Cadillac Repair: Front seat bottom too long, seat bottom, short legs

Question
I showed my wife a lovely 2002 Deville. She presently has a 2000 LeSabre. The car is a nogo because the seat bottom hits her legs about 2 inches below the knee. She is 5' tall.  We had the same problem with a 1994 Intrepid and she complained for the 3 years we had that car. She would not accept using a lumbar pillow and I understand that.  Are you aware of anyone having shortened the seat bottom on a DeVille so it still looked good?  I called one trim shop and the owner said he wasn't aware of a technique to do this.  I would really like to get the Caddy because it is a real bargain considering the luxury, fuel economy, and quality but I am afraid "Stumpy"s" short legs will make it unacceptable to her.
Thanks,
Jimmy

Answer
Hello,

I doubt if you will find anyone to alter the seat because there are liability issues. I understand your problem, but if you could find someone to make a new cover, there is more to it. The front of the steel seat bottom would need to be cut, which may create a safety issue, because the dynamics of the seat have changed and will not perform as designed in a crash.

Seats and wheels are the main issues looked at first in crashes for performance.

You might find someone to do such a thing under ADA (Americans with disabilities). This would be alterations for hand controls etc. The only problem to that is that 90% of these modifications are hokey and I don't think you would be satisfied with the fit of the seat cushion.

Although it may make all the sense in the world for the Caddy, you may opt to walk away if she is going to constantly upset with the car. Personally, I do sacrifice for the little woman because for me to be happy, she needs to be happy (Wink).

I wish I could give you a better answer, but you may not be happy with the modification and she may not be happy either.

Rob