Seat Springs Question

[Lone Star Guy]

My '72 Standard has only 44K+ miles. The lady that previously owned it wasn't big. It seems like the driver seat springs are... soft-ish? They are not very supportive OR else, the seat cushioning is just flat worn out. At any rate, when sitting there, I feel like I'm not supported as well as I'd like to be. The passenger side is better, probably keeps me 2" higher.

Is it possible the springs could be an issue or is it more likely just the cushioning? I've changed the rear seat cushion for another reason, so I'm not afraid to tackle this one. I just don't want to do it then find out it doesn't help.

It's possible she had stored something heavy in the seat for years while it sat in her garage... <shrug>

Thoughts?

Thanks!
_________________
“You either run from things or you face them. It’s all about who you are.” From Brad Thor’s novel, Full Black

“There is very little difference between one man and another; but what little there is, is very important.” Henry James

[toxicavenger70]

Anyone can take a guess what the problem is, but until you take it apart and post pics there is really know way to know. My guess it is the worn out cushion.

[kreemoweet]

Stock VW seats came with very little "cushioning". The springs do break over time. Have you
removed the seat and checked out the bottom?
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'67 bug: seized by the authorities
'68 bug: seized by the authorities
'71 kombi: not yet seized by the authorities

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[blatzer]

i would like to see a seat spring in original shape to get an idea on how to build one to oem specs- you can get replacement foam or horsehair to match not the spring base

[OldSchoolVW's]

LSG, thanks for bringing this up. I have the same problem with my '69. Mine has 125+K miles on it, so spring fatigue or damage is most likely the problem on mine. In either case, replacing it with another 53 year old seat isn't likely to make much of an improvement. I am also wondering how to reinforce or otherwise beef up the support of the seat base. I'm keeping mine as stock as possible, so really not interested in replacing the original seats with something more modern. I'll follow this forum and post photos of my seats once they are stripped down to the frame.
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Tom

"Following distance is proportional to IQ."

'63 Beetle Sedan
'69 Beetle Sunroof
'70 Beetle Sedan
'73 Type 3 Fastback

[viiking]

I have read in the last few months or so on a VW forum somewhere (not sure if here on SAMBA or some other) a poster had purchased a complete new reproduction seat base. I think from Europe.

He showed a picture of the new versus old and they looked pretty much the same.

I tried to find it but couldn't. So new ones must be out there.

I have restored my seat bases and back rest where I had broken frames and seat springs. Depending on the type of springs you have you can find similar springs from upholstery suppliers. For example I found the little metal joiners that the spring frames are held together with from one supplier. Individual springs can be bought that look very similar to the ones that VW used. Both the zig-zag and the coil type.
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1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3

[viiking]

OK. Found the part number as 111881305 and googled.

Here's a new one from Japan for 73-76. It is not the one I wrote about above but shows that they do exist somewhere.

https://shopping.flat4.co.jp/products/detail/3859
_________________
1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3

[OldSchoolVW's]

[viiking]

Me too. I’m 6’4” and 250 lbs and my springs cry for mercy every time I place my not insignificant rear end in any car😂.
_________________
1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3

[Lone Star Guy]

All, thanks for your responses. I know it's been awhile. I guess I got busy/distracted and didn't pursue anything on the seat. Still not at a point I can do it but came to Samba for something else. Just wanted to say thanks for now. If I ever do anything, I'll follow up.
_________________
“You either run from things or you face them. It’s all about who you are.” From Brad Thor’s novel, Full Black

“There is very little difference between one man and another; but what little there is, is very important.” Henry James