I decided to replace the seat foams in my 76 TR6 because I had a problem
with crumbs of the original foam falling out of the seat backs. I
ordered new foams from Moss and attacked the passenger side yesterday.
The foam that makes up the side support in the seats had self-destructed
and, as I was advised in a message on this list, the rest of my foams
were in good shape. I decided that all new was the best alternative so
I tore everything out of the seats and then replaced the seat
diaphragms.
The project went downhill from that point. I had downloaded the VB
instructions from someone's TR6 restoration page and followed point by
point as best I could. The end result is that my seat covers have baggy
spots in the lower back and seat area. This is, I believe, the result
of mis-fitted foams. Having had a night to sleep on it, I will most
likely take the passenger seat out again, disassemble it and attempt to
replace the original foams after piecing in the new side supports. The
drivers side will get the same treatment - from the start.
General observations about the seat foam project:
It is not that hard to do. It is hard to do it right. Moss (all
suppliers for that matter) foams are expensive for what you get. Moss
did not supply any instructions. Moss did not supply the foam that
surrounds the seat frame. After looking at it, all I really had to
replace were the diaphragms and the vertical side supports - everything
else was fine. A pro might have done a better job and going that route
might have been a better idea.
Final thought
There is a hell of a lot more to getting a good fit when replacing the
foams than it appears at the outset. When I took the cover off the seat
it was attached to the foam in so many places and in so many ways that
it is nearly impossible to replicate with new foams. When contemplating
surgery on your seats, go for the least invasive approach.
Jack Radley
76TR6
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