The misadventures of a fatbloke and 13/60 Herald named Poppy

[tractorman]

Luxo's comments reminded me of when I was at agriculture college (in 1972) and went to Lincolnshire college for a week on an exchange visit. Their agricultural mechanic students were in college and on evening, there were three or four of them with their heads "under" a Herald bonnet. The engine had just been rebuilt, but wouldn't run properly and they couldn't work out why. As it happened their lecturer walked up, took one look and said the timing was 180 degrees out. It was a simple matter of swapping plug leads around and, five minutes later, the car sounded beautiful! A few red-faced lads ended up buying the lecturer a drink of two!

At least their bar was open every night (ours was two nights a week).

[zipgun]

Fatbloke. Is there an "i" missing from your user name? Should it be FIATBLOKE ? Like, Fix It Again Tomorrow ??

[Fatbloke]

well spotted zipgun. I'd better try and fix that now then!

[Fatbloke]

Poppy is running extremely sweetly now the HT leads are in the correct places. spent an hour or so driving aimlessly around the green lanes of north wilts.

Which was great fun but, the seats are now cripplingly uncomfortable. I reckon it's going to cost me about £200 for the foam, diaphragms etc to repair/restore my seats. However, saw these.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201073341376? ... 1423.l2648


What do you think? not original but period AND cheaper than recon my seats. would I be able to fit so they still lift up for the rear passengers?

[TerryG]

You need to buy mounting frames for them as they are just the buckets so you could get tilting frames. I have seen them in Minis with a tilt fitted. Or you could do the same thing Morris did with the minor and put hinges on the front of the seats and not bother securing the back at all.
Personally I would call around and see what you can get some new seat foam for. You can buy it in big blocks and cut it yourself if you fancy trying some DIY.

[kevin]

Mike

Spend the cash and refurb your existing ones, They suit the car and will look and feel great once done.
Are you sure the materials alone will be £200? Ive had a quote of £300 to redo my 2 front seats.
Mine will be redone during the winter as I feel the drivers isnt giving much support anymore, quite comfy still, but you sit quite a bit lower than on the passengers seat.

Just seen this webpage which may help
http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID005678

And this one..
http://herald-tips-tricks.wikidot.com/b ... rald-seats

Kev

[Fatbloke]

OK chaps . You convinced me to stick with the standard seats. Especially as the thought that a fatbloke may not be able to fit into a bucket seat has occurred to me!

I have extensively looked around at the parts required, Squab foam x2, base foam x2, diaphragm x2, maybe strap kits x 2. All adds up to about £180-£200. Maybe plus clips as well if I can't use the old ones.

Having shopped around, some Items are cheapest at Canleys and others at James Paddocks.

I don't want to change the covers though.

I hadn't thought of cutting my own foam though. so might be an idea to bring the price down further.

Thanks for the links Kevin the tips and tricks one is very useful.

[rich.]

have you thought of adding a cushion until you can afford it?

[kstrutt1]

Are you sure the foam has gone, often it is just the diaphragms causing the seat to sink, minor damage can be repaired by sticking new foam on.

[Fatbloke]

already stolen one of mrs fb's cushions from the lounge Rich! She is yet to notice.

Yes I'm sure Kstrutt1. bits of foam all over the carpet for the last 14 years has been a bit of a clue!

AND the diaphragm has broken on the drivers seat.