TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Jul 29, 2011 7:25 pm

I was just wondering what the best material, not nessarally stock, would be to sit inside my seats. Just for maximum comfort.

Fri Jul 29, 2011 9:44 pm

I used the wrap around form fitting padding from Jbugs. Then I put a peace of 1 inch matting I got from Joann's Fabrics on the seat part before putting the cover on. Not foam mind but something called NU- Foam like a padding pillows are made out of. It's flame resistant and won't break down like foam will..Very comfortable...

Fri Jul 29, 2011 10:19 pm

I kept the original coconut pads in and glued burlap over them. I stitched painter's canvas over the springs so the fiber wouldn't fall through. I also used the same nu-foam stuff as an additional layer above the coconut. It's really comfortable but not like real foam. It's a cross between foam and cotton, keeps springing back into shape. Nu foam also helps fill in the compacted coconut. Seat covers went on smooth. I have lots of photos of my seat project on the link.

Mon Aug 01, 2011 7:28 pm

Yep...don't forget the burlap over the springs.....

Mon Aug 01, 2011 8:11 pm

Burlap or heavy material over the springs, then hair pad, and finish wrap the hair pad with jute or felting.

Love my restored seats . . .

Tue Aug 02, 2011 5:57 pm

Hair pad? Is that like a fur burg--... Oh, nevermind 8-[

First of all, there's no such thing as "maximum comfort" in a bug :-s ; "marginal dis-comfort" is about the best you're gonna get :D !

Annyhoo, as others have stated, your best bet is to go with the coconut fiber cushions that are made in the same way the originals were. Wolfsburg West has them and they are not expensive for the comfort, fit, and longevity they provide. As others have stated, you should place some heavy-duty material over the seat springs (and hog-ring it in place). This will help keep the coconut fibers from pushing through the springs and breaking down prematurely. Go with the coconut pads and your butt will thank you :wink:

and yes.... don't forget to wrap the edges in a thin jute or felt, as it was from the factory.

Tue Aug 02, 2011 6:07 pm

Great shot there :wink:

I have to say that my seats are pretty damn comfy and I am a pretty big guy. I have had others in the local club compliment on how nice they were and how good they felt.

Tue Aug 02, 2011 6:17 pm

Thanks. Here's the "after" shot using the original '67 seat covers. The seat covers (including TMI and other replacements) will fit beautifully because they are meant to fit the coconut pads.

Plus, they smell hella good - just like a VW should 8) !

Tue Aug 02, 2011 7:40 pm

Nowhere near stock, but pretty darn comfy...

Beard's "street L" seat.