?

These are generic springs that come in a roll. The are slightly heavier gauge than the original and once cut to length, offer a perfect replacement. There is a little effort required to remove the originals, but it just takes a screwdriver, a couple pair of pliers and some patience! The results are outstanding!

If I could ever find the pics I took of the work, I will post them. I have the finished seats sitting in my garage waiting for me to get my Z re-assembled. I can take some shots of those if anyone is interested.

[moogrr]

One seat done and it looks great. Decided to stick with the original springs. Bought a black doormat that resembled the old pad and cut to original shape. Replaced the string with mechanics wire in the seat bottom and added wire to the front and rear of the back too. Attached the rear first, then the front. Listing wires were by far the hardest part. The new foam is worth every penny. Not perfect, but no complaints. I can post pics if anyone's interested.

Thanks again. Ted.

[esprist]

I am in the process of restoring my 73 240 seats. I purchased new covers and foam. My seats had been apart before and some fabric stitched into the center sections. I have two quick questions: 1) Is the 1/4" foam glued to the seat back original? 2) Does anyone have any suggestions what to use in place of the sisal/hardboard that protects the foam from the springs on the seat? Mine has broken down into a nest of fibers.

Thanks;

Ted.

I used form kit and seat cover kit from Classic Datsun and it is great!.

It takes some effort to get these wire-tie -down through the form, but it looks great as you see here. They also have door panel kit look really original, too!

Edited February 8, 2010 by esprist

[ZCurves]

These look pretty awesome! The seats will look better as the material begins to relax and conform to the frame - and your AzzLOL. Moogrr, lets see some pics! I will retake mine and post.

[moogrr]

Here are a few pics of the seat. As I said, the listing wires were the most difficult part of the installation. The one beneath the headrest was the most trying to my patience. Adding wires to the hems is mandatory, I would say. So is adding some support to the foam in the base. Although the rear seam of the seat back had a nice rolled edge, I opted to attach it first, then the front piece. It just made more sense to me. A couple of the tabs broke off, so I just spotted them back on with a mig welder. Overall, very satisfying project - but not for the faint of heart. They look good - ask me in 10000mi if the products are any good.

I'm going to add a few layers of 1/4" foam to the lumbar area of the other seat to firm it up a bit. I'll post when it's done. Have a bad rear wheel bearing to attend to.

Later;

Ted.

Pics won't upload - I'll try to find out why - sorry. Tommorow hopefully