Seat back repair,...

[wetminkey]

There used to be a number of threads that pertained to this common issue, and I can't find them anymore! Must have used Photobucket, and lost all of their pictures,...
Anyway, mine is in poor shape,...but I've seen a lot worse.

I have some ideas about reinforcement, but I'd sure like to see what others have done to repair the 'box' at bottom, and the torn up left side, where the upper part of the latch attaches.

I believe that these are the areas that fail most frequently.
Thank you. Todd.

[wetminkey]

And I assume that I am going to have to re-install ALL of the original factory buns and foam padding that I removed,...I doubt that they can be replaced.
Does anyone know of any way to fill minor wear spots in the foam buns?
Todd.

[geospider]

Todd,
You should be able to get some 1/2-1" foam (lots of densities), spray glue it on the cushion you have abd kind of carve it to shape.
Just adding a bit of thickness to the foam "loss".
Have a chat with an upholstery guy. Have always found that these old craftsmen will talk you up pretty good

Geo

[wetminkey]

I could do that!
And extend my installation plastic (used over the top and sides of the buns) over the spot, to ease the new upholstery over it,...!
Now to figure out how to best repair this frame,...I've done what research I can, and I'm even considering JB Weld and fasteners to fix a moderately thin right-angle plate to the top and rear of the seat's lower box. Perhaps similar for the left side of the frame.
The seat frame was obviously designed with weight-saving in mind. This metal must be difficult to weld because it is so thin,...
Thanks, Geo.

[dinghyguy]

I have two foams i replaced in my 79 if you want them, free plus shipping.

Just a couple of questions, what size jetting are you putting in the seats? Do you use different air correction foam for passenger vs driver and did you compensate for foam altitude compression?

cheers
Dinghyguy

[MattVAS]

I've repaired a LOT of seats...
I'd say yours are actually really far gone.
You have a nuts that has completely ripped through. You have splits that go all the way through and along the entire width of the metal. This metal does NOT weld well, Fiat really used a poor quality of metal.

I would honestly best advise you to find another back to work from.

[wetminkey]

Thanks, Dan. My driver's side is in pretty good shape, but with some wear on the side buns, that I think I can repair OK,...and I can repair the pulled-through "bungee cord" central attachment without problems.
If your's are in REALLY GOOD shape, email me a pic of the driver's, I might have you send,...
My passenger's side has no more than a small wear defect in the bun near the seat belt retainer, so I think I can reuse it.
Again, thanks dinghyguy!

[wetminkey]

That would be all very nice, Matt, but WHERE do I find a driver's seat back?!
I would prefer to replace this, but I have found NOTHING at all,...
And Aspen Import Autos, in Denver has closed, Fiats sold off. That was my only other possible source.
P.S. Your assessment of the frame is exactly correct,...my pic worked as I'd hoped.

[kilrwail]

Try Chris Obert or Fun Imported Autos & Toys (Danny).

[dinghyguy]

Todd,

Try Bernie at Bent Wrenches in Mission BC, Canada. I know he has a number of fiats with seats in his compound. I also would expect he would weld reinforce them before sending them to you if you ask him. Use my name (for what it is worth).

dinghyguy

[wetminkey]

Thank you very much, kilrwail and dinghyguy!
I'll "Go Fish" with these referrals and see if I can land the big one!

P.S. Found Bent Wrenches and Fun Imported Autos and Toys in a flash, with a search,...isn't Chris Obert a member on this forum,...? Just wondering how to contact him,...thanks.
As always, I sure do appreciate everyone's help!
Todd.
P.P.S. Goodness,...yes, I found Chris Obert's site. Chris Obert and Company,...I knew I'd seen the name associated with this forum, and Fiats.
Thanks!!

[wetminkey]

And Matt,...I wanted to agree with you 100% on the thickness and strength of the metal used in this car's seat backs!
I have never seen such a poor design, with terribly thin metal (severely weakened by factory-designed 'holes' in the lower crossbar and sides) used in a seat frame.
Do you have any other suggestions for a replacement source? Thanks!
Todd.

[wetminkey]

Passenger's side has only a 2x3" area of heat/UV damage on the 'shoulder' of the bun, but my driver's side has wear on both side buns, and heat/UV damage to the 'shoulder' of the bun. I positioned it so that the light would accentuate the wear/damage,...

Repairable, as suggested by geo,...but this one should probably be replaced (if possible), just like the seat back. We will see how lucky I get.
My track record sucks, so far,...

[PaulC]

If you decide to do bun work yourself, use an electric carving knife to shape the new foam

[wetminkey]

Thanks, PaulC! I will.
Hopefully, dinghyguy's old driver's bun will be in better shape, and I can use it. We shall see,...
But either way, I'll need to repair the small 'shoulder' defect in my otherwise perfect passenger bun.
I hope to get some responses to my emails about a seat back replacement on Monday,...otherwise I'll start calling.