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Reckless Amateur
Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009
Posts: 224
Location: Philadelphia, PA
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 Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2016 8:16 pm Post subject: Replacement front seat foam? |
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I have Eurovan front seats in my 91 Westy and the cushions are starting to feel pretty thin. Anybody know if/where I could find replacement seat foam? I know Sewfine sells for Vanagon seats, but I don't see Eurovan foam listed. Thanks. David
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91 Bostig-powered Westy (automatic)
Philadelphia, PA |
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Itsamoto
Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2014
Posts: 393
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 3:42 pm Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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The part number for the seat foam is : 701881375C
Here is one seller: http://fortispolster.de/sitzpolster-sitzschaum-vw-volkswagen-t4.html
For the DIY route - it might be worth looking into getting the foam out from the second row captains chairs from a GLS model - which get less use and these look to be a direct fit. Many people offer these chairs up for very little as they remove them. Check the classified section - there were some there for free. |
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Xtremjeepn
Samba Member
Joined: October 21, 2012
Posts: 1543
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 9:46 pm Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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The rear facing jump seats use the same foam.
Since these seats are rarely sat in and most people pull them out and leave them out. The foam is usually like brand new.
I've rebuilt several front seats using the rear facing jump seat foam.
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http://www.cavevan.com |
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Reckless Amateur
Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009
Posts: 224
Location: Philadelphia, PA
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| Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2016 6:22 am Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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Awesome. I'll be on the lookout for jump seats. Thanks much. David
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91 Bostig-powered Westy (automatic)
Philadelphia, PA |
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felixbobcat
Samba Member
Joined: December 13, 2017
Posts: 172
Location: Los Angeles
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| Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2021 10:40 am Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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I have Eurovan seats in my Vanagon and found this place in Texas that sells replacement seat foam.
https://omacshop.com/products/polyurethane-seat-cu...&_ss=r
Great replacement and at a great price as well. My seats are from a 92 eurovan and found these cushions are about an inch shorter length wise. The seat cover is a little loose because of that but the comfort far out ways that small problem |
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streamr
Samba Member
Joined: February 26, 2007
Posts: 559
Location: Southwest FL
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| Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2021 12:27 pm Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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| felixbobcat wrote: |
| these cushions are about an inch shorter length wise. The seat cover is a little loose because of that but the comfort far out ways that small problem |
Same here, I found mine on ebay, brand new but a little smaller overall. I thought my loose cover was due to my washing it, man was it funky once the original foam broke down. Huge difference now.
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'03 MV |
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kourt
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2013
Posts: 2309
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2022 2:02 pm Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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Just an update, I bought the T4 front seat pan cushions from Omac USA:
https://omacshop.com/products/polyurethane-seat-cu...&_ss=r
They are on sale this week. They shipped from Houston and arrived the next day.
I have a 2001 Winnebago full camper.
The cushions are of good quality. While some have said they are slightly smaller than the original cushions, I think they are the proper size. What I noticed is that any old cushion is going to sit wider due to the side bolsters being blown outwards. When your only reference is a blown open old cushion, the new one is prone to seem small.
I took my seats apart, hand washed the covers, replaced the lower cushions, cleaned the upper cushions, and reassembled everything. Looks like new. Feels very positive and supportive in the seat.
kourt |
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bikes!
Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2014
Posts: 116
Location: Central CA Coast
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| Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2022 5:12 pm Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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Thanks for the tip kourt!
Just ordered a pair for my van.
Now contemplating adding seat heaters while the seats are pulled apart... |
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bikes!
Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2014
Posts: 116
Location: Central CA Coast
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| Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2022 8:08 pm Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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Follow up: the site listed above took my order and within 24 hours cancelled and refunded. The stated reason is that the seat foam didn’t pass their QC inspection and had to be scrapped. Shrug.
This did encourage me to do more research. It seems there might be a few different versions available. 701881375C might be the 98-02 version. The ads which show sizes list either 500 x 540 mm (late) or 520 x 520 mm (early). I measured the seats in my van and they are 520 x 540 mm. All above are width by depth. I’m wondering if the 520 I measured is due to the seats relaxing outward over the past 20 years.
Next step is to disassemble one seat enough to try and read the part number molded into the foam. I’ll post back with my findings. |
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Saturn
Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2019
Posts: 247
Location: San Francisco
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bikes!
Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2014
Posts: 116
Location: Central CA Coast
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| Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2022 4:23 pm Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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The seat base foam on my van has 701881375 B molded into the underside. The foam measures 520 mm wide by 540 mm deep, without the fabric covering. All the aftermarket options which sell in the US and list dimensions are 520 x 520 mm.
After (much) more consideration and research, I ordered VW original parts, 701881375C, as that seems to be current. They are coming from a VW dealer near Berlin (who has them in stock but won't sell outside DE) to a friend of mine in Germany. Then he will ship them on to me here in CA. Might be some time before I get a chance to test fit them.
I also ordered a set of seat heaters which, while not OE, have VW like switches and should look stock to most observers.
More in a few weeks or so. |
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kourt
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2013
Posts: 2309
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2022 8:41 am Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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Nice followup.
I found a good source for polyester fiberfill, which is a good way to add loft to the seat cushions that are slightly smaller.
https://www.foambymail.com/dacron-fiberfill-r.html
Using this, you can overcome the loose seat cover problem.
kourt |
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TheOneTrueQuux
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Joined: May 26, 2021
Posts: 452
Location: Winona, MN
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bikes!
Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2014
Posts: 116
Location: Central CA Coast
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| Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2022 11:13 am Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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| bikes! wrote: |
The seat base foam on my van has 701881375 B molded into the underside. The foam measures 520 mm wide by 540 mm deep, without the fabric covering. All the aftermarket options which sell in the US and list dimensions are 520 x 520 mm.
After (much) more consideration and research, I ordered VW original parts, 701881375C, as that seems to be current. They are coming from a VW dealer near Berlin (who has them in stock but won't sell outside DE) to a friend of mine in Germany. Then he will ship them on to me here in CA. Might be some time before I get a chance to test fit them.
I also ordered a set of seat heaters which, while not OE, have VW like switches and should look stock to most observers.
More in a few weeks or so. |
It's been more than a few weeks, more like a few months. Getting parts shipped from Germany is not as easy as it used to be.
I have the new foam seat bases and they appear to be OEM parts. I'll post pictures later. Also have the seat heater on hand now too. Refurbishing the front seats is now my winter break project. more to come... |
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VanGeek
Samba Member
Joined: September 25, 2022
Posts: 351
Location: New England
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| Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2024 2:23 pm Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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Reviving this thread since my seat heater is erratic on the passenger side and no longer working on the driver's side. The driver's side seat bottom is also tired and the bolsters are blown-out.
Followed this thread and several others to get started. Here are some resources I used to remove the seats, remove the seat covers and old heaters:
This guy covers A LOT of useful info: https://youtu.be/d_XJB90NEsQ
I struggled with the lumbar knob removal but then found this resource and reached under the knob with a flat screwdriver to push back each tang before pulling it off: https://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/threads/seat-recline-knob-removal-help.409594/
I've now got things apart on the passenger seat. The seat cushion's not in too-bad condition. Since a replacement seat cushion is needed for the driver's side, I shopped around for options. Lots of used seats or jump seats available for $100+. VW still has NOS seats via dealer parts for $180 ea! Samba users indicate many aftermarket cushions are too-short or under-sized, but I noticed that Kourt had some success with OMAC -- but said they might benefit from a layer of fiberfill. I called OMAC before ordering, and they said cushions are fully refundable if they don't fit so I ordered one. For a new cushion, they are the most cost effective at ~$67 shipped.
The OMAC cushion arrived and seems VERY similar in overall dimensions to the OEM. It sits a little narrower and taller but likely because the used passenger cushion is worn. See pics below comparing the new aftermarket OMAC cushion vs used OEM cushion. I think this is going to work well...
Next step is to install new aftermarket heaters recommended by Zeitgeist. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=669021&highlight=seat+heater
Still debating if I will follow Greatwhite's solution to wire them in parallel and installed with the OEM thermistor salvaged from the OEM seat bottom heater.... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...;start=120
Or install the new controller and harness that came with the aftermarket heaters.
Clean fresh white foam is the new aftermarket stuff....
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bikes!
Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2014
Posts: 116
Location: Central CA Coast
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| Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2025 5:55 pm Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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| bikes! wrote: |
| bikes! wrote: |
The seat base foam on my van has 701881375 B molded into the underside. The foam measures 520 mm wide by 540 mm deep, without the fabric covering. All the aftermarket options which sell in the US and list dimensions are 520 x 520 mm.
