Seat Dilemma

OkieAviator

OkieAviator

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OkieAviator
I'm working on refurbishing my plane seats (1977 172N). I'm down to some of the detail items and there's two styles I can go with.

Style 1 is the original look and is shown in this Airtex picture.
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Style 2 looks like.
picture1.jpg



My issue with the first (original) style is I'm not a fan of those seat belt retaining bars. It actually is creating an indention on the door panels and I'm not sure it really works, my seat belt constantly drops down anyhow. However it seems to have a more finished looks with the little panels below the main seat.

The second style looks to have a nylon retaining ring, I could try that or use velcro to hold it. It has a more open and minimalist look.

Another option I was thinking about is keeping the seat fairings (lack of better term) on but not putting the belt bar back on and using the velcro idea.

Anyone have some experience in what they felt held up over time and worked better in stopping seat belts from flopping all around?
 
In time, the cessna metal retainers cut into the seat belt webbing.

If you replace them with built in leather ones in the side of the seat, make sure they are at least about 8 inches long, to accommodate the fore and aft movement of the seat.
 
kgruber said:
In time, the cessna metal retainers cut into the seat belt webbing.

If you replace them with built in leather ones in the side of the seat, make sure they are at least about 8 inches long, to accommodate the fore and aft movement of the seat.
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Would not of thought of that. Installed a new seat belt harness so I defiantly don't want them cutting into the belt. If I use something like Velcro I would just need to make sure there's about 8" on the belt material so it can be re positioned if the seat moves?
 
My own seats. The belt loops are important since my seats move fore/aft approx 15" for getting in and out. Seat backs and base cushions are contoured. They're way lighter than stock, too.
 

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What material is that loop made out of and how is it secured? Would it be possible for me to take a leather belt, cut it to length and then attach it to the seat somehow?

Also looking at your seats I like it better open, so I might pitch the little seat farings.
 
The seating area of my seats is fabric and the rest is good quality synthetic leather. The loops are made of that same product. My seats were reconditioned and re-upholstered by a local upholstery shop. They're very comfortable. Ask your local shops what they can do for you. My airplane is certificated under CAR 3 (yours probably is, too) so all that burn test horse puckey doesn't apply.
 
I installed an Airtex seat/headrest kit this weekend. I have some extra material that is specially made for straps that I might be able to use. I'll search around and look for some connecting hardware.
 
Sewing is defiantly something I would have to practice before trying it on a vehicle of any type.

I'm going to mess with some ideas, might end up putting it back together the way it was, not using black paint on the seat belt holders so I don't have to worry about it rubbing off on the door panels. Crappy weather this week so I'm not in a hurry to get in the air.
 
I went ahead and went back to the original. Since I had the panels recovered I figured I would throw this in the plane and if it bothers me over time I'll take the bottom piece and stock belt holder off and try to do something like Stewart's plane.
 

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Stewartb said:
My airplane is certificated under CAR 3 (yours probably is, too) so all that burn test horse puckey doesn't apply.
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Explain the difference between fire proof, and fire resistant.?

where does the FARs CARs say the two phrases are used?
 
Just buy your own materials from a automotive place, send them in for a burn cert (super cheap) and have a hot rod and custom shop do the work. You'll end up with way better seats than precanned airtex, or a overpriced and under delivering "aviation" upholstery shop.

If you want really good work for a really low price, make a vacation of it and bring your stuff down to TJ and have it done. I posted a long write up on this if you search for my user name and "upholstry".
 
OkieAviator said:
I went ahead and went back to the original. Since I had the panels recovered I figured I would throw this in the plane and if it bothers me over time I'll take the bottom piece and stock belt holder off and try to do something like Stewart's plane.
Click to expand...

They look nice. Enjoy!
 
Done by Jack Pardue AKA "Stich"

Wool and real leather, meets all burn requirements, and can be use part 135.
 

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more interior pictures
 

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Last edited:
Will without a doubt go the Hotrod route when I get out of my 172 and into a big boy plane.
 
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