Seat comfort

Glad that worked out for you.

 

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Owner since 4/08, trip from MA to Pittsburgh,10 hours each way, right knee got sore, I must keep my foot aligned with my leg ( don't put your heel under brake) I then take a 4x4x2 piece of foam and place it under my knee, some times I will add a length of PVC 1 1/2 inch tubing from the floor to a Tee (to support the foam), this helps alot.
Only stopped for gas, and I could walk when I got out of the car, the seat is short, no support, trying to design a add on to the front of the seat

 

After a week with the wedge of foam, it helps a little. My legs are still too cramped with the seat bottom up so high, fixed in place. I would not add seat rail extenders as the steering wheel is already far enough away.

I've confirmed with Toyota dealers that they do no modifications whatsoever to stock seat. Would need to contact a body shop, but I won't.

I will likely sell this car in a little over a year. My mistake. I thought the seat would work out, but at this point, it has not.

 

Gray Runner,

Welcome to PriusChat. I really mean that.

It is refreshing to hear from a new member who isn't afraid to take
responsibility for overcoming some condition in his/her Prius that's a
PITA, but with a little work can be worked around.

So, you bought the car. You like the car, but you had a problem with the
seat. You worked out a solution. No whining, no carping, no "Woe is me!"
And you've taken the time to share it with us. Good on you.

We know your quickie fix won't work for everyone who has a problem with
the seat. OK, but you've done your bit. Life goes on.

Your post made my day... thank you.

You wouldn't by chance have a fix for the tank bladder/guess gauge fiasco
would you?

 

Just adjust the seat down to it's lowest level ... Oh sorry, I forgot. It also likely helps that I'm only 5'6" tall.

Now who is playing the helpless victim?

 

It's too bad more 2004 Prius owners did not scream bloody murder right away that the car did not have a fully adjustable seat and steering wheel.

Instead, in 2006, the year of upgrades, Toyota adds some non-important things like -

HID headlights
rearview camera (I spend < 1% of my time backing up, this is only 'nice to have')
and other electronic upgrades.

----------------
Ultimately, I misjudged how bad the seat is for me, and I'll pay in re-selling the car in 8 months to a year or so.

 

You might also consider putting in a different driver's seat. I know of two PriusChatters (problemchild and wildkow) who installed Volvo seats (generally considered to be the car brand with the most comfortable seats) they picked up from a junkyard for cheap.

 

What? Some Prius don't have an adjustable height drivers seat? Who would have thunk it.

 

I am having a Ricaro XL seat installed here in Miami today.

Grant
Miami L5

 

Grant please let us know how it goes and what it costs, thanks.

 

Thank you Boo, I'll check out their threads.

 

I was bored, took some pics, magic handle on Corolla seat ...

 

Had new foam cut to 2" H x 7" base x 19" , corners rounded. Feels even better than old piece shown in post #39.

Drove out to foam place with no foam wedge on seat .... confirmed the wedge makes a big improvement in comfort.

Cost for two pieces of foam cut this morning - $5.65

 

Here's a pic of the 2 x 7 x 19" wedge. For a person who does not want to raise sitting height up, but wants thigh support, this is a cheap solution.

I looked online and all over stores but never found a wedge of foam like this.

You may want a different size. I may try a different size after a while, but this one is feeling really good.

I don't want to drive around without the foam wedge now.

Foam factories can cut these pieces in less than 10 minutes. I paid about $5 for this piece.

I suppose an upholsterer could make a similar piece and cover it with leather and put on a strap to hold it in place. Everyone is different and has different needs. Hopefully this helps someone. I've never seen anything like this wedge on Priuschat before.

 

Good idea on the seats cycledrum. Those new foam wedge sure will add comfort on the seats. Great idea on that one!

__________________
gas saving products

 

Thank you for the positive feedback! I appreciate it.

 

I wonder what do the coachbuilders do with the seats they take out?. A local dealer can help you retrofit your seats about right.

 

:rockon:The Ricaro seat is in. Wow, what a nice seat. Heated, Air conditioned, and adjusts just about any way you want. I am 6'4" and this is unbeleavable. One problem, the 2.2 ohm resister to make the computer think the airbag in the seat is still there is not performing it's task. I have calls into Ricaro in San Fransisco to try to solve the problem next week. If any of you are suffering from the factory seats, this is the thing to do. I will keep in touch and provide pictures and info. The other thing, it's not cheap, but get's the job done.

Take care,
Happy pants
Grant
Miami L5