On my Coupe S, the driver's seat backrest padding had disintegrated on the outer bolster, like they all do. I found that certain years of Beetle have a near identical backrest. This obviously won't work for models with separate foam bolsters.

The only difference is these holes, but it's simple to cut out holes for the cross bar with sharp scissors and it doesn't have to be perfect. You can see where the original bolster is damaged, it was flat and ragged and let the rest of the car down.

From start to finish it's all straightforward to do, so this is not a how-to, just wanted to share the key info in case it helps anyone else on here.

I also spent some time repairing the wire backrest diaphragm, some of the cross wires had displaced in the lower back / lumbar support area. It's worth getting the spacing right again to tighten things up evenly. You can see in this photo on the right, where the paper spacing wrap has worn away. Ideally finding a good condition replacement diaphragm would be best.

I didn't really get a before shot, but afterwards here is how it looks. It's very comfortable now and feels so much better, like a new car again.

The padding was around £25 from this aircooled aftermarket parts site:

http://www.customandcommercial.com/vw-beetle/beetle_interior_trim_upholstery--and--seat_parts/beetle_seat_parts_seat_pads--and--seat_covers/german_quality_front_seat_backrest__pad_for_detachable_headrest_seat_77-79_5580/

Cheers

Great to see people sharing stuff like this. Good man

This is just what I need. Mt seat is gradually disintegrating. Thanks for the info.

Regards

Phil

This is excellent.

The horizontal creases aren't there on my fabric, as they were starting to fail so I pulled the rods out of them after a wash. I haven't got around to reassembly, as I was gonna use the passenger one from my Genesis - therefore the Beetle ones are actually better.

Until now, chasing passenger seats has long been the answer, so this is a great find.

Can the bottom from a beetle be used too as these bolsters often wear as well?

Edited 15 December, 201510 yr by prankstar2003

This looks correct, try it and let us know

http://www.customandcommercial.com/vw-beetle/beetle_interior_trim_upholstery--and--seat_parts/beetle_seat_parts_seat_pads--and--seat_covers/german_quality_front_seat_bottom_foam_pad_77-79_5572/

If it is of any help, I have successfully joined the cable of the backrest tilting release by using 'chocolate-block' electrical connectors with the insulation removed.

Regards

^ they're cheap to replace

can we pin this

If you want to take it a few steps further, have a look at this http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/interior-electrical/1510-ford-mustang-building-custom-seats-from-scratch-in-39-steps/