Hello, I've read on other threads about other's experience with the vise-like seats on an early XJR. Looking at pictures on ebay of seat cushions and frames it appears the cover/cushion just slips over the frame. Can it be that easy? I'm looking to slide some memory foam in between the frame and the cushion. Anyone else do this project? Tips?

Thanks!
Kevin
Milwaukee, WI

 

I"m one of those who dislikes the 'R' sport seats as they are too firm and narrow. If you apply more foam, I'd guess the problem will become worse. Only real option i see is replacing with a VDP seat which does not have the aggressive side bolsters. I'm looking into this solution, but not sure about buying the whole seat or the lower portion. I've never worked on seats, but i do want the sport seat bottom removed. Let us know which way you go and the outcome.

 

I was just going to add foam to the center flat portion. Raise the butt if you will. Hoping that will ease the side pinch. The passenger seat which was apparently rarely used is fine. The drivers side is like vise-grip.

 

I see...it may work and will be the cheapest route.

 

My VDP was equipped with sport suspension and sport seats - why one would do that to a VDP I do not know. I agree that both are not plus additions to a VDP. I did not realise they were like that until after I purchased it. So just any VDP seat will not necessarily help!
I also intend to add the foam under the center section for more comfort. The problem with that is the bolster leather will have excess material and need to be modified so it will not wrinkle. I used to do car upholstery, in a former life, and will solve that issue when I get there.

 

Good to know the VDP could have the sport seats as well....i'm searching ebay now for a lower section. I need charcoal color and will have to live with the piping on one seat bottom.

 

I have not taken mine apart, however from pictures it looks like there is a different plastic/fibreglass bucket attached to the frame. It may be possible to get an old seat and swap the bucket thereby eliminating the hard bolsters, and using your original upholstery.

 

Yeah! i like your thinking here....on my way to the bay.

After looking at the tracks on the bay, i don't see any difference in the side bolsters between them. Maybe too hard to view from photos.

 

If they are the same it may be that the padding in the sport seat's bolsters is just stiffer - that may be the only thing that needs to be changed.

 

Did either of you do anything with your seats? I am thinking of trimming off the hard bolsters on the seat pan and adding foam to the cushion sides.

 

No, i haven't tried anything with my seats, but your idea of trimming makes a lot of sense. If you go for it, please post back on the results.

 

I purchased a new base to replace the worn one in my 2006 XJR. It came from a VDP. It appears identical. Will verify one it it removed.
Lost a front strut last week. Need to swap it first.

 

I started a thread back on 11/11/2020, about the differences on seat bases. Someone mentioned a VDP could be ordered with the sport seats so you may have purchased one. Good luck either way!

 

The bare seat pans of Sport and Comfort look the same. It may only be the padding that makes the difference. Possible to find comfort seat at wreckers and swap padding? My VDP has Sport seats. My wife hates them and complains on any trip longer than to the grocery store! That being said I must admit that the seats in our old (1996 - 750,000km) minivan are more comfortable for longer trips.

 

I must be a hard ***. The seats in the 2006 XJR are very comfortable to me. Seats that pressure my hamstrings are worse.