Broken seat side
Jul 3, 2009, 09:35 AM
#1
Evolving Member
Thread Starter
Broken seat side
Weird problem, that I'm hoping there's a cheap solution for:
Getting to my driver's side yesterday, I felt a pop from the right side back bolster. It was very loose, like something had snapped.
Today, I undid the fabric clamps and lifted the seat cover up and saw that the back plastic shell had broken. It ties to the metal frame via two plastic flaps and screws. When I got in yesterday I broke one and almost the other. The top one broke as I was trying to get it off gently (it was already in bad shape).
So my question is: is there a part number for just the plastic back shell of the Recaro seats? Mitsubishi wants $1300 for the whole seat assembly. I'll jerry rig something before paying that.
All help appreciated!
AC
Getting to my driver's side yesterday, I felt a pop from the right side back bolster. It was very loose, like something had snapped.
Today, I undid the fabric clamps and lifted the seat cover up and saw that the back plastic shell had broken. It ties to the metal frame via two plastic flaps and screws. When I got in yesterday I broke one and almost the other. The top one broke as I was trying to get it off gently (it was already in bad shape).
So my question is: is there a part number for just the plastic back shell of the Recaro seats? Mitsubishi wants $1300 for the whole seat assembly. I'll jerry rig something before paying that.
All help appreciated!
AC
Jul 3, 2009, 09:43 AM
#3
Evolving Member
Thread Starter
Yeah, I was surprised too. I could probably attach an angle bracket and bolt it directly to the frame, but if a replacement part is only $100 that would be easier. I am NOT buying a new seat 
Jul 3, 2009, 12:41 PM
#5
Evolving Member
Thread Starter
Well, I disassembled the seat (easier than one would think), got the backshell off, and saw the two broken tabs.
I JB Welded one back one with multiple coats. For the lower one, I fashioned a bracket out of some old scrap metal. I bolted it in place with some JB weld for good measure. I drilled a corresponding hole. I had to modify a secondary plastic piece to fit around my bracket.
I reassembled the seat and so far so good. I'll probably baby it from now on, but at least it doesn't pop in and out all the time.
Oh, I had no luck finding a parts dealer that had just the backshell. Oh well. If it happens again, I'll look more thoroughly.
I JB Welded one back one with multiple coats. For the lower one, I fashioned a bracket out of some old scrap metal. I bolted it in place with some JB weld for good measure. I drilled a corresponding hole. I had to modify a secondary plastic piece to fit around my bracket.
I reassembled the seat and so far so good. I'll probably baby it from now on, but at least it doesn't pop in and out all the time.
Oh, I had no luck finding a parts dealer that had just the backshell. Oh well. If it happens again, I'll look more thoroughly.
Aug 6, 2009, 09:08 PM
#7
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I repaired the exact same problem on an VIII seat. Took a while to get it apart but pretty easy to fix.
The tabs are flaps of plastic and are quite fragile. I drilled holes in the tabs and the place where it used to mount. I fabricated some thin aluminum tabs and drilled the same holes. Then I, get this, zip tied the aluminum tabs on the plastic tabs and into the seat. Worked like a champ. Seat is like new now.
The tabs are flaps of plastic and are quite fragile. I drilled holes in the tabs and the place where it used to mount. I fabricated some thin aluminum tabs and drilled the same holes. Then I, get this, zip tied the aluminum tabs on the plastic tabs and into the seat. Worked like a champ. Seat is like new now.
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Sep 23, 2009, 08:43 PM
#14
http://www.capitalseating.co.uk/prod...&appid=&rid=61
That's a UK based website that sells the plastic back, I know there is a US based vendor, but can't remember the name/site
Good luck.
That's a UK based website that sells the plastic back, I know there is a US based vendor, but can't remember the name/site
Good luck.