+2S 130 Seat Foam replacement

PostPost by: alanr » Wed Mar 13, 2019 9:37 am

The original vynil seat covers in my +2S 130 are fine however the actual foam in the seats is crumbling, almost like broken biscuits!
The problem is the correct shaped foam seems to now be unobtainable.
Also classic car upholstery trimmers may want more to do this than I am prepared to pay so the only alternative is possibly to have a go myself. The issue though as always is wanting the end result to look good!
An archive search hasn't revealed much on this so wondering if others have had a go themselves and how did it go?...suitable source for alternative foam etc?

Thanks,

Alan
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PostPost by: alan.barker » Wed Mar 13, 2019 11:27 am

As an idea,
i know it's Triumph but have you looked at Rimmer bros who do Foams for TR6 which may be close enough
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PostPost by: alanr » Wed Mar 13, 2019 11:48 am

Hi Alan.
That is an excellent idea.
I have had a quick look and see they do a foam kit for a TR6 at ?300 inc vat which is not that cheap but doable if they fit. It would be nice though to physically compare the TR6 with the Lotus seats before diving in.
I don't suppose you actually have compared the TR6/+2seats by any chance?...Or are the original +2S130 seats really TR6 seats?

Thanks,

Alan
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PostPost by: alan.barker » Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:49 pm

Sorry i can't help with the size as i sold my 1973 +2S130/4 a few years ago.
Maybe someone can give the size of TR6 Seats.
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PostPost by: mbell » Wed Mar 13, 2019 1:47 pm

I have similar problem with my driver seat. I was just expecting to buy various bits of foam and some glue and try make my own bases.

Photos and updates on any progress would be appreciated.
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PostPost by: baileyman » Wed Mar 13, 2019 2:37 pm

If I had this problem I would save as much of the old foam as I could as a guide for shape. Then using maybe 1/2" sheet, with the cover upended in front of me, begin lining the cover from the seat surface down, layer by layer, till the bottom of the cushion was reached. Spray contact cement could hold the layers together. I would probably finish by stitching the edges and interior contours. Basically this would reproduce the original by using the cover as a mould. Just a thought.

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PostPost by: alan.barker » Wed Mar 13, 2019 2:59 pm

I also have a TVR 3000S and a TVR 3000M and have changed the Foam in the Seats with moulded Foam to the original Specification.
I would suggest you use already moulded Foam to original Spec. Been and done it :wink: :wink:
Buy one Cushion/Swab/Seat Foam from Rimmer Bros and try it. Do a proper job then you can pass on to other jobs :roll:
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PostPost by: alanr » Wed Mar 13, 2019 4:03 pm

Please keep all the ideas coming.....
There is no rush, I just need the outcome to look acceptably nice without spending ?1500 which is what I have been quoted by one classic car trimmer to refoam the two front seats. That definitely isn't going to happen! :o
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PostPost by: Gray » Wed Mar 13, 2019 4:45 pm

If you can buy the foam to original spec/size that would be the way to go. Buying for another car and adapting sounds expensive if its not the right shape. I would try buying suitable foam blocks and cutting to shape with an electric carving knife. I have cut foam this way, its not perfect but probably adequate. Then stick blocks together as suggested above.
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PostPost by: mbell » Wed Mar 13, 2019 5:05 pm

My basic plan is similar to John's suggestion but I'd start from the bottom and work up. So layers of foam cut to shape and glued together. With extra pieces glued (and maybe sewn) on the top to handle the outer bolster of the seat.

Likely use different density foam in different areas. Firmer at bottom and maybe in the edge to reinforce the bolsters.
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PostPost by: alanr » Wed Mar 13, 2019 5:20 pm

The idea of using TR6 moulded foams is out of the window it seems. Just sent pics and been talking to a guy who specialises in Triumph upholstery and he says my seats are definitely not similar in any way to TR6 seats.

Building up glued foam and then carve to shape with an electric knife seems a possible option. The vynil is not very thick though and will show up any imperfections on the side bolsters.

Alan.
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PostPost by: alan.barker » Wed Mar 13, 2019 5:29 pm

The big problem with building up layers of Foam it will not be Foam of the correct density but it's your choice.
Even if TR6 Foams or TVR Foams from Adrian Venn are modified they are of the correct density. Plus they have rounded corners and will blend correctly :wink: :wink:
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PostPost by: alan.barker » Thu Mar 14, 2019 8:43 am

Just a tip the reclining part of +2S Seat tends to break, so check and strengthen as needed.
Also glue Hessian to bottom of Seat Cushion Foam.
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PostPost by: JonB » Thu Mar 14, 2019 8:54 am

I've had my driver's seat apart to repair the base (by welding it back together). My foam is also crumbling but I managed to get it back together and improve the comfort by fitting some lumbar support. One thing worth mentioning - it appears to be foamed rubber (Dunlopillo mattresses are made of the same stuff) so bear that in mind if you are buying new foam.

Oh, and let us know what you buy! :)
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PostPost by: derek uk » Thu Mar 14, 2019 12:24 pm

Search "car seat Foams" on YouTube. Should cover all bases. Pun intended. :)
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