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"how-to" install lumbar support in seats
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mdetro4660@aol.com is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:31 pm    Post subject: "how-to" install lumbar support in seats Reply with quote

I ordered a pair of lumbar bladder bags from sportsimportsltd.com the other day, I'm sure you can probably rob these out of cars at the junkyard as well, maybe even power ones!

I'm not the greatest at explaining things but you have to take the seat apart, well you don't have to but its a hell of alot easier to access the bottom center of the top section this way.

Heres the bladder bag:

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Just a bag with one of those pumps you see on a blood pressure tester or something, nothing fancy it hangs out of the side of the seat.

some componets that have to be removed to get the seat top free from the bottom:

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There are 4 pointed tabs that poke through the material to hole the upolstry onto the seatframe. Mine were a bit rusty so be carefull straigtening them out. I gently pryed them up and then used some needle nose to get them somewhat straight. the back vinyl comes loose first then the frontside. when you remove the frontside make sure to leave the metal rings that holds the foam in place on the outer tabs and just remove the front fabric.

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Install the bag, I kinda sat on the seat and determinted about where I thought the bag should go beforehand, I think the best position is to place the bag centered in seat with the bottm edge just a little below the first sewn in line on the seat. I was afraid of them falling so I cleand the bag and stuck apiece of 3M industrial double stick on the inner side of the bag. When I got it were i wanted it inflated it a bit so the tape would have some pressure on it while farted around butting everything back up.

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inflated
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deflated
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when you reinstall the material onto the tabs just try and put everything back in its orginal poked through holes and tap the tabs back down gently. get them pushed all the way back up like they were so you don't go accidentlaly poking yourself at a later date!
I put the inflator to the inner side of the seatjust because it seems like it easier to grab there. all buttoned up and back in the van, with some inflation.

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It does make a big difference for me as my back is really screwed. I have not taken it out road trippin yet though to see how it feels though
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RCB
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 6:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That sure looks like a clean and professional installation. Hope it feels as good as it looks.Good job!!
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Crughy
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 6:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It looks a bit dodgy, especially when you pick up a hitchjiker and she looks at the pump... what does that pump do???

Seriously, it looks like a clever and simple install. I am pretty sure you can get a blood pressure tool for cheap, and its shape seems perfect, and the right size. Just need to make sure it's not a circular shape.

I bought some a flat cushion. It's kind of honey comb shaped inside.
it's kind of a gel like cushion. I use it on a wood chair at home. But it will go to try in my van next week. Would make a nice complement.

I paid like 15$ for it I think.
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There are all kinds of aftermarket cushions. bottom only or L-shaped.
Most look cheap and useless for the back as you can't add any volume.
od they do pseudo massages but still lack the added support.

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This one adds volume:

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plain and simple.

JP
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Raynor Shine
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 7:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nicely done, your back will thank you. Where did you get the headrest inserts?
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tencentlife
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey, nice mod!

Strangely, these van seats are some of the only seats that my back doesn't get tired in. Every other car, it seems, I'm wanting lots of extra lumbar pretty quick. Especially my Legacy, another reason I drive my van a lot more.

Good thing you put the hoses inboard. They would be getting shut in the doors all the time.

Kinda kinky lookin', though, dontcha think? I mean, in a medical kinda way.
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[email protected]
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 5:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

tencentlife wrote:
Hey, nice mod!


Kinda kinky lookin', though, dontcha think? I mean, in a medical kinda way.


I'll run a T off the line for the "swedish made penis enlarger pump" But I'll swear its not mine Cool

Raynor those are the Stock headrest inserts found on the more rare carvelle carat style van that had the fancy limo like interior, a pair just popped up on ebay recently and thats where I found mine as well last year.
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need2boat
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:55 am    Post subject: seat heater Reply with quote

Looking over the site you bought them from, anyone installed one of the seat heater kits they sell?

JFF
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j_dirge
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

EXCELLENT!

I've been mulling over a seat swap.. but this may be a better solution.
Its worth a try at least.

Better than hundreds for recaros or similar....

Thanks for the post.
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