Topic: Has anyone tried reproduction seat foam?

[79mustangcobra]

Hi I have bought original seat fabric from SMS and want to redo my seats. I am thinking of replacing the seat foam. TMI has some. Has anyone tried this TMI foam?  If so, is it good?

Thanks

[CharlesTurner]

Unless your original is crumbling and falling apart, it can usually be re-used.  You may need to add a layer of Dacron, which can be glued on top of the foam and cut to shape.

Most of the repro foam I have seen were too thick and made the seats look weird and "poofy".   

[79mustangcobra]

Unless your original is crumbling and falling apart, it can usually be re-used.  You may need to add a layer of Dacron, which can be glued on top of the foam and cut to shape.

Most of the repro foam I have seen were too thick and made the seats look weird and "poofy".   

Thanks for the reply.  My seat foam is in good shape.  I just did not know what the best option since it is 35 year old seat foam.

Take care

[lancelot66]

+1 to the VERY sound advice from Charles. I wish I would have done ours that way a few years ago. Once I had committed to using the TMI foam, I couldn't reverse my demolition of the old foam from the seat frame. I've done our front buckets twice ('66 Red Standard). Used Distinctive Industries covers over original foam the first time, then used TMI covers over their foam the second. The passenger side (because of the "poofiness" to the foam, just never came out the way it should have, as I have a slight wrinkle in the bottom cushion. No one notices it or says anything but I sure see it....one of these days I guess.
I will also add that the new foam will give you a good workout, getting those covers to stretch over the (seemingly or real) extra size. This was when I was doing the job in warm weather, outside, living in Southern California. Believe I said "darn it" several times, as I blessedly recall...

-Lance

[Oz390]

I always chalked up the higher loft on the repros (usually use the ACI brand and have never had any problems) to be due to the fact that 40+ year old foam was a bit squashed... As for wrinkles, I found they were due to a hog ring in the wrong palce and by relocating and maybe a bit of light heat they can be removed... used both TMI and DI covers and again no significant issues wiht either

[NEFaurora]

ACI from NPD is top notch, but their logo is annoying and could do without it even if its never seen...  I usually just rub it off..  It's a pain though.

)

Tony K.

[Hipo giddyup]

+1 to Caspian65's response. I installed new front seat foam in my 67' and boy was it hard to get the covers on! Even with the black vinyl being out in the hot August sun, (I had to use thin gloves when starting to install them due to how hot they got!). I felt like I was going to rip the covers just getting them hog-ringed. And just now, 12 years later, they are finally softer to where my hair is not rubbing the headliner! (they felt very stiff like they had little give). I would only replace if the originals are shot or mouse eaten!  My 2 cents. 

[jwc66k]

Some of the replacement foam seat "buns" are firm (read hard). They do get softer over time and use. I don't know about the buns for 1979 and newer cars, they may have a different supplier than the ones made for 64 to 73 Mustangs (different molds?). I use new buns in any case. They are usually too tall so I shave about a 1/4 - 1/2 inch from the bottom.

I installed new front seat foam in my 67' and boy was it hard to get the covers on! Even with the black vinyl being out in the hot August sun

Every seat I've put new seat covers on has been tight, and August is a good time to do it. You don't want the old T-shirt look.
Jim

[Shasmu]

When I have to use stiff repro foam, the first thing I do is take a razor blade and remove strips from the center of the foam in strategic areas.