Collapsing seat, disintegrating foam base

[DJ.Crusty]

Hi,

I'm on my second Surf, recently upgraded (or so I thought!) to a 1997 KZN185 SSRG. Most of it is fine, no complaints except for the lower part of both driver and passenger seats, the foam insert is simply turning to dust and has gone very soft, the one drivers' seat bolster is pretty well non-existent.

I tried to source new foam inserts from my local Toyota dealer, who happily informed me they only come with a ready matched cloth cover and cost over £400 (+v.a.t.) each, not even with the steel frame and springs etc:. Needless to say I'm still driving with my butt cheeks hanging over the edge of the seat.

Any suggestions, advice, seats for sale? (the standard lightly corded grey and purple mix).

Secondly, I bought the Surf with a JAOS stainless steel bull bar fitted, which is absolutely mint, but I would prefer to replace it with the factory supplied plastic covered 'A' frame type (in silver) 'cos I'm middle aged and boring!. I am aware that the "chrome" insert strip with the Surf logo, is prone to rapid deterioration, so would be looking for a good example 'A' frame. Anyone with one for sale or maybe even prepared to do a swap??

[Tallyman]

Have you thought about sourcing some foam from a fabric warehouse or similar. Most of them seem to do it. Then carve roughly to shape and insert into existing seat base / covers to restore the seat. Should not be too difficult if you can remove the covers sufficiently to get at the bit that's disintegrating.

EDIT. Just noticed you are local. There's a Fabric Warehouse in the Tewkesbury Road in Cheltenham, next door to Kwik Fit. I've got foam there for replacing the padding on some old chairs, so you should be able to get something to replace the seat squabs in your truck.

[max6674]

Someone put a post up a couple of months ago of a place which sells replacement parts for the surf seats etc.. but I cant find the post. Im sure someone will have it.. ??

[summinelse]

bushwhacker i think their looking at u for a link is required

[Morr]

Any competent specialist vehicle re-trimmer's should be able to make up the parts using the correct density foam.

A better solution might be to consider replacing the seats altogether with an aftermarket type such as Recaro etc. It is unfortunate that the 3rd gen seats are vastly inferior to those fitted to the 2nd gen, something many of us have discovered.

[Philip]

I am middle aged and boring (60) and i am having a Jaos bull bar fitted by Tony on Tuesday, so be careful what you say.
I also have large wheels, widened heightened etc and if could afford it would love to fit an intercooler.
Your never too old.
Philip

[DJ.Crusty]

Collapsing seats reply

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to reply to my question.

I'll try sourcing the foam (Thanks Mike -I'll keep an eye out for you!), or alternatively dive in the Yellow pages for a local car trimmer.

I must say I'm not surprised by your comment Maurice, there are a number of things I feel are inferior or simply 'forgotten' in the 3rd gen Surfs eg: no load cover fixings (not that I necessarily want one), no warning lights on the front interior door trim etc: But then you get airbags, ABS etc:

I was also quite amazed to find the number of changes to the Surf, not just to the bodywork but chassis, suspension, etc: making it almost completely incompatible with the 2nd gen ones. That's progress!!

Finally an apology to Philip, I was putting myself down, not generalising! I guess I was trying to say I'm sort of "Mr Factory Fitted". All power to your elbow keep on customising!!


Thanks again, you've been most helpful guys.


John.