New member from Holland with a backrest problem

[ssmaan]

Hello
This is Santokh Maan, who is still busy restoring a RHD 3.8 S1 DHC 1962 #850373. I acquired it with most body fittings ripped out. Have over the years collected most bits and am right now "modifying" one seat.
One is from a DHC and the other from a FHC, (did not notice the difference when picking them up). Identical dimensions but different backrest curves. The curve is asymmetrical. I can assume they would want occupants to slightly turn their bodies towards the centre line. Or is the other way around? Depends on the couple's relationship? Can I go ahead and modify the FHC seat to a mirror copy anyway?
Or are the DHC backrests symmetrical? That would leave me with two seats to modify, of course.
Next step is to make the wood set for the upholstery. Would appreciate suggestions here.
Please see photos and let me know if I am going insane. And which way you think occupants should face.
Santokh

[christopher storey]

On the assumption that you are showing us two seats in the photos , I think both your seats are from a FHC. The DHC - more accurately described as Open Top Sports - seats are much narrower at the top, with quite a distinctive pointed shape. If contrary to the photos you do have an OTS seat, then I think it will be very difficult to make it match without creating a complete new backrest

[ssmaan]

Thank you. I was afraid of that.
I see pictures of OTS seats on http://www.monocoque-metalworks.com/mai ... r-of-love/ with triangular cutouts.
Need to get my hands on an old bare genuine OTS seat, before proceeding to bash them further.
Did these seats need wood sets for upholstery?
I apologise for asking such basic questions.

[Geoff Allam]

Monocoque Metalworks in the US manufactures both types of seats. If you contact Chuck I am sure that he would be able to supply you with a patch panel for each of your seats. Other people to ask would be Hutsons and Martin Robey in the UK.

[ssmaan]

Good to know, thanks.
Am first going to call on someone a 1.5 hour drive away who is sitting on a large collection of Jag spares.
So, is the bottom line then, that the LH and RH seats are interchangeable?

[MarkRado]

Mine are, even the mounting holes for the seat slide lever bracket are present on both sides of the bottom panel.

[ssmaan]

Confirmed, thanks.
Have you, or anyone reading this, seen an OTS seat stripped bare? Would appreciate photos of the wooden supports under the seat cushion.

[mgcjag]

Hi..welcom to the forum...please try to put your name and car model in the signature area.....if you google e type seats and look at images you will get lots of photos...but im sure someone will post some....Steve

[ssmaan]

Ok.

Santokh
'62 S1 OTS RHD

[MarkRado]

The OTS seat backs are much smaller to clear the hood when folding down, but even then the mechanism fouls the trim piping when the seat is fully back All the seat wood is easily available



By the way, this was my first trimming attempt, using the existing non orig webbing. It came in handy that I didnt trim the leather off too closely at the tacks, since I undid it once more to reduce foam thickness and had more material to grab it for tensioning. See Richards rswaffie postings on orig seats.

[ssmaan]

Neat Job!
Cannot locate Richard's post on original seats.
But reading and watching the videos on this subject, only drives in the point even more that starting to build up the seat from scratch should best be left to a pro. I have the complete Connolly leather kit from the US and now need the frames, wood set, straps and brass rivets before handing them over.
Instrument panel is next.
Thank you all for the feedback.
Santokh
'62 S1 OTS RHD