After (much) more consideration and research, I ordered VW original parts, 701881375C, as that seems to be current. They are coming from a VW dealer near Berlin (who has them in stock but won't sell outside DE) to a friend of mine in Germany. Then he will ship them on to me here in CA. Might be some time before I get a chance to test fit them.
I also ordered a set of seat heaters which, while not OE, have VW like switches and should look stock to most observers.
More in a few weeks or so. |
It's been more than a few weeks, more like a few months. Getting parts shipped from Germany is not as easy as it used to be.
I have the new foam seat bases and they appear to be OEM parts. I'll post pictures later. Also have the seat heater on hand now too. Refurbishing the front seats is now my winter break project. more to come... |
Following up - albeit a bit late - the OE foam fit perfectly and made the seats much more comfortable. I washed the fabric with Woolite in the tub while I had them off the seats. Made the seats feel like new!
On a trip to Germany back in January, I went to visit a shop which specialises in refurbished Recaro seats. And placed an order for a pair. Took over 4 months for them to arrive.
So, the stock seats which I'd spent a lot of time and money restoring are now for sale in the classifieds here. The new foam shipped from Germany and seat heaters cost more than I am asking for the seats. I have learned a lot from the group and would like pass these on to someone here who needs better seats.
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VWs past: 66 Kombi, 76 Westfalia Camper, 17 GTI; present: 02 Eurovan MVW, 17 Alltrack SEL & 19 Golf R |
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HeyCrutch
Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2022
Posts: 419
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
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| Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2025 6:46 am Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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| bikes! wrote: |
| On a trip to Germany back in January, I went to visit a shop which specialises in refurbished Recaro seats. And placed an order for a pair. Took over 4 months for them to arrive. |
Recaro seats always look so much nicer and appear as thought they would be way more comfortable than the stock OEM thrones. The longer lower seat base/cushion with good thigh support ... that's the part that I think Ii'd benefit from the most. The stock seats really leave my bum and hips hurting after a few hours due to the awkward seating position in relation to the accelerator pedal.
Do your Recaros have outside position arm rests on each seat (I can only spot the one inside armrest on the passenger's seat) or will you just be utilizing the door's arm rests for that?
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-2003 EV MV Wk - Forest - 51k
-2002 EV Camper - Ghost - 82k
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-1997 EVC - 12vVR6 (SOLD 5/2025) |
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bikes!
Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2014
Posts: 116
Location: Central CA Coast
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| Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2025 10:56 am Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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| HeyCrutch wrote: |
| bikes! wrote: |
| On a trip to Germany back in January, I went to visit a shop which specialises in refurbished Recaro seats. And placed an order for a pair. Took over 4 months for them to arrive. |
Recaro seats always look so much nicer and appear as thought they would be way more comfortable than the stock OEM thrones. The longer lower seat base/cushion with good thigh support ... that's the part that I think Ii'd benefit from the most. The stock seats really leave my bum and hips hurting after a few hours due to the awkward seating position in relation to the accelerator pedal.
Do your Recaros have outside position arm rests on each seat (I can only spot the one inside armrest on the passenger's seat) or will you just be utilizing the door's arm rests for that? |
Recaro seats are made in a number of different sizes. I'm not all that tall (170cm) and my copilot is shorter yet (152cm), so the seats I selected are the "Specialist S", S for small. The Specialist M has a longer seat base and adjustable thigh support, as does the Specialist L. For bigger people, the Specialist series may not be the best choice as they are kind of narrow and you will sink into them, verses sitting on top of the stock seats.
The stock seats were way more comfortable just with the new foam, but I always felt like I was too high up relative the steering wheel when I could properly reach the pedals. The Recaros dropped the seat height by at least 3cm measured with no one on the seat, likely more once seated.
We elected to have only one armrest added. I never use them as driver since my hands are always on the wheel and one less armrest makes walking between the seats to the back easier. Recaro offer none, one, or two armrests on most models.
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VWs past: 66 Kombi, 76 Westfalia Camper, 17 GTI; present: 02 Eurovan MVW, 17 Alltrack SEL & 19 Golf R |
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bigfoot_ev
Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2018
Posts: 289
Location: P.NW
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| Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2025 11:29 am Post subject: Re: Replacement front seat foam? |
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I too went with refurbished Recaro's shipped from Germany. I've had them installed for many years and I still love them every time I get in the van. I went with arm rests on both seats and on both sides. I don't know if the Eurovan's arm rests are used on other VAG vehicles but the arm rests installed on my seats look like original style arm rests and not Recaro options.
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