Seat diaphragm

[ashm]

I understand that the seat diaphragm is now obsolete. I imagine that any remaining old stock would be pretty aged by now anyway.
Has anyone come up with a good option? I'm thinking of making a new one from a sheet of fabric-impregnated rubber.

Adam

[dapinky]

Adam,

It's been a few years since I changed mine on the red car, but I do remember at that time having a discussion, and it seemed (IIRC) that the S2 seats did away with the rubber diaphragm altogether and used a sheet of steel as the seat base...

...I have had a nice box of leather dyes/sealers here for the past 2 weeks and when the rain stops for long enough the plan is to remove and recondition my seats - part of that may well involve repair/replacement of the diaphragm (if it's knackered).

I was thinking of just a sheet of metal attached to the frame, but would also be interested in alternative ideas (possibly using upholstery webbing or similar).

[rip]

Paul69 may have some useful input for this.
I believe he had his seats re-furbished with S2 bases & felt that they were too hard without the give that the rubber diaphragm provides.

[Paul69]

hello Gents

I did as Iain explained strip my s1 seats several years ago and replace the webbing with the later s2 type steel base , this is as far as im aware still avaliable from SJ sports cars creditin Devon'.

the thing to remember is that lotus redesignded the seat for the s2 so although they look similar there are some differences firstly the depth of the actual seat is a different' so when the steel underbase is fitted it may be slightly raised' i fixed this by simply moving drilling out the newer type base to sit lower in the frame' second there is a diffrence in the shim height that bolts the seat rails to the floor' in order to get the correct height you will need the s2 type to get the correct height' or you will feel like you are sitting on the car instead of in it' these are purely an aluminum spacer and can be milled down.

to be honest if i had known most of these things i would have just bought a crudy set of later s2 bases and had them recovered' but you live and learn dont you gents' the seats i have are well suited to myself and are now ok but be prepared for some fiddling around.

i do feel that its worth keeping the cars with the original seat from a looks perspective' and according to lotus they offer some roll over protection' this i have doubts about and to be honest ive seen cars on there roof' roof down that have collapsed like a coke can.

it is worth replaceing the seat foam to if still available' again i got mine from SJ sports cars.

any more advise i can give feel free to drop me a line

Paul.

[epipete]

When I had my SE seats recovered a couple of years ago I had a problem with my diaphragm and I'm pretty sure that Paul Matty were able to provide a replacement. I've been searching through old emails but can't find any correspondence but it may be worth giving them a call.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

When I had my SE seats recovered a couple of years ago I had a problem with my diaphragm and I'm pretty sure that Paul Matty were able to provide a replacement. I've been searching through old emails but can't find any correspondence but it may be worth giving them a call.

The diaphragms were avilable from Lotus Aftersales until May of 2012 for £11.00 each + VAT and postage. Matty probably had old stock available. The ones I got came in sealed plastic bags and appear to be in "as new" condition. Several sets sold on eBay late last year by one of the "profitteers" for £16.50 per pair + £4.00 postage. Maybe they will list some more this spring...

[Nickydee]

My squab diaphragm has spit down the centre and needs replacing. These were on aftersales and sold out. Does anybody have one they are willing to part with or aware of any the usual suppliers have stock.

Thanks

Nick