Talking about seats .....

[Bazza Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bazza]

Do any of you guys find the drivers seat uncomfortable in the 120? I'm a bit wide in the beam and I find, now that the Prado's got 80,000 on it, that the seat digs into my sides. It becomes very painful on long trips. Other than taking in to a upholster, I thought of taking the cover off and padding it up with some sponge rubber. I've got an inflatable lumbar support fitted but that only helps the lower back, what I need is to take the "concaveness" ( if that's a word ) out of it. Interested to know if padding it would work and if anyone else has tried it.
Bazza

[Guest Close Guest]

I have leather seats and don't find it that comfortable. Last week, I drove my bro-in-law's 03 GXL and the seats were great. I don't have a wide beam though and considering sheep skin covers.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

I found with my 90's the one with velour trim was more comfortable then the 90 I had with leather. I doubt the seat is any different in any way but I think the velour has that bit of give in it which seems to give it a better feel. Ive had leather now in a few cars and its not some thing i really like. I find it marks easy, gets creases in it with age, and beige which is what we had was the worst colour ever for dirt and grime etc. I found the carpet in the series one grande better then the series two, different type, every bit of grass would stick to the carpet in the 01 grande even bits that the sand grabber mats didnt get hold of. I have the 120 now GXL with velour seats and find them far more comfortable then either of the 90's and certainly dont have any back issues after sitting in them for a while, they feel wider and longer under the legs for support which is really great. I have found on the drivers seat right on the very edge the foam is starting to deform a bit (very very minimal) but cant feel it when sitting on it but can if I rub my hand over it. I think this is from sliding down off the seat when getting out ?? Suprised for a GXL they dont have lumbar support. Not that I need any more then it has but for anyone that may have a dodgy back etc could give them alot more back support where needed I would imagine..........Maybe take the seat out if time allows and take it to a trimmer and tell them exactly what your after OR see if you can get an electric seat from a wrecked grande/vx that has lumbar and tilt etc and retrim it with your trim but would require some 12V power to be hooked up to it so you can adjust as required ?? Cheers Steve

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Maybe you could sit on a small cushion or pillow to fill the central depression and bring it up in line with the side lobes of the seat. If it's that "big" a problem then I would recommend that you find an upholsterer who can match your bum to the seat. I have custom made seats in my Cobra and, although they are narrow and only lightly padded, they have been matched to my bum profile so I don't have any issues on long drives. My missus hates them because her bum isn't so dainty (dare not say fat) so she won't come for drives in the beast. I had good seats in my 98 GXL and am quite happy with the current seats in my 09 GXL. I don't have leather. Sheep skins tend to make you sit ON the seat and not IN it.

[Bazza Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bazza]

Thanks guys. The problem is actualy my back, or sides. The sides of the seat gets me in the ribs or kidneys after a long drive. When I drive my son's old patrol with the "flat- back" seats, no problem, very comfortable, as these seats dont wrap around you. I thought if I could pad it out or get some sort of air cushion support ( like the air lumbar suport I have fitted, except the entire hight of the seat ) it may solve the problem without getting an upholster involved.
Bazza

[craigr Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close craigr]

Hi I have problems with nearly all the car seats I sit in so have developed a habit of customizing the seats in my cars . I go to the local Clark rubber store or motor trimmer and buy some foam , usually about 50mm thick , the same size as the center section of the seat and the full height . I then cut it to fit the center with cutouts at the bottom for the side bars of the seat and anyother needed cuts to make it fit . I then cut the shape for the lumber area . Followed by the shoulderblade area . The bottom has to be thinned out and any other sections that make it uncomfortable . A good method to find the areas to thin is to place the flat of your hand { or enen better is tho have someone else} at various areas between you and the seat , this will show you which areas to thin down or to glue a small piece on . Use ordinary contact glue to fix the small pieces on . Use the electric knife from the kitchen to cut the foam . When you have it close , don't worry about how smooth it is , get your lovely wife to make a slip cover , just like a pillow slip . Use the cushion for a while , then take the electric knife to it again until you have it just right . Sew some of the hook side of velcro tape on the back of the cushion . This will hold it in place . If you want a professional job then take to the motor trimmer and have him install it under the seat cover . This has worked for me and usually costs me about $20 - 30.00 per seat . I have done this for my wife to sit on to get her to the right angle so she can use the clutch . She is a little short of leg to reach the pedel properly and this has aided her ability and comfort in long drives . I hope this is of some help .