Expanding foam seat…. Done!

[Stuart Davis AO - Devon Cornwall & Somerset]

I’ve had this kit for a couple of years but have been a little scared of attempting it, probably in part due to reading the infamous ‘canoe’ tale about what can happen if you get it wrong!

 

Anyhow, having recently done my headrest, I wanted to sort the seat ahead of our Cornwall trip in a few weeks so that I’m a bit more comfortable for longer stretches.

 

I had to complete the task on my own as Mrs Stu is not feeling too good currently, so made plenty of preparations to ensure that if things did go wrong, the car wouldn’t get covered in the stuff. As it turned out, it was all a bit of an anti climax and it went very well.

 

I used a very large, thick plastic bag which was an option with the foam kit. I wanted a bit of padding under my bum, so put some foam on a very thin piece of ply to act as a base, then popped this in the bag. I cut some cardboard to shape and put this down the sides in an attempt to prevent it locking in to place again the chassis rails which as you will see only partially worked.

 

I had a couple of plastic measuring jugs and bought some cheap buckets specially for the job, and mixed up 600ml of each part first off. Once poured in, I sat myself down on the bag and wriggled around until comfortable. It got fairly warm, but nothing too bad, and I was a bit surprised that the first pouring just reached the back of my bum, so more was needed.

 

After about 15 mins it seemed firm enough for me to get out and mix the remainder of the kit and have another go. This time it filled the space behind me ok, and worked its way right up to above shoulder level.

 

Once out, I left it to set whilst having dinner, then set to work trying to get the b****r out! The cardboard had bent outwards allowing the foam to spread into the frame a little so I had to carefully cut the sides off and free the seat.

 

The back section proved a little fragile, so I cut off the top down to a more useable level, having to glue sections back on which had broken away. Then a fair amount of shaping with a knife, and I also cut the hole for the harness to pass through.

 

Finally, I covered it liberally with the tape I bought as part of the kit, and Bob’s your uncle, a foam seat which is actually remarkably comfortable, even if it’s not very beautiful!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mega ade]

you made a much better job than this guy did .lol

[dvd8n]

Did you secure the seat in position somehow?  I just ask as the MOT guidance says that an insecure seat is a major defect.  I know it's really more of a cushion than a seat but you know how strict some testers can be.

 

D

[eggontoast]

Impressed by this. It's something I've considered but having the minerals to get on and do it is another thing! 

[Stuart Davis AO - Devon Cornwall & Somerset]

1 hour ago, dvd8n said:

Did you secure the seat in position somehow?  I just ask as the MOT guidance says that an insecure seat is a major defect.  I know it's really more of a cushion than a seat but you know how strict some testers can be.

 

D

It’s not secured currently, not sure how I could really. Most likely I’ll take it out for the MOT to avoid any issues. My local garage is quite helpful so I’m sure they would advise me what to do. It has passed fine with just a cushion in place. I’ll let you know what they say!

 

The silly thing is that when I’m strapped in with the six point harness, it’s not going anywhere!

[Stuart Davis AO - Devon Cornwall & Somerset]

7 hours ago, mega ade said:

you made a much better job than this guy did .lol

That is exactly what I expected to happen, so was quite relieved when it didn’t!

[Andrzej]

Hmm as radiologist  I am very aware re Your righthand thorac spine scoliosis and huge lumbar lordosis if this foam is shaped properly (Hope not ! )  : ) 

I am sure those are from lack of foam  but worth to add some and seat would be night and day im terms of comfort and keeping body steady on turnus and braking

 

[Stuart Davis AO - Devon Cornwall & Somerset]

12 hours ago, Andrzej said:

Your righthand thorac spine scoliosis and huge lumbar lordosis

🫣 you may have to explain this so I understand! I think there was plenty of foam and the seat is quite comfy. I suspect that it is more an effect of, er hmm, ‘back fat’ than severe spinal problems although my spine is a bit b*gg*red as my lower disks are completely non existent now, spine effectively fused.

 

I’m pretty snug in the car, and with a six point harness I don’t move anywhere!

[Stuart Davis AO - Devon Cornwall & Somerset]

If you mean this effect? …..

 

The red circled part is actually a foam pad worked into the seat as the foam filled around there, but left a big hole. The blue curved channel is the gap between the pad and the expanding foam which fill up the outer side against the wheel arch, not a reflection of my spine shape! I’m aware it’s a long way from perfect, and may try again at some point but it’s a lot better than just sitting on my cushion! I don’t need all the padding to the tunnel side as the car is just used on the road and my harness holds me very snuggly.