Seat Problems
 

Hi, all. I got some good info from these boards and recently purchased a 1986 300 SDL. This is my first post. Anyway, the front seats have a lot of give--they have more spring to them than cushion, the driver's side especially. It is not very comfortable. Does anyone have any suggestions? Can they be refurbished? Should I look for one with less use and replace it? Could I purchase a seat from a newer MB and install that one?

Thanks!!
Adam

seats
 

if you lift up the seat to highest position you will see broken springs underneath.usually it will tip driver towards the door.cheapest way out is to find good seat in salvage yard.now a good pass seat will have less wear and you can move all components and use pass seat bottom and drivers back. you will need to swap the rails with the motors because of the seat belt anchor.

I had the same problem with my SD. The dealer wants darn near $300 for a new spring assy and the horsehair pad. So I started watching ebay. I bought a very good used spring and a new horsehair from "ideal25" for around $150.00. I am very happy with it, it was a barely used spring, and he sold me a brand new OEM horshair pad. The old spring had multiple broken wires, and the horsehair had disintegrated. What a difference! Like driving a new car.

Go to ebay and look up ideal25. He usually has a pad or a spring for auction. I'm sure if you contact him via ebay, he'll sell you a set.

Another option:
Some have said to take the seat apart, then cut up those pool foam toys that are like sticks (I have no idea what they are called. They are very soft and kids like to hit each other with them or float on them. Sold at walMart). The pieces are then wedged into the springs. This is supposed to provide very good support. For a few bucks and a couple of hours of your time, you might be able to do a cheap repair.

Thanks
 

Thanks guys. -Adam

Somebody in the Diesel discussion, did a little write up on using the pool noodle idea - I think there are pictures too.
I also recall somebody using tennis balls stuffed inside of the spring to give back some ooomph.

I've had good luck with heavy wire, like coathangers, tightly wrapped around the broken spring wires to secure them. Also, pieces of heavy guage sheet metal cut into strips and wrapped/bent around the broken wires work well too. Welding doesn't work on spring wire, I discovered.