flat style seat

drifter · Posted: March 25, 2008, 2:19 pm Post subject: flat style seat

I'm looking for a flat style seat, one that looks more Triumph-ish for my 78 Special. Any help?

Dave

jpowell · Posted: September 5, 2008, 11:20 am Post subject: Re: flat style seat

I know its been a while, but thought I'd ask. Did you ever find a seat? and if so where? It seams everyone sells seats for every bike but the 78-? special. I guess since it hinges on the side its also "special" and no one makes them

drifter · Posted: September 5, 2008, 11:35 am Post subject: Re: flat style seat

I found a seat from a 78 roadster on eBay. Funny thing is....it doesn't want to fit the bike! Won't flip down enough to latch. It's llike the frame loop over the rear fender gets in the way. When the weather gets better (and the storms Hanna and maybe Ike leave) I'll go give it another try and maybe see if I can modify things to work.

Dave

jpowell · Posted: September 5, 2008, 12:49 pm Post subject: Re: flat style seat

yeah send me some photos when you're working on it if you would. I have a back on my seat and think its about the ugliest thing ever, so I really want to find something different.

weekendrider · Posted: September 5, 2008, 2:55 pm Post subject: Re: flat style seat

The latch tang itself is shorter. You can fit the 78 SE to the standard but not vice-versa. Along with the tangs being a different length there is a slight pan configeration difference. Use your pan with new foam and a recover. Most upholstery shops could probably make it look decent.

drifter · Posted: September 5, 2008, 3:13 pm Post subject: Re: flat style seat

So a special seat works on a standard but not the other way around?? Bummer. There must be a way to make it work, though. Check out the bike in the pic.

weekendrider · Posted: September 5, 2008, 10:22 pm Post subject: Re: flat style seat

I did that last summer drifter, so I can't remember the exact details.It could be the the latchs could be swapped. But I think there was a difference in the bolt pattern and the pan on the standard was flatter.
The specials seat work because the latch tang was longer, but it wouldn't keep it down tight till you sit on it. I didn't care for the way it slid me into the tank, didn't stay on a whole week. It's been in the shop attic ever since. You scooter's looking sharp. I like the brace and dual disc's. Since you have a seat for them to look at you might see if a local upholstery shop could give the pan from Spec. that look with new foam and vinyl.

drifter · Posted: September 5, 2008, 11:05 pm Post subject: Re: flat style seat

Weekendrider...unfortunately the bike in the pic is Mike Cook's not mine. I was showing the seat. I thought he had a Special frame, but have since found out his bike is a standard with special tank and sidecovers. No wonder the standard seat fits! I will just have to see what i can do to make the standard seat fit my SE.

Dave

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