those on the taller side, whats your seat config (NB)?

magenb · Postby **magenb** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 8:59 am

My NB is just a daily to get me to and from work, which means a 3 hour round trip, maybe I'm just getting old but the seat is giving me lower backpain driving it for that long. Any one else run into issue with the seats?

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:07 am

If you have a NB8A (98-2000 model), definitely. NB8B/C (2000+), not so much.

If you want to keep your seats, some people have tried going to a professional trimmer and reinforce the lumbar support (and even put in a seat heater at the same time :mrgreen:

)

Otherwise, you can switch to later model NB seats, NC seats (need to customise your rails) or other aftermarket seats like Mazdaspeed.

rhythmstick · Postby **rhythmstick** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:38 am

I am 6'1", and find the seating position too high. To mitigate it, I used to recline the back as much as I could, without sacrificing driving position. I found this method caused me to slouch, and gave me back issues, so I did the opposite. The back is sqeezed against the rear bulkhead, about two clicks from upright. Never had a problem since.

Edit, and one click forward.

de Bounce · Postby **de Bounce** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 10:01 am

Have a look at a foamectomy hereand here.

In my NB8B I removed about 40mm from the base all up (some from the top, some from the bottom) which lowered my butt sufficient that the lower part of the backrest provided better lumber support.

Done correctly it will enhance the comfort of the seat, increase headroom and decrease fatigue.

magenb · Postby **magenb** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 11:04 am

hmm ok, so before I start hacking away, how to you measure(?) the seat/support correctly, I don't particularly want to guess it lol.

de Bounce · Postby **de Bounce** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 1:07 pm

As I don't have a NB8A, I cant tell you what has to be cut from where, however the previous links to the foamectomy should provide a guide.

You could take it to an automotive upholsterer and have the seat re-profiled properly.

Doing it yourself is a bit of trial and error.
I cut mine in slices of about 10mm at a time using a bread knife.
Take your time and test fit/sit in it in the car frequently, then cut some more as needed.

If it turned pear shaped you can glue the foam slices back in.

Took me 2 attempts to get it right but the results are well worth it IMHO.

Chuppa · Postby **Chuppa** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:15 pm

Agree with de Bounce, a foamectomy is worthwhile for the taller driver. I don't have an NB so can't vouch for the exact process but I an 6' 2" and was more that happt to see out of the windscreen rather than the frame.

If you concentrate more on the rear of the cushion than the front you should find that the whole seat holds you in more firmly while retaining under-knee support.

As has been said if it doesn't work you can glue the foam back in.

Good luck with it.

Chuppa