Ok, I know I've promised to do one of these so here goes. A how-to on fixing the problem with the saggy seat issue for the OEM leather on the kappas.
This walk through will help you take preventative measures to keep your leather seat from sagging in the bottom area. You can also do a fix if you already have the sag forming.
So, without further delay, let's jump forward to the part where we take stuff apart. Now remember, this is professional upholstery advice that I trust you will take to the grave with you. Can't have the average Joe eating in to my seat fixing monopoly in the Souteast
Things you need to do the fix:
- 14mm ratchet
- 15mm ratchet/wrench
- a flathead screwdriver
- razor blade
- Alan key set or torx bit set for ratchet
- some high heat upholstery spray glue
- 40 or 60 grit sand paper
- flat edge (like a paint stick)
- 1/4" closed cell foam
Now, I assume everybody knows where to get the basic tools. Here is where you can get some of the other items I mentioned...
Upholstery spray glue: DAP Weldwood High-Heat Spray Adhesive
It's important to have a high quality spray glue such as this or your glue will just fall apart the second it gets hot. 3m glue from home depot will not suffice.
closed cell foam: 1/4" Thick Volara Sculpting Foam
you just need 1yd (minimum qty order)
So far you've spend about $25 for these items with shipping, not including the sand paper which might be available locally. Now the take apart section.
Get your 14mm ratchet out with and remove the two nuts that hold your seat on in the front:
and the two in the back:
Make sure you remove any wire harnesses that might be attached to the seat:
Next, tilt the seat forward and remove the torx bolt that holds the seatbelt on. I can't remember the size off the top of my head. I think it was 43 or so. Anyway, if you don't have a torx bit to fit, a properly sized alan key can take the bolt out as well.
You can now remove the seat from the car and put it on a work table or clean area of the floor somewhere where you can tilt it back and not scuff the leather.
If you have a seat height adjustment, remove the switch by prying out on the left side of the switch:
Then, pull the switch out and disconnect it from the harness.
Tilt the seat back and remove the plastic clips from the front and rear:
The clips that hold the side on vary between models. Some have the same clips on the side that are on the front and back. Some are not so lucky and they have automotive push plugs that hold the sides in. If you take the push plugs off, YOU WILL BREAK THEM. There's a small chance you can get them off without breaking them but it's unlikely. Go ahead and buy some more: AUVECO Clip 11675
This walk through will help you take preventative measures to keep your leather seat from sagging in the bottom area. You can also do a fix if you already have the sag forming.
So, without further delay, let's jump forward to the part where we take stuff apart. Now remember, this is professional upholstery advice that I trust you will take to the grave with you. Can't have the average Joe eating in to my seat fixing monopoly in the Souteast
Things you need to do the fix:
- 14mm ratchet
- 15mm ratchet/wrench
- a flathead screwdriver
- razor blade
- Alan key set or torx bit set for ratchet
- some high heat upholstery spray glue
- 40 or 60 grit sand paper
- flat edge (like a paint stick)
- 1/4" closed cell foam
Now, I assume everybody knows where to get the basic tools. Here is where you can get some of the other items I mentioned...
Upholstery spray glue: DAP Weldwood High-Heat Spray Adhesive
It's important to have a high quality spray glue such as this or your glue will just fall apart the second it gets hot. 3m glue from home depot will not suffice.
closed cell foam: 1/4" Thick Volara Sculpting Foam
you just need 1yd (minimum qty order)
So far you've spend about $25 for these items with shipping, not including the sand paper which might be available locally. Now the take apart section.
Get your 14mm ratchet out with and remove the two nuts that hold your seat on in the front:
and the two in the back:
Make sure you remove any wire harnesses that might be attached to the seat:
Next, tilt the seat forward and remove the torx bolt that holds the seatbelt on. I can't remember the size off the top of my head. I think it was 43 or so. Anyway, if you don't have a torx bit to fit, a properly sized alan key can take the bolt out as well.
You can now remove the seat from the car and put it on a work table or clean area of the floor somewhere where you can tilt it back and not scuff the leather.
If you have a seat height adjustment, remove the switch by prying out on the left side of the switch:
Then, pull the switch out and disconnect it from the harness.
Tilt the seat back and remove the plastic clips from the front and rear:
The clips that hold the side on vary between models. Some have the same clips on the side that are on the front and back. Some are not so lucky and they have automotive push plugs that hold the sides in. If you take the push plugs off, YOU WILL BREAK THEM. There's a small chance you can get them off without breaking them but it's unlikely. Go ahead and buy some more: AUVECO Clip 11675