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**Linda** · 21 January 2005, 18:16

Originally posted by Julia

Can anybody out there help me?! I have had my beautiful ice blue / silver Surf for just over one month (1996, 3rd generation). I LOVE it. It tows exceptionally well and I appreciate the automatic gear box and the space for the dogs and all our clobber! BUT I have ended up in agony! Made myself a foam cushion for the poor old tail bone, but the base of the spine was still hurting - preventing me from even sitting on my sofa in comfort! Is there anything I can do to modify the ride / suspension? Not sure that a change of seat would be sufficient. Have never had a back problem before so it is definitely due to my lovely Surf. Have NOT got the adjustable suspension option. Is there anything I can do? - Julia

I think you would need to get your current suspension checked out. I have suffered with back problems for years and the surf is the only car I have even been in that never gives me back ache however long I drive for.

**sumo** · 21 January 2005, 18:21

I'll say this before MATT does "Let me rub it for you".Seriously though have you played with the lumber adjustment in the back of the seat? Or have you tried one of those thick carseat mats (they look a bit like an inflaterble mat).
Must admit though Ive never heard of anyone having trouble with a surf seat.

**poppy986** · 21 January 2005, 18:22

Hi Julia,
It should not give you back problems.
Play about with the seat lenght from the wheel and the angle of
the seat also there are knobs for lumber support and side
support may be these need to be adjustad.
Check the seat cushion has not been colapaced eg if the car was
driven by a very heavy driver it can comprees the foam give
little padding for your bum.

Cheers Chris

See its in the For Sale section?????????????????????
cant be that bad you will regret it later

**da SLUG man** · 21 January 2005, 18:25

Originally posted by poppy986

there are knobs for lumber support

nah rick!... i spotted this one first!

**Vagrant No2** · 21 January 2005, 18:28

Rick

**firefly** · 21 January 2005, 18:36

ive the recaro seats in mine and they are without doubt the comfiest i have ever sat on drove down devon with van last year and was as fresh as a daisy mayby the seats you have too much give in them, you may need the back hardening up so your spine dosent wallow into the seat but is supported, remember if you sloutch on the seat for any period of time your disk's compress and will cause your back to ache,

**Morr** · 21 January 2005, 18:56

Definatly check for damage in the seat first, as others have suggested, previous owners may have caused partial collapse of the foam, or even structure.
Most of the others on here have commented on the excellent comfort of the Surf, tho I will add that I believe the seats in the 2nd Gen to be far superior to the 3rd Gen models, I certainly wish I had the seats from my old '93 in my current one!
Compare the thickness and positioning of the foam cushions to those on the passinger seat for any large differences.

**kazam401** · 21 January 2005, 19:35

Julia - I have found the seats in my 3rd gen very un-comfy, no support to small of back and no lateral support at all. This was really doing my head in as apart from the seats the car is superb. Tried to get hold of some Recaro's but like looking for rocking horse s**te so have ended up fitting some bucket seats to the front...........problem solved.

ps I have the old front seats and your welcome to them (have kept the runners) but as I said they were damn uncomfy for me.

**AndyLala** · 21 January 2005, 19:46

Couple of things...

It may not be the seat that has done this, but it may aggrevate it.

Get it (your pelvis, lower back) checked for alignment... by an Osteopath or Chiropracter (?) , ask them to also check your seating position.

A quick fix is to get a wedge cushion made specifically for this problem that has a cut out for the base of the spine. Whilst you get your lower spine attended to...

andyL

Long time back sufferer since a couple of major accidents that I shouldn't have walked away from...

**kitesurf_phil** · 21 January 2005, 19:49

Hi Julia and welcome to the forum.

Don't the 3rd Gens have the adjustable lumber support, back angle, seat angle adjuster and the huggy wingy thingy width adjuster? I found my seats uncomfortable for the first month or so, then I discovered the knob by my right knee that adjusts the thigh support. Since then I am very happy with it.

I've re-read your post and seen that you are unhappy with the bumpy ride. There is always the possibility that someone has fitted stiffer springs or that the body is hitting the bump stops for some reason.

**Morr** · 21 January 2005, 20:17

Originally posted by kitesurf_phil

Hi Julia and welcome to the forum.

Don't the 3rd Gens have the adjustable lumber support, back angle, seat angle adjuster and the huggy wingy thingy width adjuster? I found my seats uncomfortable for the first month or so, then I discovered the knob by my right knee that adjusts the thigh support. Since then I am very happy with it.

I've re-read your post and seen that you are unhappy with the bumpy ride. There is always the possibility that someone has fitted stiffer springs or that the body is hitting the bump stops for some reason.

Yes to the adjustable lumber support, back angle, and seat angle adjuster but unlike my old 2nd Gen I'm now missing the huggy wingy thingy width adjuster.
Even with the available adjustments, they're still not a patch on the older version, and indeed worse than those fitted to most other cars I've owned in recent years.

**Julia** · 21 January 2005, 20:35

Thanks

Thanks for your input, everyone. Will take up Linda's suggestion of getting the suspension checked. Does anyone know a good Surf mechanic in the Aylesbury / Tring / Leighton Buzzard area?! Will also investigate different seats (have played with all the knobs!). Any other suggestions gratefully received (I have a resident back-rubber, thank you!). - Julia

**pops** · 21 January 2005, 21:51

Originally posted by Vagrant No2

Rick

no not rick she needs VICK

you sure the surf seat did your back, i with linda, i have had a bad back since i was a teenager (long time ago) and the surf is so comfy for me even driving it all day none stop well just to fill up with fuel anyway

**Gizmo** · 21 January 2005, 22:08

Its a pit that you feel you need to sell the vehicle Julia.
http://www.yotasurf.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=10973

As I have found the vehicle to be comfortable [not sure of 3rd gens] but 2nd gen is fine and dandy. Initially found that due to my normally posture sat at a computer most of the day my back was a little painful at first but soon changed that by changing my posture

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