1976 Elite restoration.

[EXCEL V8]

I've been waiting for them to re-open to the public to go down and measure them up!  Let us know how they fit.

Pete

[Doris the dog]

Somethings you just can’t explain!!!!!

Yesterday had an hour or two trying to sort out 

electrics for the hazards, posted on here , help from Pete last night, things to check this morning.  Had to go out at 8 am this morning, walked passed the Elite , and the ###### hazards were flashing 😂😂.  Late for appointment so no time to look, just disconnected the battery 

[Doris the dog]

Today the seat diaphragms arrived. Look as if they should fit hopefully I have the skill. 
First photo I’ve just laid it on top and size is good. 
Second photo, I had no intention to go this far…..

[EXCEL V8]

That does look good.  Will you need shorter hooks or will the originals work do you think?  I had no idea the foam was in two separate pieces!

Pete

[Doris the dog]

Hi Pete, think the hooks could be ok. The diaphragms also come with a bag of hooks that are quite short, May have to drill more holes in the tube frame , but not checked that.  

[Doris the dog]

7 hours ago, EXCEL V8 said:

That does look good.  Will you need shorter hooks or will the originals work do you think?  I had no idea the foam was in two separate pieces!

Pete

Hi Pete, what do you think about the fit of the diaphragm ? I imagined it to fit with the other side up, but the hooks seem to go better this way. 
A little interference on the four corners.  
Just got to put holes in diaphragm to match seven split pins that hold seat cloth through foam to diaphragm. Could probably move split clips to line up with holes melded in the diaphragm   
 

 

[Doris the dog]

The world “melted “ in previous post should be replaced by molded.  
Those seven split pin fasteners that attach cloth through central foam then to diaphragm, looks like the ones on the corners will fit straight through molded holes.  I could remove front central one and replace it with two , going around 50mm of centre, to align again with holes in diaphragm.  That then leaves one either side that hasn’t got a hole anywhere near.  Not really keen on punching two holes in the rubber as there would be no reinforced edges. Needs a steel or plastic bush to protect the rubber.  
 

[Tony D]

I agree will be not good practice adding holes in the new diaphragm. Can you reposition the split pins on the tie rods?. 

Watching with interest. My seats OK ish, but a bit saggy and will be tempted to get a couple of these mini rubbers if they work out.

Tony 

[Doris the dog]

3 minutes ago, Tony D said:

I agree will be not good practice adding holes in the new diaphragm. Can you reposition the split pins on the tie rods?. 

Watching with interest. My seats OK ish, but a bit saggy and will be tempted to get a couple of these mini rubbers if they work out.

Tony 

Hi Tony, looks like two options, first option,don’t fit the two central split pins, then the seat cover could be loose. Option two , punch the rubber and fit these…..

[EXCEL V8]

The diaphragm looks like a really good fit - how hard did you have to pull on the clips to get them in?  If you want to make extra holes just glue some "washers" made from insertion rubber either side of the diaphragm - I think it would be fine.  Great progress!

Pete

[Doris the dog]

Pete ,  the pull on the clips, well I just needed pliers to help but no major force , quit easy really.  The diaphragm is not drum tight but it’s not loose.  Having zero experience, not sure if tension is correct.  

[EXCEL V8]

It's bound to be better than a saggy original!  It looks good - it will depend how heavy you are! 😄😉

Pete

[Doris the dog]

1 minute ago, EXCEL V8 said:

It's bound to be better than a saggy original!  It looks good - it will depend how heavy you are! 😄😉

Pete

Yes Pete weight going back on monthly 😂 It’s good there’s a shortage of Quality Street this Christmas so that should help ph and Turkey 

[Doris the dog]

By moving the central split clip and manufacturing another, it looks as if it all should work without punching any extra holes through diaphragm 😀 

 

[Doris the dog]

Well the first attempt of seat base refurbishment has worked out pretty good.  Quite surprised.  
So next help needed is what if anything goes between seat base and grp floor. Any spacers or rubber pads ?

Thanks

[Trunnion 74]

Hi Tony,

 

This may or may not be helpful but below is what I found when i took the front seats out of mine

Taken from page two of my diary.

 

How many spacers does it take to level the front seats???

This many!!!!!

Roland

[Angus553]

Hi Tony thats pretty much what it was for me. IIRC it was 4 at the rear and 5 at the front.

Angus

[Doris the dog]

Hi  Angus and Roland , think in the boxes of nuts and bolts there may be a couple of them , but not many.  

[Trunnion 74]

Don't you beleive it!!

[Doris the dog]

Had a look for seat spaces today , but none in the places I looked 😞 not too much of a drama.  
Next question on seats , am I missing any covers off the side frames? There are plastic covers on outside of seats covering metal work  

 

[Angus553]

Hi Tony

yes you are missing the plastic covers.

[Doris the dog]

Not a major problem , if I have to make some from aluminium.  But the car would be on the road long before that job gets done. 

[Tony D]

These plastic covers would be a perfect item for 3D printing. 

Tony 

[Doris the dog]

Too hi tec for me Tony !! Folded metal for me. 

[EXCEL V8]

Or castings polished afterwards.

Pete