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Started the holiday weekend off with a project - installing the Waldemars that I got from another RL’er.
Several “thanks” are in order: 1) to the seller (don’t want to mention his name because I don’t have permission) for fast shipping, great communication and excellent packing, 2) to my buddy Saleem who volunteered to help on this and I couldn’t have done it w/o him, 3) special thanks to Bret (owner of German Motorworks - my indy here in Nashville). He showed up for a house call when we found one of the seat bolts had been stripped by whoever recovered the OE seats for the prior owner - we needed a pro to get the bolt out and he had it removed in less than a minute using a significant amount of persuasive force. We were dead in the water w/o him. He has always gotten the job done for me even in a pinch. (Car will be back in his hands for the brake work next week.)
Learnings:
Spring for new seat bolts from Pelican (or wherever). So glad I bought new ones. They aren’t cheap but totally worth it. I’m not an engineer so I have no idea why someone would make bolts like these but for a novice like me they are terrible. The material is very soft and it’s easy for the Allen socket not to seat exactly right. I’m sure that’s how the prior installer screwed up the one that forced us to call for air cover. Once you get the hang of it, it’s fine. We didn’t strip any although it was close at one point! We used a Hazet 6mm socket and a torque wrench w/ a quarter inch drive that measures in inch-lbs. You’ll want new bolts and these tools - I really wouldn’t try it with an Allen key esp. because the bolts are supposed to be torqued to 17 ft lbs (204 in lbs)
Don’t forget to remove the seat belt female part from your old seats and move it to the Waldemars before installing your new seats. Unless you want extra practice with the crappy bolts. Ask me how I know this. . .
Similarly - install the recline levers before installing the seats (we got this right)
Overall I’d say the job is a 3 on a 1-10 scale of difficulty. It jumps much higher when a bolt is stripped. It’s definitely worth trying to do yourself if you find this kind of thing fun. We were proud of ourselves in the end
The seats are definitely much more comfortable than the old ones. The old ones looked really good because the prior owner had paid someone to do a first class recover job but they were lumpy - like an old sofa. The new sport seats are firm with good side bolstering. I’m pretty sure every time I get in the car I’ll appreciate them. Nice upgrade - better feel and IMO a nice improvement in aesthetics (esp. the carbon backs)
Pics below - before, during, after and the rescue car.
Happy holiday and thanks to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could do things like install sport seats on a Saturday.
Here are mine from Waldemar. I think I may be the only one who went with softbacks. Love them. Super supportive and comfortable and IMHO, just right for the car.
Been quiet lately and wondering if anyone has taken delivery lately. He is pretty reputable but never know as time goes on. Can anybody share their experience as of late?
05-25-2019, 09:02 PM
“Waldemar” Sport Seat Install in ‘98 C4S
