Bad Back Puts An End To Plans!

[Al Milton]

Mike,

 

Ask Richard or Keith whether they would be prepared to fit the new seats (or one at least) into the demonstrator (that's what it's for after all).

You can then have an extended test run to see how the new seats suit your back before committing hard cash (potentially for no gain).

 

Got to be worth a call at least, saw your car at Stoneleigh - really tidy.

Hope the back holds up.

 

Al

[maccavvy]

Ask a local member what seats they have maybe worth a spin in someone elses motor to see if they are comfy.

 

Ive got some rather soft padded corbeau recliners in mine.

[Guest mikeh]

I will definitely look to 'try before I buy' but a trip up to GBS is 4 hours each way (from South Wales) so a day out. I think locals have similar seats to me but will ask around.

 

The soft padded Corbeaus sound an option, any details available or pics?

 

Cheers

 

Mike

[maccavvy]

 

This is what i have

[Guest mikeh]

They look the business. Still not sure whether to sell or try to sort the seat and see an osteopath but after all the support, am now wavering towards keeping the car.

 

Thanks to you all.

 

Mike

[Kermit]

They look the business. Still not sure whether to sell or try to sort the seat and see an osteopath but after all the support, am now wavering towards keeping the car.

 

Thanks to you all.

 

Mike

yeay keep the car you know you want to lol

[brumster]

I must admit, reading the first post, I was just thinking what a tosser this specialist is and why you can't just change the seats - is his reasoning that all sitting down (to drive) is bad and that you cannot drive ever again? Or, fair does, the seat design you have is not a good one - but that is at least fixable. The Hood has the most comfortable driving position of any car I've owned - yes, seriously.

 

I would just invest in a trip to somewhere like Demon Tweeks where you can sit and try all manner of seats (or maybe a show like Autosports in January) - find a seat design that your orthopedist recommends and that you get on with.

 

Unless you really have some back condition that means simply sitting down and driving will cripple you for the rest of your life - in which case you have my heartfelt sympathy

[Guest mikeh]

New seat it is then!

 

I guess my first few drives in the car finished up with a recurrence of a known back problem and so given the choice of surgery or sell the car, the latter seemed the easiest (and physically less painful - though not financially!) option. I think some form of adjustable sports seat is probably the best way forward and a visit to a suitable show/ outlet is a better way forward. Certainly worth a try to continue the enjoyment.

 

Cheers to you all

 

Mike

[brumster]

Aye. While your health has to be priority, you've got to live a little, otherwise what's the point in living

[knights_templar]

Unfortunately you are limited as to the seats you can fit in the standard zero.

 

Standard car seats as Msccavvy's picture shows above will not fit, if you have the standard kit seat "one size fit all" there are better options out there.

 

Are you sure it is the seating position itself, or the shape?.

 

The seat is directly fitted to the chassis, and a firm suspension setting would transfer a lot of suspension movement through the seat.

 

Have you tried turning the dampers to full soft? particularly if you had the car set up at the factory as they tend to set for fast road use for Mr Average. which may be to firm for your use.

 

Regards

[Guest mikeh]

So life is not as simple as I thought. Might go back and chase up the GBS option as Keith assures me that their 'upgraded' seats are much better for comfort and an easy fit. Certainly will look at altering the suspension for day-to-day use.

 

Cheers

[agent_zed]

don't know whether it helps or not but what about seat warmers too? i am assuming joint pain is not helped by being cold so a combination of new softer seats, heating pads, softer suspension, and also higher profile tyres, would hopefully allow you to enjoy the car.

 

My 2b still uses the sierra seats (obv too wide for the zero) and the car is so comfortable. Going to fit heating pads to mine at some point, got to have some creature comforts.

 

hth

[agent_zed]

something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Heated-Pad-Seat-Heater-Kit-Car-SUV-Truck-/250703300576?pt=UK_Car_Interior_Accessories&hash=item3a5f14c7e0 for example

[Guest mikeh]

Thanks for all the helpful advice. Have had a really useful chat with Richard at GBS who suggests he sends one of the newer seats specially designed for the widebody/GT and see how I get on. Also suggests change in rear springs damper set up.

 

So final decision is to keep the car and try to sort things over winter, both in the car and my back, and look forward to a great summer next year when I can really enjoy the car. Perhaps I'll get the chance to meet some of you face to face.

 

Thanks again to all out there for your encouragement.

 

Mike