Seat Padding

[DODD]

I am looking to replace the foam seat padding to both front seat bases of my Bristol 410.

Does anyone know of a supplier for these items or if they are the same size and shape as fitted to other cars from the era.

Alternatively, is there a company in the UK who is able to fabricate them.

Thanks in advance.

Brian

[Barrie]

I've looked into this some while ago although the situation may have changed.
The seat foam used to be made by Dunlopillo to a specific shape of the manufacturer and the moulds are no longer in existence.
Coach trimmers get round the problem by cutting foam by hand.
Suppliers are fairly plentiful like www.efoam.co.uk who supply small quantities.
The trick is getting the right density as there is no standard measurement of résistance and phrases like soft, medium and hard do not give you any real idea of what you're buying until you can try it. I did it by asking for samples and layering differing density foam until I got something with slightly more resistance than the old foam. The difficulty was cutting it to shape which I did with really sharp scissors and a scalpel after trying heated wire and other foam cutters.
It took three attempts to get it right and in the end I wished I'd used a professional!
Later on I found that 'amalgam foam' would have been better (ie lots of small chunks of different density foam as a single sheet)
Maybe someone at BOC has made a template which would have saved me much frustration.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Kevin H]

When I have cut this type of foam in the past I found an electric carving knife did a very good job.

[AndrewA]

Brian
If you succeed, car you make me a set for the front as well please?
Thanks
Andrew

[DODD]

Thanks for the replies, very much appreciated.

After checking eFoam’s website and speaking with them over the telephone, rather than requesting samples, l decided to drive across to their premises, as it was only just under a 2 hours drive.

After testing a few different types of foam, I settled on their very high density seating foam.

I tried various types of foam of differing density. The samples that I tried allowed me to put them onto a solid surface and sit on them. I thought that was beneficial because it allowed me to move around a little. Also, I was able to hold onto the bench and pull myself down into the foam, to see how it reacts to a much heavier weight than me! Not exactly a scientific test but it helped.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to bring the foam away with me because they were in the middle a run, cutting foam for other clients but they have arranged delivery for this Friday.

I have also order an electric carving knife and a long bladed craft knife.
I will provide an update in a few weeks.

Sorry Andrew, this will be definitely a one off!

Brian