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Wed Nov 04, 2009 2:38 pm

There are some 2-3 year old threads discussing foam thickness but I thought I'd see if anyone has any more current experience with the proper thickness of foam to use for the 74/75 'Z bed'. When I measure the old 34 year old foam it's around 3" for the seat & back and 2.5" for over the engine. The fabric is in good shape and will be reused, so I'd like to make sure I get it right (good high density foam is expensive these days :shock: ). Someone in an old thread used 4" in his '74 Westfalia and I'm thinking of doing the same. 3" for over the engine.

On a side note, after sourcing foam in Central Oregon for a couple days I've found the best place to be the Mattress Factory. Joann Fabric wants approx $60 per yard for 24" wide x 4" thick HD stuff and I'm sure it isn't the same quality as mattress material. After talking with the owner at the Mattress Factory, we've decided to use high density in two laminated layers - firm/high ILD base and softer top. The foam is sold by the board foot with highest density being $2.95/bd ft and the next step down in density (2.0 lb) $1.93/bd ft.

Wed Nov 04, 2009 4:03 pm

Thought I would add some measured dimensions for others to reference:

Bench seat bottom: 53 x 20"
Bench seat back: 53 x 17.5"
Rear mattress (over engine): 36x48" at the widest portion

In board feet, that equates to:
4" thick foam for seats - 56 board ft
3" thick foam for seats - 42 board ft
3" rear mattress - 36 board ft (actually less with curved portions removed)

Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:07 pm

I replaced mine with 3" memory foam - it makes for a MUCH more comfortable bed. I found however that for a seat it isn't nearly as comfortable as the dense Westfalia foam (which isn't particularily comfortable to begin with.) I put a layer of carpet underlay on the bottom of the bench then the memory foam over it that. It's pretty comfortable that way, just about the same as the Westfalia stuff. A worthwhile compromise for me, anyway.

Andre

Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:06 am

patayres wrote: When I measure the old 34 year old foam it's around 3" for the seat & back and 2.5" for over the engine.

I just went out and measured my 75' z bed and came up with just about same numbers you have.

2.75" over the engine
2.75 seat back
2.5" seat bottom (it looks compressed from 34 years of use)

I'd say you should be good with 3 inches of foam.

Here's a pic of the engine cushion.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:33 am

If Karl was still among us, he would point out that you have Westy beds - not Z beds.

:wink:

Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:34 pm

EZ Gruv wrote: If Karl was still among us, he would point out that you have Westy beds - not Z beds.

:wink:

What's the difference?

Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:41 pm

A Zee products bed kit (commonly called a Z bed) is a set of brackets that convert a passenger bus seat to fold out like a bed, nothing like a camper bed.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:51 pm

EZ Gruv wrote: If Karl was still among us, he would point out that you have Westy beds - not Z beds.

:wink:

Yes, yes he would. :(

Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:45 pm

:oops:
Sorry Karl!

And thanks hercdriver for the backup measurements. Believe I will indeed go with 3" for all of it, unless the foam can be purchased in smaller increments.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:31 am

Hope you have deep pockets to buy that foam. I was lucky I bought a 69 that had an excellent foam pad for 100 pennies then 100 bucks to have it towed home. If you shop around you should be able to find one on Samba for around 150. I have seen them a few times for that price.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:35 am

Also look around for some used furniture you might be able to find something there.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:22 am

I agree with Andre4 as far as using residential carpet foam as the bottom layer. When I built mine, I had a 7" thick piece of mattress foam which I sliced in two, yielding pieces that were about 3-1/2" thick. This seemed OK until you'd been sitting awhile or sleeping overnight. I guess the 3-1/2" of foam compressed enough to allow you to make contact with the hard wood or metal below.

I had some extra carpet padding lying around (just the normal multi-colored chunk stuff) and put two layers below the foam (added about 1"). This made a huge difference, because you still have the softness of the foam, but do not feel the hard surface below.

Just some ideas . . .

-Klauss

Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:44 pm

Quote: Hope you have deep pockets to buy that foam. I was lucky I bought a 69 that had an excellent foam pad for 100 pennies then 100 bucks to have it towed home. If you shop around you should be able to find one on Samba for around 150. I have seen them a few times for that price.

I can see my wife's expression hauling home another project or parts bus and explaining 'but honey it's got great foam!' :lol: :lol:

'Yeah, great... cause you're going to be sleeping in it for a while!'

It's going to be a slightly expensive upgrade (approx $150), but from the sound of others' feedback in other threads well worth it.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 8:21 pm

Jamie <jrivers@globalserve.net> wrote: I was
able to find a local foam maker to make new foam for my Westfalia.
I had to choose from different grades of softness... I have found different
methods of rating foam,, this company uses 2545 to rate this foam.. it is
slightly "harder" than the Lady recommended.. but way softer than the grade
I "thought" would be good.

Turns out to be perfect ! :-) imho
http://www.customfoam.com/store.html

For the archives,, the foam I got measured.. inches
25 x 46 x 2 upper bed
48 x 46 x 2 upper bed
48 x 35.5 x 2.5 over the engine , they cut it to the shape
18.5 x 54 x 3 seat
21 x 54 x 3 seat

Jamie Rivers
jrivers_at_globalserve_dot_net