Seat Diaphragm Replacement/Seat Overhaul

[James R]

Sorry. Popping this topic into the wider community to seek the wider audience.. Apologies for the duplication...

Anyhow I was wandering in anyone has had any previous experiences of changing the diaphragms in the front seats of a Sprint? I am looking at doing this job using the club diaphragms, and so was wandering if anyone had any tips, assistance or previous experiences on how best to go about doing this.

Any help, guidance or advice greatly appreciated..

Thanks in advance for any responses..

Br

[Richard the old one]

Before you take the old one off use something like snowpake to mark where the clips holes are located in the frame as they are difficult to find when it comes to fitting the new seat diaphragm. I also filed a nick in the end of a large flat blade screwdriver and used this to fit the clips as the need a good push to stretch the diaphragm.

[Galileo]

My already worn (and not original, found the 1976 date code in a 1975 car) seat started to suddenly sag last summer in the hot weather, it had clearly enough of my robust posterior.


Source of the issue is pretty obvious


The replacement seems too small at first but don't let that put you off, it's not been stretched for 40 years.


Diaphragm is held in place with these integral hooks, which are placed into holes around the top of the frame.


A large pair of these and some pushing, pulling and tugging all help. You will need to put your back into it, they don't just fall into place.


The end result of much swearing and cups of espresso later.


Tips are to remove all of the bolted on framework for clearance, as suggested make something to go around the hooks like a notched out flat bladed screwdriver or use a good grippy pair of needle nose pliers. Warm (not cook) the diaphragm up first, hairdryer, water, radiator your call, just to make it a little more pliable.

[James R]

Gents

Thanks very much for taking the time to post a reply, much appreciated... As with most things pics are a great help so thank you for those and the advice on the tools etc. It doesn't look to tricky (famous last words) just a bit fiddly, so patience and coffee appear to be the order of the day...

I even have the same seat colour! Out of interest where i am likely to find the date code?

Cheers again!!

[Galileo]

I've no idea why I take photos sometimes but if they've been useful, all good!

No idea if they are always in the same place, but here's mine, I knew they were the wrong ones as they had headrests but if confirmation was needed and all that!

[Toledo Man]

My 1850 needs a diaphragm on the driver's seat. If I ever get round to replacing it, I will make a video for my YouTube channel.