Question on Re-using Old Rear Seat Foam

[harrij4]

Greetings! So, almost two years of searching and navigating the insane sellers wanting $1k for incomplete rotting carcasses, I finally sourced a 3rd row Burb seat in remarkable all-original condition (photo attached). Now, it's time to strip the suburban cover and apply a proper '72 black scroll cover.

Here's my question:

I plan to re-use the old foam since nobody is re-pouring and it appears to be in remarkable condition. But, I'm concerned that once the seat starts to get used it will rapidly break down and lose its shape / sag. Has anyone experienced this?

Also, I suspect it would be beneficial to sheath the OG foam with something robust (thin foam layer or batting). Has anyone done this? Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

[Ptjsk]

I don't know.....But if I was going to go ahead and replace the cover, I think I would definitely replace with quality foam at the same time.

The seat is approximately 49 years old, so why not replace it when you have it torn down.

Conversely, the rear seat of my '72 Jimmy is original. The cover is original as well as the foam inside. I didn't change with new upholstery simply because it's in such good condition.

The front seats (foam), were changed along with new covers. If, I were to change the rear seat cover, I would definitely order new foam as well.

JMO, but doesn't make it right!

Pat

[harrij4]

Originally Posted by Ptjsk

I don't know.....But if I was going to go ahead and replace the cover, I think I would definitely replace with quality foam at the same time.

The seat is approximately 49 years old, so why not replace it when you have it torn down.

Conversely, the rear seat of my '72 Jimmy is original. The cover is original as well as the foam inside. I didn't change with new upholstery simply because it's in such good condition.

The front seats (foam), were changed along with new covers. If, I were to change the rear seat cover, I would definitely order new foam as well.

JMO, but doesn't make it right!

Pat

But AFAIK nobody makes re-pour foam for the 1st gen rear seats...Right?

[Backroads67]

You can cut, glue and shape upholstery foam, it comes in different thicknesses, if it is not crumbling apart, hard or super soft it would be ok to use it. I would replace the burlap between the foam and frame.

[72ironmike]

Originally Posted by Backroads67

You can cut, glue and shape upholstery foam, it comes in different thicknesses, if it is not crumbling apart, hard or super soft it would be ok to use it. I would replace the burlap between the foam and frame.

We just had rear seat foam built by our interior guy at his recommendation. If your interior guy is good he should be able to direct you. If it was me and it was going to see a lot of traffic, I would go new or beefed up some. Good luck.

[hemi43]

Just make your own from medium density foam. An electric meat carver and an angle grinder with 2"diameter 36 grit discs work great, and is less than a couple hour's work.

[A1971Blazer]

I recovered the seats in my Blazer...the springs and foam in the front seats were shot.
When I took the cover off the rear seat, the foam was still in good condition so I just covered over it.
I assume that the rear seat never saw as much use as the front ones thus keeping it in good condition.