Sagging seat options?

[steved]

OK, the front seat has 142k hard miles on it... and now it is starting to bother my back.



I called a couple upholstery shops, only one was interested in working with me... something about they are nothing more than stamped steel and foam, and that I'd need to buy a new seat cover with foam from DCX? Its not like this is even a fancy seat with powered butt wiper in it... just the front seat from an ST truck!



Short of buying the new cover, which I doubt will work in the long term, what are my options? Buying a new aftermarket seat isn't really appealing. I don't have access to the material to foam pad it myself...



Ideas?



steved

 

[ScottLewis]

Although my drivers seat wasn't really broken down like yours. I was gettting pains down my leg due to lack of support where I needed it.

Using several threads here and on DTR as guide, I installed a piece of one of those pads you put under a sleeping bag ( dense plastic covered foam about 1/2" or so thick) from Wally World, and a piece of scrap carpet between the existing foam and the spring wires. The carpet keeps the wires from cutting into the foam.



I'm sure it isn't as nice or effective as having the seat re-done but it was cheap and helped a great deal. As long as the fabric isn't in too bad of shape, I'd recommend giving it a try. It's hard to tell by looking that the seat was even touched.



Dan

 

[steved]

Thanks,



I was just out looking at the seat... appears the bottom would be easy enough to modify... how does the back cover come off?



I got a price of between $75 and $175... so I think I'll try the home remedy first. In fact, I'll probably pull the seat tonight.



I think your idea is the way to go... do it myself!



steved

 

[steved]

Oh, and I think the problem with the bottom of mine might stem from some small coil-type springs that hold the cables for the seat bottom. I think they have gotten weak. I intend to replace them, and add a couple more in the mix to get the bottom stiffened up.

steved

 

[BMH95]

I place two pieces of carpet between the seat bottom cushion and the wire hammock spring set up. I raised me up enough that I don't feel the dang metal frame, and gets me nice and comfy. I cut the bottom piece a few inches shorter, but same width, so as to ensure a flat surface to sit on when the metal springs extend. I'm 250, and pretty happy with the seats now. I should mention that I put the carpet, a burber, soft side up. Total investment: $0, 60 minutes of time. I took the seat out of the truck. Wear gloves, it's all sharp under there, and use big pliers to reattach the springs.

 

[steved]

I place two pieces of carpet between the seat bottom cushion and the wire hammock spring set up. I raised me up enough that I don't feel the dang metal frame, and gets me nice and comfy. I cut the bottom piece a few inches shorter, but same width, so as to ensure a flat surface to sit on when the metal springs extend. I'm 250, and pretty happy with the seats now. I should mention that I put the carpet, a burber, soft side up. Total investment: $0, 60 minutes of time. I took the seat out of the truck. Wear gloves, it's all sharp under there, and use big pliers to reattach the springs.

Carpet... good tip.



I'll be doing this R&R tomorrow...



steved

 

[ScottLewis]

Check out this site for tips.



3rd Generation Dodge Front Seat Thin Padding Fix



Dan

 

[steved]

Check out this site for tips.



3rd Generation Dodge Front Seat Thin Padding Fix



Dan

Thanks,



That was a pretty nice writeup... sounds about what the everyone was describing! So it must be the preferred method!



steved

 

[ColemanR]

I have a gel pad we got thru the Sharper Imagine I think the other thought is the gel pads they use on motor cycle seats Ive seen them in the magizines Randy

 

[JTCrow]

I used 3 pieces of carpet on my truck. My seat sits higher, but my right leg is much comfortable than before!

 

[steved]

Well, no pictures, but I got the bottom done.



I went to the local hardware store and bought springs similar to those used in the seat support, only 1/8" shorter. The center two springs in my seat were weak... could easily stretch them. The new ones are similar in physical shape (3/4"D x 2-5/8"L x . 110"D wire), only shorter. It stiffened the bottom support up some.



I used two layers of carpet, cut bigger than the seat frame. I then added two chunks of an old mattress pad (about 1" thick) the same size as the carpet, and a smaller one that fit in the center.



The seat is definitely better now... sit higher, legs don't touch the front bar. Back is now touching the area of the seat back where the lumbar support is... but I didn't know how that back cover came off...



How does that back cover come off?? It looks like there are two "J"-channels interlocked?? I'd like to add a little more padding to the small of the back area of the seat back...



steved

 

[ScottLewis]

Never got into the back part. Hopefully some else with knowhow will chime in.



Good Luck,



Dan