A&Q about 350Z
Q:
So...to guide this discussion back to my original question...
Do I just need to replace the padding and upholstery, or do I also need to replace the seat and seat back frames to make the passenger seat same as driver seat???
Anyone...?
A:
I have had the 350 with both the cloth and now leather seats. I have also had a chance to ride in both seats. My opinion is this--the drivers seat is simply more supportive because most people do their most "spirited" driving usually while alone. The extra support is very necessary for that. The passenger seat allows for more movement and will not provide the best support for running through the twisties without holding that passenger door handle. The cloth seats were actually better for support in a way because the leather allows for more sliding and the cloth seemed to keep me in place better (at least that is what I have found) but I still like the overall look and feel of the leather. But anyway, if I were you I would either try to go a little easier with the wife in the car or give her a heads up when taking a fast curve. If you aren't playing stuntman and she still finds the seat uncomfortable there is not much to do other than totally changing the seat. As far as I know the padding in the seats is the same just the driver side is more bolstered for lateral support. Is she saying the seat is to firm or is it just unsupportive? Maybe she just needs to get used to the firmer ride of a sports car? If the ride is to firm and uncomfortable make the seat softer. If the seat is just to unsupportive while riding then maybe you can find a salvaged driver seat from another z to switch (that seems to be more trouble than it is worth though). That's all I got.
A:
So far all I got are comments on my driving, comparisons of feel of leather seats vs. cloth, someone telling me what I already know -- which is the seats have different bolsters, etc, etc, etc. No one has attempted to answer MY QUESTION
So...one more time...please:
Do I just need to replace the padding and upholstery, or do I also need to replace the seat and seat back frames to make the passenger seat same as driver seat???
Anyone...please?
A:
You've received some pretty helpful responses, I think...especially considering the nature of your question. Why would you expect (and demand) that other Z owners be expected to know about their seat frames? I cannot help w/ that specific of a question...so here's my final advice:
Stop by your dealership's parts counter, and ask them to bring up the part catalog for the Z on their 'pooter. With any luck, it will have detailed exploded views of the driver and passenger seat assemblies.
Compare part #'s that are called out for each seat, and voila...you have your answer. Seems like the easiest way to me to know for sure.
'04 350Z Base - Daytona Blue
A:
racrguy, sorry that I was a bit chafed (w/ other issues) when I wrote that last reply. I just re-read it, and I apologize for the tone that it conveys.
If you do visit the parts counter and find the answer, please reply here so that the info is captured in case somebody asks again in the future...
'04 350Z Base - Daytona Blue
A:
No harm, no foul...
If I find anything definitive from dealer, I'll report back. Going to Watkins Glen tomorrow, won't be able to follow thru on your suggestion until Monday...