Pool noodle job on 420SEL front seat
 

I need to rebuild the driver's seat on my 420SEL. Are pool noodles still the way to go? I've read all the threads on the subject.

I noticed that M-B sells a seat repair piece that is black in color. From the pictures I saw of it, I couldn't get the M-B part number or tell very much about it. Is there any reason to use this M-B part rather than a pool noodle? If so, do you know the part number?

If my seat springs are broken, are there any good methods of repair? It seems like replacement seat springs from the junkyard would likely be just as bad as the ones I've got.

As Ross Perot said, "I'm all ears!"

:o

Can't tell you much about the seat repair piece or repairing springs, but I will tell you the pool noodle trick WORKS. Be sure to buy various sizes and shapes of pool noodles - they have round ones, flower-shaped ones, etc. and also different diameters. You'll find it helpful to have a variety to stuff into the odd shaped recesses of the seat springs.

repairing seat springs
 

You can repair most broken springs with "hog clips" ( C clips) and hog ring pliers. Clip broken ends in parralel. Others together to increase spring tension. These will be a lasting repair. I use 1/2 inch thick hard rubber sheet. (like flooring squares) cut to size on top of old horsehair pads. Good luck, Abe G

Are pool noodles out yet. It seasonal in Northern Virginia, It was 49 degrees this morning so they may have not unpacked the pool noodles yet.

I have a good supply of them in my garage. Sleds, too, if you need any of those. Broken bicycles? I've got 'em!

Why not just replace the spring assembly? THEN use the factory MB supporters?

FL sells those lil black inserts, they're $3-5 last I checked.

"Why not just replace the spring assembly? THEN use the factory MB supporters?"

I'm afraid that would be impossible. This is the amazing $500 420SEL that we are talking about.

Pool noodles will work - BUT they break down pretty quickly - so it is really a temporary fix (maybe a year).

Mine lasted for 2 years and were still firm when I sold the car 2 weeks ago. The driver's seat in particular did not lean to the left at all, as is common on these cars.

Alternatively, do a search on tennis balls. I think some members have used those at the front corners of the seats where there is ample space to squeeze them in. Compression isn't much of an issue with a tennis ball...

So you can't justify spending $100? :rolleyes:

Check the buy parts link and get the correct ones. they are not that expensive 5 or 10 bux, and you get the correct support. Phil has them Check it out.

My seats needed extensive pool noodle repair. I screwed them into the coil springs in the corners, and made 2 noodle arcs within the seat frame. I covered them with cotton cloth before installing so the metal frame bits don't dig into the plastic too bad. Seats are still firm after 2 years.

Is this a price on factory seat springs?

When I went looking a couple of years ago, I was seeing prices around $300, and so I ignored the listing seat.

Got a part number?