sport seat bolster plastic paddles

[8kgold69]

C5 1997-2004 Sport seat bolster paddles. I removed the leather seat covers and then removed the seat foams. I found what makes the sport seats bolsters move in and out. NOT just the bladders, but a combination of the double bladders inflating and then pushes a nylon paddle to move the bolsters. This seat has the double bladders for the side bolsters. The bladders and a spring loaded hinge are rivited to the fiberglass shell together. Then rivited to the hinge is a nylon paddle about 6" long X 3.5" wide and 1/8" thick. Each one is marked L for left side and R for right side. It is common for the plastic paddles to break. Most of the time its the outer paddle on the driver's seat. GM wants you to purcahse the whole upper seat structurer, NOT including the foam or at the cost of $700 just to replace a plastic paddle. On the paddles there are some numbers; 807245 Cav 4 and NYX 0175. Does anyone know who the manufacturer of the seats are? I know Dura Automative manufacturers the seats for Chrysler. Does anyone have a broken bottom seat and want to part out the back? Let me know if you can help.

 

[Toms007]

This is very interesting....I hope someone can get an answer for us.

 

[fixvet]

I'd just try to make a replacement out of aluminum, since you have the original pc. for a template. If you're not a DIY guy, google for corvette salvage parts. There are alot of C5 parts laying around from wrecks.

Good luck

 

[njlouc]

IMHO:
May be a candidate for a fabrication of aluminum, as stated above. remember you dont need the "strength " beads since the aluminum is already stronger. You may not even need the holes except for the rivet holes??

BUT after a little more thought, I think that it may have to flex a bit. If that 's the case, you could still fabricate your own but change the material to a similar nylon/plastic sheet material. Possibly (heavy) polyethelene sheet. I think the holes are there to allow more flex. You could probably get away without them. try "craft" stores or check the internet.

I think the expen$ive replacement plastic probably will not last too long since most NOS is already old. It is the plastic drying out that kills it.

Make sure that all edges are rounded smooth.

 

[65-to-00]

plastic

You may even be able to find a plastics supply house and just about duplicate the material for a few bucks.

Hey njlouc, there is one on Whitehead Road in Trenton ..... I've bought stuff from their scrap bin for a few cents to a few dollars.

Slight bend in the material may be induced by a hair dryer or other mild heat source.

I have one sheet of pretty tough fibered plastic from one of those cheapo shower kits. Never put in the shower but the plastic panels have provided me with the material for dozens of mend jobs over the years.

Never needed the shower but it was in the damaged/clearance bin for like $5 ..

 

[8kgold69]

I believe the reason for using plastic is a safety issue. In case of an accident the plastic will break. The aluminum may bend, but could cause to the individuals side. I did make a repair by using a 1/8" fiberglass board and riviting to the hinge. The hinge is really flemsy. I would not be surprise if one of the aftermarket suppliers starts manufacturing the part. It is common for these wing to break.

 

[Junkman2008]

Dino's has just about every used Corvette part you could want. Check him out here.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

C5 1997-2004 Sport seat bolster paddles. I removed the leather seat covers and then removed the seat foams. I found what makes the sport seats bolsters move in and out. NOT just the bladders, but a combination of the double bladders inflating and then pushes a nylon paddle to move the bolsters. This seat has the double bladders for the side bolsters. The bladders and a spring loaded hinge are rivited to the fiberglass shell together. Then rivited to the hinge is a nylon paddle about 6" long X 3.5" wide and 1/8" thick. Each one is marked L for left side and R for right side. It is common for the plastic paddles to break. Most of the time its the outer paddle on the driver's seat. GM wants you to purcahse the whole upper seat structurer, NOT including the foam or at the cost of $700 just to replace a plastic paddle. On the paddles there are some numbers; 807245 Cav 4 and NYX 0175. Does anyone know who the manufacturer of the seats are? I know Dura Automative manufacturers the seats for Chrysler. Does anyone have a broken bottom seat and want to part out the back? Let me know if you can help.

The manufacturer of the C5 sport seats was the Lear Corporation.

I have no suggestions for the part - other than to try to purchase a used seat and salvage the part.

I ordered / have the sport seats in my C5 - I always thought the quality was poor, especially for extra-cost seats.

Good luck.