New seats

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 7:12 pm

I have just finished some new center sections for my S1 seats cos I'm fed up with a numb arse after a hour or less! It has cost me around £25 for both and the cover is that alcantara stuff (And I've loads left!) They fit better than it looks and I have some strong velcro to hold them in place. Took about 4 hours work to hand stich together and here are the results:

I quite like them but I have yet to give them a proper long-run vs numb-arse test

Rich

Sanjøy · Post by **Sanjøy** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 7:17 pm

Looks spot on much better than the loose sparco cushions I have.

How is alcantara when it rains ?

I assume the old sections just rip out ?

Mmmm heated seats ....

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 7:30 pm

The alcantara stuff doesn't seem to have any waterproof qualities at all just soaks thru, but I'm going to test a bit with Nikwax I used on the roof and have look-see. It seems to consist entirely of fluff all the way thru so doesn't loose its soft feel, I even tried scraping a bit with a screwdriver and it seems really tough.

Going to find my Nikwax now you've reminded me!

The seats are just (Badly) glued in around 3 sides, the top is a single line of stiches and a couple of staples (And a load of old crisps!) Mine are now 8 years old and easily pulled out without any damage to the outer parts of the leather but go carfully so as not to pull the outer leather away from the seat. I'm going to shape a bit of foam to fill in the lower side cheeks too.

HTH

Rich

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 7:37 pm

Oh and they are really warm straight away! Might have to cover my gear knob now...

Gareth · Post by **Gareth** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 8:48 pm

Good job!

Sanjøy · Post by **Sanjøy** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 9:25 pm

Bu any of the sponge / alcantara online as could do with another project post NAF

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 9:29 pm

http://www.newtrim.co.uk/
For the covering

http://www.twfoam.co.uk/
For the foam and a hobby store for some leather working needles and glue. I'm going to look at reducing the thickness of the top section a bit.

HTH
Rich

Post by ed » Wed Dec 14, 2005 11:51 pm

Top job, well done!

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 12:08 am

The results are in for the waterproofing, Nikwax took ages to dry. It kept a puddle of water on it for about 30 secs before soaking in

It does not get thru the foam backing on the alcantara tho. Takes a while to dry but it warms up quick even when wet! (So wet arse but warm!)

But with velcro holding them down (Eventually when I get round to it) I'll be able to chuck them into the footwell when I leave the car with the roof off! (Yes I do leave it all over Fife with the roof off but not for long without checking on my baby!)

And bring them inside to dry out if they do get wet.

Having driven with them unvelcroed you have to be careful when getting in not to ruck up the front edge as it's uncomfortable and hard to reach when strapped in! Guess how I found out! The back is a bit thick tho and I have lost a bit of side support for now but I think that it will bed in when I drive the 6-7 hours home in a weeks time! Will take piccies tomorrow.

Rich

Sanjøy · Post by **Sanjøy** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 8:56 am

Trying to find a UK supplier of the following ... http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/pedecafiunhe.html

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 5:38 pm

Mine are nice and warm straight away now, if you want some off-cuts to test I hae some 6" squares left over. I'm considering copying alicrozier (I think) and doing the dash...

(Or I could make some alcantara fluffy dice!

)

Rich

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 5:38 pm

Mine are nice and warm straight away now, if you want some off-cuts to test I hae some 6" squares left over. I'm considering copying (edit) jkelly(!) and doing the dash...

(Or I could make some alcantara fluffy dice!

)

Rich

jj · Post by jj » Thu Dec 15, 2005 5:57 pm

Dash is tricky. Very easy to make look sh*t if you are not that crafty.

Although your seats look good so give it a bash!.

Hardest part of the dash is putting it back together again. The extra thickness of the fabric makes it very difficult. But mine looks nicer now. Very S2- ish....

I used spray adhesive thats meant for sticking down carpet tiles. Also, make sure the suede you have has been back-coated (all upholstery suede will be so you`ll probably be ok) as if not the glue will seep through the fabric.

This tells you how to dis-assemble.

http://www.lotus-elise.nl/Mods/Stainles ... rings.html

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 1:26 am

TVM will explore tomorrow

By very S2 do you mean same lotus (ie dodgy!) quality yet heavy and expensive?
[Flame-suit on!]

Rich