Wedge TR8 [TR7] Seat Bottoms

[GBRandy]

I am having my seats re-done in the TR8. I have the Rimmers covers (nice stuff BTW) and the new foam backs.

They did not have the foams for the bottoms or the rubber seat pans. Anyone have any these done after market? Any guidance for my upholstery shop on how to proceed or what things to look out for?

Thanks,

Randy

 

[sd80mac7204]

I think you can modify the TR8 seat frames to use TR6 diaphragms. I think a place in PA has the foams but only as a complete set not as pieces.

 

[Darrell_Walker]

If your seat bottoms are still reasonably shaped, just a bit flattened, you can add a sheet of foam to the bottom side. That will retain the contour on the top, while adding some height and padding.

 

[hondo402000]

I have watched a car show on tv and they would get a full sheet of foam and use an electric kitchen knife to carve the foam, you could try that

Hondo

 

[rustbucket]

I used modified TR6 diaphragms from the Roadster Factory. Part #612251. $16.98 ea. You do have to drill holes in the seat frame to use the hooks.

Seat foam kit for both seats bottoms and backs is also available, #RFK1193, $349.91.

I don't see where the bottoms are available separately, but you could call and ask.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

I like Darrell's idea, but what about the other vendors? Somebody ought to have these available...

Regardless, a good upholstery shop should be able to match ~raw~ foam to the covers.

 

[JFS]

I did what Mickey suggests and had a local shop make the foams to fit the covers which I, too, got from Rimmer's. You may have seen them at one of our FCBCC events.

 

[tr8todd]

The rubber bottom piece is a tough one to find. Whenever I come across seats that need recovering and the bottom is junk, I web the bottom with nylon straps like the ones used in the convertible top to secure the bars front to back. I buy it at the fabric store for around $2 a yard. Just weave the bottom like you would a lawn chair and sew the ends back onto themselves. I recently discovered that the foams from a mid 90s BMW 325i seat work pretty well on the TR7 frame. My plan was to bolt the entire BMW seats into the TR7, but they sat too high off the floor and they were too heavy for my liking, so I Frankensteined the TR7 seat frame and the BMW cushions and leather covers together. They actually fit like they were made for the frame except for a little trimming at the very back on the bottom. Now I have seats that are TR8 light and BMW comfy and sporty. And drum roll please.... the new leather covers aren't much more than the TR7 plaid covers. Sure beats dropping $1000 for new covers and foams.

 

[tr8todd]

The seats I bought looked something like this one. Shape look familiar?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1996-BMW-328i-E3...r#ht_500wt_1330