can someone clear up a question about seat rebuilding?

[WANT '71 280SEL]

on my SDL, the driver's seat sags to the left. I want to replace the horsehair pad and through the search I saw that psfred mentioned installing 1/2" memory foam on top of the pad. So let me get this straight. There is the box springs, then the horsehair pads, then the seat cover? I don't know if my box has any broken springs which I guess I won't find out till I get it apart. Is there any other padding that I would want to install in the process? I don't want to have to drag the project out because the car will then be immobile. I guess I'll go to the junkyard and see if I can find some box springs.

Thanks
David

[deeph8]

Do a search for "pool noodle". I kid you not.

[Brian Carlton]

David,

I did this job last fall on the driver's seat. You are correct with regard to the seat spring, the horsehair pad, and the seat cover.

I can just about assure you that the seat spring is ready for the trash. Mine has three broken springs on it. I had already anticipated this and purchased a new one prior to the job.

I did not get a new horsehair pad, figuring that the replacement spring would do the job. In retrospect, this was a mistake. The existing pad, while intact, has seen 18 years of ass and really should be replaced.

While the seat was apart, I added a piece of 1" memory foam to the top of the pad, underneath the cover. This has served to beef up the pad somewhat, however, it still does not substitute for a proper new pad.

Sometimes I could swear that the pad is not flat underneath and I'm leaning slightly. I'm adding the pad to the 'to do' list.

[billrei]

The problem is most likely a worn out box springs. If you are not really careful it is easy to tear a seam in disassembling the seat bottom. You might want to see if a passenger side seat bottom from a donor car will fit (less wear and tear) and it becomes a simple bolt in operation.

[rg2098]

Your springs are broken, thats a given. I believe the spring base is interchangable for the passanger side. (You have to bolt the driver side tracks on it, pretty easy to do) The hardest part is physically lifting the seats out. When I did mine I had 2 inches of foam and it feels like a modern seat. (not memory foam, it doesn't react as quickly so you will find yourself trying to dig out of a crater when you move).

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by rg2098

The hardest part is physically lifting the seats out.

Forgot to mention that the seat is easily removed via the rear door (SDL).

[cgryphon]

I just did the drivers side on my ’82 240 D. Took out the seat and flipped it over. Did not remove any covers, pads, etc. I had no broken springs as far as I could tell, just weak. I put cut lengths of the whole noodle long ways through the Z shaped springs, around the sides and front. Added vertical noodle with angled slits shoved into the coil springs at the front corners. Viola! Fantastic! 1.33 noodles at a cost of $1.44 per noodle. Passenger side and rear seat this weekend. Just shove ‘em where you think they will fit. Wear gloves, lots of sharp stuff under there.

Clay

[Shellnekov]

Can someone explain the pool noodle trick, search reveals lots doing it but no explanation how. I actually have 2 of these downstairs!!

[leathermang]

" The hardest part is physically lifting the seats out."

Yes, and I think that is when someone lately broke their combination switch... so be careful and/or have help.

Also do a search for ' orthopedic' with jbaj007 as the poster.... good info in that thread...

[rg2098]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Forgot to mention that the seat is easily removed via the rear door (SDL).

yea yea yea, spoiled ones. Try removing the seat in a W123 with the armrest and backrest alone without breaking anything. That takes skill!

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by rg2098

yea yea yea, spoiled ones. Try removing the seat in a W123 with the armrest and backrest alone without breaking anything. That takes skill!

Once you drive a W126, you cannot go back.

Besides, if I wanted a car the size of a Camry, I would have bought one.

[Johnhef]

It makes it easier on a 123 if you pull it fully forward! I did two yesterday. Not even fun ones either. d/s track wouldnt move and bolts on both seats just spun on the floor. those seats got ripped t.f. out (car was rusty). car got picked up today for scrap.

[Stevo]

"just spun on the floor"

I had to cut one of the rear hold down bolts off with a Sawzall, not easy but it seemed the only alternative at the time

[rg2098]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Once you drive a W126, you cannot go back.

Besides, if I wanted a car the size of a Camry, I would have bought one.

The W123 is better because its simpler and not as much to go wrong. Like the outside thermometer. HA

[leathermang]

A Sawzall with a Remington carbide grit edge is a wonderful thing.