Seat Upgrade for M20E

[KJATCt]

I am in the planning stages for a new interior. I think this will de an AIRTEX DIY. I would like to get some new to me front seats that adjust up and down, also I want headrests. All of this is happening in a 1965 M20E.

 

My question is will seats from another M20 fit on my seat rails? (using seats from a 252 for example) I am thinking I can find some in a salvage yard and have them redone.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

 

[KSMooniac]

Yes, they'll fit.  Good luck finding any, though.  I'll be a dollar you won't find a serviceable set from a salvage yard unless you know of a plane that is on they way there, and you arrive at the gate as soon as it is unloaded from the truck.

LASAR might be a source in your neck of the woods, though.

[Ned Gravel]

Yeah....

I want this upgrade too (also for a '65 E).  Hard finding them though and the factory price is something like $3,500 for them.

[KJATCt]

Ned,

What model were you looking to pilfer seats from?

[Ned Gravel]

From any model  - so long as the seats fit in a '65E model. 

Have you found some within a Mooniac's price range?

[KJATCt]

Not yet. I will sure post if/when I do.

[KSMooniac]

You could just look for unlocked doors at the next fly-in. 

Seriously though, you'll have to get really lucky with the timing and/or be prepared to spend a small fortune to find some of those vertically-adjustable seats.  Unless you really, really need it, I would have your existing seats re-worked by a custom shop to your specs.  A competent shop can build up the bottom with contoured and multi-density foam, add headrests, etc. for a reasonable sum.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Next time we get a newer Mooney claim I'll be sure and let you know.

Unfortunately the last one I heard was gonna be totaled due to Tennessee flooding.  I don't think you want those seats.

[georgeb]

If it's higher seat that your looking for, I have an oregon aero seat cushion (3") that is great and I no longer get numbass after a couple of hours in my 'E'. They make a world of difference and they will re-upholster your existing seats with the same material. I just came back from a 4+ hour each way trip to Mcallen....Never had an issue with getting tired...now my bladder, that's a whole other story, but my butt and back were really comfortable. I chose the 3" because I wanted to be able to look over the cowl a bit easier, but you can order 1", 2" or the 3" that I chose.

Good Luck

George

9488V

[scottfromiowa]

I have the "portable" cushion in my '66.  Includes a lower lumber pad (with zipper for easy removal).  Even though I just had my seats done I still sit on the cushion for the height and added comfort of the memory foam.  A more cost effective solution to comfort and "raising" your exterior view.

[Ned Gravel]

Quote: georgeb

If it's higher seat that your looking for, I have an oregon aero seat cushion (3") that is great and I no longer get numbass after a couple of hours in my 'E'. They make a world of difference and they will re-upholster your existing seats with the same material. I just came back from a 4+ hour each way trip to Mcallen....Never had an issue with getting tired...now my bladder, that's a whole other story, but my butt and back were really comfortable. I chose the 3" because I wanted to be able to look over the cowl a bit easier, but you can order 1", 2" or the 3" that I chose.

Good Luck

George

9488V

[DaV8or]

Quote: Parker_Woodruff

Unfortunately the last one I heard was gonna be totaled due to Tennessee flooding.  I don't think you want those seats.

[KJATCt]

Thats correct. I am just after frames. I have not started a search yet, sounds like it will be tough to find some seats. If I do not search I am sure to find nothing, with a good look around who knows....

[kerry]

There's a 201 on barnstormers they're parting out.  I don't know if it has the seats your looking for.

[KSMooniac]

I think that one is an earlier model that doesn't have the vertically-adjusting seats, but it might be worth a call to leave contact info in case they get another one.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: DaV8or

Why not? If he's planning to redo them anyhow, all he's really buying is the frames. Water submersion is bad, but it's not the end of the world. Strip the fabric and foam off, disassemble, bead blast, powder coat, lube and assemble. Then have them reupholstered with new foam. As long as they don't cost a lot, I'd go for it.