QuestionI have a 1980 Spitfire 1500 with 30k on the odometer. My seat foam is disintegrating more and more each day. I sit on the seat and it falls out. Any suggestions about where and what type of foam to get? Or just any comments about being in the market for new foam.
What is your opinion about Miata seats-- are they too high, don't fit well?
Also my softtop-- there are some small tears in it and my back plastic window has a crack in it. Any suggestions on how to fix/replace the plastic and fix the tears? The tears are not a big deal- but the plastic window has a big crack-- should I just buy some new plastic from somewhere and sew it in? Thanks
AnswerThe original seat foams were a neat foam casting.. unfortunately I don't think any of the vendors offer the exact piece anymore. If I can find a perfect original I've toyed with the idea of casting my own as I work with various foam compounds at work.
Most of the parts specialists will offer replacement seat foams. Typically they're cut from some high density foam blocks, similar to what the better carpet padding looks like but much thicker. A local foam shop (or upholstery shop) can probably supply the foam or cut it for you.... it beats the $50 per piece that the Triumph specialists wanted last time I priced it.
Stay away from light density open cell foam... it might look right when the seat is back together but you'll sink to the floor.
No opinions on the Miata seats as I've never tried them in a Spitfire. The only time I've driven a Miata my legs went to sleep as the seat shape didn't suit my build (tall). Maybe in a Spitfire they'd be better.
As to the soft top... you might check with a local boating supply store as to repair material for the soft top windows. Then again, if the soft top windows are in that bad a shape then the vinyl can't be too far behind.
Cheers,
Jim
