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Gransport - Sticky Seat Backs

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FL06Gransport

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
This is a long one, FYI, hope it helps future folks dealing with the same issue...
I will try and give you my step by step on seat removal, seat back removal and options.

First, you all know the problem, but I'll include a couple pics:


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Discussion starter · #2 ·
As for removing the seats from the car, it's like any other car. 4 bolts each, 2 in the front and 2 in the back.

I moved the seats all the way back, then removed the front bolts, then all the way back and removed the rear bolt.
AT THIS POINT I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY (Shut off in trunk)
You can then tilt seats back and disconnect 2 plugs under driver seat (I marked one w/tape) and 1 plug under the passenger.
As for pulling out, I tilted them inward and pulled them out bottom first.

Hopefully you will get rich like I did finding change underneath lol.
 

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Discussion starter · #3 ·
As far as removing the seat backs......A good friend once told me when we were restoring an $800k concept car, it's just a car LOL. Don't be afraid :)

Start with a small screw driver and pry off the seat bottom attachment at the bottom of the seat back.
Then use a screw driver to work the leather out around the seat backs.
You will then be able to fold the leather forward, move foam, and access the 4 screws holding the seat backs on.
The levers the fold the seat forward simply pull off.
 

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Discussion starter · #4 ·
For the seat pockets and the trim around the seat releases, I suggest just cutting the metal grommets off. It's an act of futility to try and salvage the original and ACE HARDWARE sells new ones :)

If you want to try and salvage the clips, you need to slowly work them off with a screwdriver while pulling on the pocket.
 

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Discussion starter · #5 ·
As for cleaning them. It's all over the internet. Oxyclean with baby wipes. +90% Alcohol for only the tough tough areas. It's going to take a couple hours. I sat mine in the sun a bit before starting, seemed to help.

They are light grey underneath the coating.

Have fun :)
 

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Discussion starter · #6 ·
Now on to how to restore them. I've seen the vinyl carbon, so I thought I'd give that a go, but in the end, I wasn't happy with the adhesion, long term durability as well as the fact that it wasn't original.

Looked cool, but, no go for me.
 

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Discussion starter · #7 ·
In the end, I went with the tried and true SEM Interior dye.

15245 Satin Black
13023 Low Luster Clear

It's a dead match. You can get it in a spray can, but if you want the end product to be ultra smooth with no organe peel, I suggest a professional sprayer in a booth plus some wet sanding. That's what I did.

I'll post pics in the car at some point, as the shop photos are deceiving....other than the 'touch', it's dead on and much more durable.

Good luck with yours whatever you do.
 

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#9 ·
Thanks for taking the time to document this and share your experiences. I hope other forum members may find it as helpful as I do (as I am about to embark on the same 'mission').

I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else has gone down the path of the non-standard seat back covering (such as the carbon look film) - and if so, their thoughts on how that has panned out over the course of time.

I have to admit....I'm finding it hard to ignore the allure of the carbon look on the seat backs......I doubt anyone has been outlandish (distasteful?) enough to try colour matching the seat back to their paint code...??
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
I am suspect of the long term durability and adhesion of a film to the plastic on these seat backs. Also, that stuff scratches much easier than one might think.

If you do do it, paint them first so there is a barrier between the plastic and film.

Other viable options I explored are vinyl (they make a carbon), Alcantara and leather. All of those can be glued.

You could also lay real carbon on the plastic and epoxy over.

In the end, I found the SEM dye the best all around option.
 
#14 ·
SwissGSpyder said:
Hi all
Great stuff. I am the owner of a 2006 GranSport Spyder and want to do the seats over the next winter break.I also red about this thread Solution For GS Seat Plastic and i am wondering, if the 4D carbon fiber sticker is'nt a valuable solution? Has anyone tried this opportunity ?
Thanks for any replay
Click to expand...
I'm getting some seat backs made out of CF at the moment. I sent them off to China to get copied in March, but you know... the end of the world... anyway, they're getting copied now.

www.maseratilife.com

Carbon Fibre Seat Backs

Howdy, I was going to repair my seatbacks as many of you do - but I was considering having them manufactured in CF instead of doing a vinyl wrap. Is this something anyone would be interested in? I would be getting them manufactured locally so it would be cheaper for all you UK and US owners. If...
www.maseratilife.com www.maseratilife.com
 
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