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Seats
http://thorp18.com/thorpforum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=6416		 Page 2 of 4
Author:  Bill Williams [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 3:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Seats
There you go, using my name in vain
Author:  Rich Brazell [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 7:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Seats
My seats (frames) came with the project and I suspect they were from Ken Knowles or Phil Tucker ? They are very light and fit well...except that the top of the seat does not rest against the top of the baggage compt. Rather than redo the seats I put a "stop" against the baggage compartment frame. The seat/s rest against the stop. I put a 0.50 doubler so the seats rest against the stop.

Image Insert:
Image

Put File Caption Herelike the seats as they afford room to reach between the seats and I put "storage" compartments/bins behind the seats to put maps and other gear. Maximize your space !
Author:  leewwalton [ Tue Nov 29, 2011 7:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Seats
Not at all Bill, you'd surprised how many times I've said "better put some Williams to this" lately! Otherwise I'd be looking at a complete do-over in the garage. ;) You've saved my a$$ a few hundred times over.
Author:  dickwolff [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 5:34 am ]
Post subject:  Seats
Bill, can I borrow your tube bender and sheet stretcher?
Author:  leewwalton [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:48 am ]
Post subject:  Seats
Now now Dick!

Surely you don't need a tubing bender to get 10 or so deg out of it. Worst case drill out the last few (10 or so) rivets on both sides, tweak the seat and then reset the rivets. The last few rivets will end up with some oblong holes, if that doesn't pass muster put some -5 s in there.
Author:  fytrplt [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:49 am ]
Post subject:  Seats
The tube bender came from Harbor Freight=cheap and effective. As to the sheet metal -- there's more at the store!
Author:  dickwolff [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:24 am ]
Post subject:  Seats
Thanks, guys... I don't know what I'd do without you.
Author:  Rich Brazell [ Wed Nov 30, 2011 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Seats
"and don't call me Surely !" [:o)]

RB
Author:  dickwolff [ Fri Jan 06, 2012 4:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Seats
On to upholstery - I'm way too cheap for leather, but if anyone has some strong feelings one way or the other regarding vinyl faux leather, wool, or anything else ... I'd love to hear suggestions.

I'm leaning towards wool.
Author:  Rich Brazell [ Fri Jan 06, 2012 6:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Seats
If you look at my seats, I went with a heavy duty cloth material used on truck seats. "Cool" even in the hot San Diego sun ! ::) I also had the seat guy use extra firm foam for the seats. ;) I would stay away from anything that would "weld" your body to the seat after heating ! :'(

RB
Author:  Fraser MacPhee [ Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Seats
I'd probably go cloth - Rich's seats looked comfy enough for an overnighter - stay away from wool......if you fly it out west, there are some who get angry seeing remnants of loved ones as upholstry.
Author:  fytrplt [ Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Seats
See this website: www.gulffabrics.com/ I used the Ultraleather with a commercial grade cloth insert. Works well in the sunny south and makes it easier to get in and out with the faux lether on the seat edges.
Author:  Rich Brazell [ Fri Jan 06, 2012 10:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Seats
:-\ Stay away from wool ? This coming from a guy that wears a wool skirt to bed and a haggis attached to the jewels...Hoot Mon, Hoot Mon ! ! :P My seats keep the "butter buns" cool and dry ! :o They do have heavy grade vinyl on the side panels and the backside of the seats. 8)

RB
Author:  Rich Brazell [ Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Seats
10 degrees ? Like Lee said clamp it to the bench and start bending. I would also try using a bottle jack with a 2 x 4 while the thing is clamped down ? 10 degrees ain't much. Bend with care.

RB
Author:  Hagle347 [ Sun Apr 14, 2013 8:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Seats
Rich Brazell wrote:
IMHO, if you stick with a plans built (or close to it) frame along with a very high density foam, you will come out lighter and a better fit. By the time you take a "racing seat/boat seat" and send it to the chop shop (to fit), you will have spent more $$$ and invested more time. There is an outfit (can't remember the name right now) that sells seat kits (foam) for the T-18 (they also supply Vans).

RB

I spent a little time talking to these folks at Sun N Fun. The owners (Jim and Janice Fix) had owned a Thorp in the past. They had a nice display booth and the foam product looked very comfortable. Here's the contact info and web site.

Hi-Tech Foams
3710 Airpark Road
Lincoln, NE 68524
402-470-2346

www.seatfoam.com

I'll be ordering from them for the second project. Estimate on foam was 100.00 per seat.

Blue Skies,

Terry
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