seating upgrade

If the seats don't (like most factory standard seats) already have the internal steel frame to support reshaping and firming up then you will only be relying on high density foam to do the job

standard seats like GQ don't have a large bolster (near your ribs) preventing lateral movement so trimmers can't do alot more to build them up. you should not expect a big improvement unless your existing seats are already RS - in which case an aftermarket seat might be better anyway

I reckon get a decent after market driver's seat (which you can take to other vehicles in the future) and upgrade the passenger seat when funds permit.

talk to a trimmer and see if he can show you what is possible

Hi Gossy,
It was a long time ago when I had my povery-pack Maverick, so am working on past memory, but I was able to remove the fixed 1-1/2 passenger seat, fit a Scheel seat to the driver's side and fit the original driver's seat to the passenger side with a small mod to the seat mounts (had to make up an inner support frame, I recall). This arrangement was a quantum leap on the original, as I could now recline the passenger seat. The original driver's seat was ok (so ok for the passenger) but the Scheel seat had brilliant "drive-all-day" comfort with excellent side support (good for holding one in when there was lots of sideways lurching). The original passenger seat was an absolute dog, too firm, no recline.
Cheers,
Gerry

Keep an eye on the trading post and Ebay. Second hand recaros (and others) come up every now and then. Even if they do not have the correct mount for you vehicle, you can by new mount for them from the distributors (But check before you buy).
I picked up a Recaro that was a couple of years old and in perfect condition for about $800, including correct mount for my vehicle. The new price for the same seat is just under $3000.

However, be wary of counterfeit products. Carefully check what you are buying to ensure it is real deal.

yep been looking but only the past few days. Nothing around at the moment.

Gossy.
I put two Commodore seats into my Hj47 Toyota, and was the best thing for it, and me, easy to fit, and the cost was $75:00 for the two ,both came out of the VP commodore.

Cheers for now...William H...Bunbury...WA.

G'day

I had the seats in my old Patrol repacked but was never happy with the result
Next step was to buy some imported seats from a Japanese sports car , I found an advert in the Saturday paper / Auto parts adverts

Importers import them just like they do jap engines ect

They had lots to pick from , just think about frame design and how easy or hard to adapt
Prices varyied according to colour and style
but I used a set from a Mitsubushi Starion I think
and they were great very good support and comfort for about $400



Garry

you'll just have to keep a good eye out on ebay for second handies, they do come up but not often.
i got a secondhand set of SAAS pump up lumbar support seats for $500 and then made the new base frames to suit my 105 series landcruiser.
not sure what state your in, but here in QLD i then had to get them engineered, which cost me about $80 i think, and then take that paperwork to Qld Transport which doesn't cost anything extra, just another form to fill out.

decided not to go down the seats out of another car option now. Bottom line is that it's not legal. Chatted to 3 different companies who have given me the same story.
I can do it myself but then if I get into an accident I am not covered by insurance :(

I have been going thru a bit of a 'rebuild' for my Patrol. This included taking all the insides out and replacing the crappy carpet underlay with dedicated heat reflecting foam from Clark Rubber. Also replaced the underbonnet cover with an aftermarket product.

So now that I'm in the mood and seeing good results (the foam underlay has made the GQ so quiet!) I am going to tackle taking the seats apart and replacing the foam with some dedicated foam from Clark Rubber also. Hopefully once I find the hooks keeping the material on it won't be too hard (famous last words).

heading up to Innamincka to paddle the Cooper and Coongie in June so I want to start on the project fairly soon. Gives me time to head down to the wrecker to replace the seats if I stuff it up !!