SII Seat restoration

[mamoose124]

My SII seat leather looks great but the foam is old and crumbling leaving a mess on the matting under the seats. I did a google search on my iPhone for SII seat repair and received a thread from SAOCA that talks about the SII seats not having springs and that the foam sits directly on the pan. One of the contributors to the thread, Alpinell, discussed that he tore down a set. When I used the search feature just now on this forum, I could not find this thread. Anyone know why? That aside, do any of you fellows have experience restoring SII seats? My frames and leather are good. I haven't dismantled the seats, but think the only thing I will nead to do is replace or rebuild the foam. Any suggestions?

 

[junkman]

There is no reproduction seat foams for early series seats. What I did on my S2 was get some modern back seat cushions and then use an electric carving knife to trim them to a close resemblance of the originals. Not fun, but doable for sure. My seat back foams were savable. Try to find one that has close to the bottom configuration of your original. I think I got mine from some type of full size Ford.

 

[alpine_64]

Iirc the mga foams were close. Best is to custom make... But at a pinch The MGA foams are easily available

 

[DanR]

Outside of original, the miata has a nice seat that is readily available and makes a nice ride even better.

I am partial to the SIII/SIV/SV though.

 

[alpine_64]

Outside of original, the miata has a nice seat that is readily available and makes a nice ride even better.

I am partial to the SIII/SIV/SV though.

The s3 onward microcell are very good if rebuilt correctly. The s3-IV with seperate backrest squab especially.
The s3/IV webbing base vs diaphragm support im not sure which offers better springing

 

[jumpinjan]

The seat foam will need to be built up from sheets of foam and I buy mine from Miami Corp or Sailrite:

https://www.miamicorp.com/catalog/s...tr=&qdx=0&start=0&fqall=TYPE_ATT:.:SHEET+FOAM
https://www.sailrite.com/Foam-and-P...ating/type/Products?order=custitem_popularity
The foam should be "firm" or "extra firm" for car seats, you don't want to sink down into the seat.
Jan

 

[mamoose124]

Jan, what thickness do you use for the seat? Do you use the same thickness for both the seat & back? I'm thinking that the 2" x 24" x 80" firm foam from Sailrite would be enough for two seats. What do you think?

 

[jumpinjan]

Well, you need to be the judge on that, get your tape measure out and try to measure the thickness. You will probably have to shape the foam too with a sander...but be VERY careful doing that. The front section (where the bleats end) needs to be built up like a bolster so you don't slide off the seat.
Much like this microcell seat that I upholstered for Kellogg's Harrington: