The Upholstery Forum

@BigRig From the pictures that I have see where guys cut it out it looks like they do it about the size of what the insert area would be. I figured I could always take my cover back off and cut that section out later if I felt that would make it better.

@Mikesimpson ,

I wonder if just cutting the insert section out of the foam and inserting a piece of memory type foam would provide the same feel?

@Mikesimpson, Have you installed the seat and sat on it? If so, how does it feel? Is your gut feeling telling you it will be good?

John

Love this bench seat. Looks very classy. Nice job getting everything straight and aligned. Im curious how the long journey sit test goes with the wood/ foam combo.

@BigRig I bought some memory foam last year with intentions of stacking it on top of a piece of the high density foam for some bar stools that I re did. But when I tried it out it seamed like the memory foam was too soft when sitting on it and it just compressed all the way. It did puff back up after a while but it made the covers look crappy until it puffed back out. Maybe there is a better grade of memory foam that I haven't found yet, I also thought about using the office chair pad that Purple Mattress sell in place of the memory foam. Just haven't tried that yet because they are kinda expensive.

@John Long I did get the seat installed a little over a week ago. I've made a couple shorter trips in it so far, a little over 30 minutes from home each way. The first impression you get when you get in and sit down is that its stiff, but I don't think if feels much stiffer than modern sports car seats. As you sit in when you drive I think its very comfortable. With the shape of the foam it cradles you in the right places and I really think the foam will give a little more over time and be about perfect, but time will tell. Everyone that has sat in it so far seems to like it and like the way it feels, its going to be a nice demo seat to have for people to try that are considering going this route. The next couple weekends I have shows I'm going to that are about an hour and a half away and next month one thats 3 hours away. I think those should be good longer distance comfort tests.

@Ailsa Thanks! I was a little worried about getting all the pleats lined up, but I followed my templates and it worked out great. I'm excited to see how replacing the sprigs works out. I really wanted to do it on my own seat first so I could make changes if I felt it needed it, but I love it so far. I have 3 other customers lined up right now that want me to do the same thing on their seats.

@Mikesimpson , I am foam leary myself. I like to keep it all in one piece rather than cutting and adding but on the same hand worry that cutting that base out is not going to cause problems after a while.

@BigRig To get the foam shaped like I wanted with the tools I have it was necessary to cut the foam in pieces like that. I glued it all together with landau glue. Did some test pieces before gluing all the rest of it together and there is no way you would ever get the glued joint to separate. The only way it would come apart was when the foam itself would tear. I was impressed how well it works.

@John Long I used a 22050 for the bottom and the back, probably could have used a 22035 for the back part. This will be a good test for the foam and i'm looking forward to seeing first hand how it holds up over time.

I got my last batch of foam from https://usfoamcorporation.com/ and it seems like nice stuff. And the cost is lower than anywhere else I have found. I usually use Albrights or DLT for everything else.

@Mikesimpson. That is good to know. I think you are spot on with what you are saying. The 2235 might be just a bit better suited to the back rest but I don't think the 2250 will be bad. it is cool how closely you have followed the plan I have floating around in the empty cavern above my shoulders.

John

**Comfort Update** So I finally got a chance to put in some serious test miles this weekend. I did a little over 400 miles in the truck on Saturday on a trip to a car show, It was 3 hours each way. Overall I'm really happy with the contour of the foam. The bottom cushion is very comfortable with no pressure spots or anything and lots of support. The back rest could probably be made from the next softer foam or possibly I could have used a the wire structure that was factory on the seat instead of replacing it with plywood, but I am still very happy with it. Everyone that has sat in it to try it out has commented on how comfortable it is. While I was at the show I picked up my next set of seats that I am redoing for a 1952 Buick. And after sitting in my seat now he wants to know if I can do the same to his seats. So it seems like its a good example to up sell to customers.

@Mikesimpson, Thanks Mike. I have been hoping you would give us a good update. It is good the seat is as comfortable as it is good looking.

You did well!

John

Great Info and update @Mikesimpson
Thanks!!