Seat cushions/pad for a 2,500 mile classic car road trip

[HWYCRZR]

Looking for AIS (*** In Seat) experience for a portable seat cushion/ pad to add comfort for a long road trip. (‘68 Polara)
My seats are newly restored/rebuilt pretty close to how they would have come from the factory. However I did take the liberty of adding a little more lumbar support, so for 200 mile trips they are not bad. The downside is the vinyl on warm driving days.
I can google and find sites that offer these, but I am after some AIS testimonials. I have a bench seat and no headrests. Other alternative is to make some custom fit myself, I did make the seats so I should be capable. But not sure about the time investment.

 

[73Coupe]

If you go with the sheepskin fur bomb setup, you have to get the steering wheel, seat belt, and shifter knob covers for a complete installation.

Just kidding. A friend of mine swears by these mesh lumbar supports. I have not personally tried them, but the big plus besides back support is air circulation. On vinyl seats, that's the ticket!

 

[live4theking]

Are you just trying to add padding for your bottom or are you trying to elevate a pressure point. My father who was 6-3 often used a wedge pillow with the thick side to the back in order to relieve pressure from the back of his thighs on the leading edge of the seat.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Bottom and back padding is pretty good, but looking for sweat abatement and maybe a little more back support.

 

[HWYCRZR]

This might be nice since I have no A/C.
No additional support, but could maybe put a lumbar support behind it. Not sure of the power consumption.

 

[Polara_500]

Sorry Marty, I use the factory original but with a fabric that holds lint and such unlike your vinyl.

 

[HWYCRZR]

I am not sure I need much additional support. My biggest thing in the summer will be the sweaty vinyl. Maybe the seat cooler above would do the trick.

 

[James Richardson]

A friend convinced me to try his sheepskin on a long motorcycle trip. Now I wouldnt even consider not having it on any real trip... for exactly the issues you are mentioning. When it's cold out they are amazing...when its sweltering hot they are amazing. Not much in the looks dept...but great pillows
Egli sheep farm in Dryden Ontario has incredible stuff....haven't look for car seat covers though.

 

[twostick]

If you can stand it for 200 miles, you're probably good to go as is. Between fuel stops and the call of nature, you're not likely to ever be in the seat more than 3-4 hours at a stretch which puts you at 200 to 300 miles per stop depending on the rate of fuel consumption you choose to travel at.

It's about 400 miles from home to Carlisle and not counting the duty free at the border we have to stop at least once for fuel usually between Binghamton and Scranton, and at least once more for a pitstop either before or after that depending on the wishes of She Who Must be Obeyed.

If you see any serious motorcycle tourists in your travels you will notice a lot of them run with a genuine sheepskin on the saddle. The wool keeps an air space between your butt and the seat and it's cushy too.

Kevin

 

[Big_John]

I just use a large bath towel over the vinyl if I need to, but you can always go back to what they used when the car was new.

https://smile.amazon.com/Kool-Koosh...shion&qid=1578326287&s=automotive&sr=1-4&th=1

 

[HWYCRZR]

I remember those.

 

[MarPar]

She Who Must be Obeyed.

Ahhh yes. SWMBO.

 

[cbarge]

When I get to the hotel after driving for a while...I ask for extra bath towels,put them in the car..I forget them after I leave,LOL!!
Or buy a doggy blanket and stuff it in the trunk when showing the car.
Otherwise go commando and stick with it (pun intended,LOL)

 

[HWYCRZR]

I think I determined my path. From the reviews these are great quality and comfortable. Also the least expensive option. I think I may get two of these and use them to make top and bottom inserts to fit my split bench. I have quit a bit of original color vinyl left over. I think I can make a nice removable set that won’t slide around.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Ordered my sheep skins from above. Time to sketch out my plans. I think I still have about 3-1/2 yards x2 of expensive SMS vinyl. I think I can sew up some killer seat covers. I want them for any longer distance driving, but want to easily remove them to show off the original pattern. I need to see if I can engineer a head rest into this seat cover. I am not quite ready to permanently mount head rests.

 

[commando1]

I just use a large bath towel over the vinyl if I need to, but you can always go back to what they used when the car was new.

https://smile.amazon.com/Kool-Kooshion-Standard-Ventilated-Cushion/dp/B06Y8XY7RC/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=car+seat+air+flow+cushion&qid=1578326287&s=automotive&sr=1-4&th=1

View attachment 342833

I pound a grueling million miles on the road with those.
Still my first choice.
I find the heavy duty ones only on Amazon now.
I remember when even gas stations sold them.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

I just use a large bath towel over the vinyl if I need to, but you can always go back to what they used when the car was new.

https://smile.amazon.com/Kool-Kooshion-Standard-Ventilated-Cushion/dp/B06Y8XY7RC/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=car+seat+air+flow+cushion&qid=1578326287&s=automotive&sr=1-4&th=1

View attachment 342833

My dad always had those in the car, he would keep them till there was almost no material left just the wire. My mother would usually just toss them finally and get him another one.

 

[MoPar Maniac]

Sheepskin seat covers on a m/c...not good in the rain as they get wet....then shrink! Lol

Try finding a gel pad.

 

[HWYCRZR]

My sheep have arrived. a little more yellow than the pictures in the Costco site. If I had buckets they would be a great fit.
I believe there is enough side fabric to join the two bottoms together for a nice smooth fit. The objective is a comfortable no sweat ride on a long hot day, but easily removable to show of my hours of original upholstery work.

I might even try a foam roll in the top headrest part for a little more neck support.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Sheepskin seat covers on a m/c...not good in the rain as they get wet....then shrink! Lol

Try finding a gel pad.

Like a big man in a small suit?

Rain not allowed inside my car.
It’s not a convertible either and no leaks allowed until I spill my coffee.

I tried some gel pads and cool gel back supports. With the extra thickness at 6’3” It makes it difficult to get behind the wheel. The sheepskins have about 1/4” - 1/2” of additional padding under the wool. I do notice I am sitting a little higher and forward, but should settle in after a break-in period.
I don’t think I have any more holes in my seat rail to move it further back.