I've had my Scooby for 4 years now and for the past 3 years I have had a 'collapsed' drivers seat. Basically as I'm sitting in it the left and side has collapsed so that the back of the seat isn't perfectly straight. As these are Recaro seats and I am of the lanky nature it has actually been of benefit to me coz it makes changing gears a bit easier (coz of my long arms, lol).

Anyway, it's always been a fail on my MOT (which is due, erm, today) but I've always managed to get it through by bribery and what not. NOw that these new MOT tests are in place no garage can do it for me (even my local garage who have always helped me with this in the past) so I'm wondering if anyone knows what I should do?!

Some people have said I should buy a new seat but I don't know where to start looking and because it's just the one I don't want to have to fork out untold ££ for a pair.
My garage suggested maybe taking it to an upholsterer but there are none round by me (I live in Northolt, West London) so I'm up the proverbial creek without a paddle so to speak.

Anyone ever had this problem with a seat or know what I should do?



Cheers

 

There have been several sets of STI8 seats in the for sale on here. Not that much money either. (£300 i think for F&R for door cards too)

Other than that, i would try the breakers; Grade A and others. Do a search on here for breakers etc, that will give you a list of some of the better ones, then call 'em up for a seat.

 

I'll give that a shot, cheers

 

Have you looked for upholsterers on Yell.com?

I had a quick look and found this lot although i've no idea how close they are to Northolt.

upholsterer in Middlesex » Yell.com

 

mine did this i took the seat apart took the cover and the foam out (there only zipped together) and clamped the frame back together where the spot welds had come away and re welded them took me about half an hour and it was back to brand new if you cant do it yourself shouldnt cost more than £50 to get it done at a local garage

 

I was going to suggest the above, too.

I used to do some mini-cabbing, and the guy I worked for had two Carltons. Both driver's seats did what you've described, (we put it down to the driver constantly turning to the rear to collect fares and then again to give change).

Pete, the owner, took the seats apart and had them re-welded for about a fiver each, (but it WAS 20 years ago

Worth a try?

Alcazar

 

New foam side bolsters can be bought on ebay, e.g.

eBay.co.uk - recaro bolster, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles items at low prices=

Brian

 

It sounds to me like one of the side support brackets has snapped. Recaro Uk may be able to supply you with a replacement!?

Contact on

Recaro (UK) Ltd
Holly Farm Business Park, Honiley, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1NP
Tel: 01926 484111

They're normally pretty helpful!!

 

thanks guys, I tried one upholsters not far from me but they're telling me to get a new seat. I spoke to another who thinks he might be able to weld it so I'll see what comes of that when he comes to look at it next week.

thanks again everyone

 

I'm interested in the outcome, keep us posted willya?

Alcazar