need some seat ideas for my '77

CalAl · Posted: September 5, 2009, 5:40 pm Post subject: need some seat ideas for my '77

The stock cover is torn and since I have to replace I thought I might rebuild the whole thing to something like the cafe seat at MikesXS. The stocker is too big - kinda looks like a couch parked on the bike - and I'm not that big...
I was thinking of keeping the stock base because of the hinges and lock, but it sure is wide. Has anyone cut the base down a bit and built a smaller or narrower seat? Got photos?
The process of forming new foam apparently involves foam, spray glue, and an electric carving knife. Any suggestions/examples much appreciated.
Alan

nj1639

I trimmed mine down and removed the pan entirely. Put snaps on to hold it down. Still a work in progress but its working fine for now.

Pics on the link @ my quote.

Teebs · Full Member Joined: Aug 26, 2008 Posts: 255

If you have access to an air compressor and air sander you will get much better results than with an electric knife... messier, but much better.

650skull · Support Staff Joined: Jul 19, 2007 Posts: 1186

If you use a powerd sander of a kind then don't forget to wear a mask and glasses

Joseph · Full Member Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 767 Location: NY

nj1639, how did you atach the snaps th the bike? Does the cover just go over a lump af shaped foam? I'd play with that idea. Maybee use velcro to hold it. Whaere can I get seat foam?

xsleo

foam carpet padding work good.

Teebs · Full Member Joined: Aug 26, 2008 Posts: 255

650skull wrote:

If you use a powerd sander of a kind then don't forget to wear a mask and glasses

After about 2 minutes that would become a necessity anyway. lol It's amazing that you have to remind people to take care of themselves, but you're right skull, as with any other work where airborne particles may be inhaled, you should always wear proper safety equipment.

Another good source of foam is a camping pad (blue closed-cell foam available at most sporting goods stores as well as Wally World). You can also try any place that does automotive upholstery, they may have small pieces they will sell on the cheap.

nj1639

Joseph wrote:

nj1639, how did you atach the snaps th the bike? Does the cover just go over a lump af shaped foam? I'd play with that idea. Maybee use velcro to hold it. Whaere can I get seat foam?

I used the foam from the stock seat and carved it down with a large bread knife(wedding cake knife, shhh!).
The snaps recievers are pop riveted to the rails. I fashioned the old seat cover for a new template and then found some vinyl off an old couch for the 'new' cover. Quick chain stitch by hand and voila, good enuff for now. Cost? my time and the rivets.
I don't have a problem with what's under the foam, battery has the stock plastic cover on and my fuses are individual inline with the rubber caps.

I looked into memory foam and also carpet padding. The stock foam is the best in my opinion.
I've got another one on the back burner, goes up to rub the tank like the stock seat, but has the 'hump' moved back a bit. Waiting to find another old vinyl couch to finish it up, HA!.

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