Backcountry Pilot • Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

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Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

After several really bad experiences with my previous seat vendor, I have decided to look for another partner for the seat work I have been doing in my restoration projects.

If anyone has any suggestions for a talented upholsterer/craftsman that can handle high-detail work, I'd be interested in hearing about them.

Thanks!
Bigrenna offline
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations much closer to home, but Sport Aircraft Seats here in AK would 100% be my go-to. They probably have quite a bit more experience with Skywagons and Cubs than most shops as well.

http://www.sportaircraftseats.com

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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

Yeah. I met him at the show one year and saw his work. He seemed really nice and enthusiastic. I just didnt like the "slide-on" aspect. For the stuff I have been doing I need a bit more of a custom fit/finish. Im sure he could do it though... I had wanted to touch base with him at the show but I wasnt able to make it up.
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

TradeCraft wrote:I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations much closer to home, but Sport Aircraft Seats here in AK would 100% be my go-to. They probably have quite a bit more experience with Skywagons and Cubs than most shops as well.

http://www.sportaircraftseats.com



+1. I have them in my plane and they are fantastic quality!

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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

Thanks for posting that up. I slightly modified some 150 seats for my Tcraft build and I've been on the fence as far as what to do. This will probably be it.

TradeCraft wrote:I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations much closer to home, but Sport Aircraft Seats here in AK would 100% be my go-to. They probably have quite a bit more experience with Skywagons and Cubs than most shops as well.

http://www.sportaircraftseats.com
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

Oregon Aero makes good seats. No idea what their customer service is like. Bring your wallet...
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

Give Daniel at Sport Aircraft Seats a chance. I’m thrilled with how my seats turned out. Don’t let the “slide on aspect” scare you. His seats are nothing short of excellent.
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

These are the seat covers that I'll be using for my ongoing 170 upgrade(s). The "install" process is common yes but thereafter each seat cover is custom crafted to the dimensions of the specific frame and not a "generic" fit. After much searching as well I am convinced there isn't a product even close to the "fit, form & function of these seat covers, at this price point.

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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

Pretty is one thing, cost is another, but comfort trumps all in my experience. And, having spent literally thousands of hours, with many days of eight flight hours, in Oregon Aero seats, I don’t believe you’ll find more comfortable seats. And this from a guy with a bad back.

And, their quality and workmanship is also superb.

But, I’ve sat in quite a few airplane seats for long days, and Oregon Aero’s are Head and shoulders above any others I’ve been around.

MTV
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

If I may add, sheepskin is a good friend as well and that's based on MANY hours plunked in a semi-reclined position, under the hot sun in a sailplane.

Cheers,

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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

I had a deal with Oregon Aero for a video...shot a bunch of nice footage of some manufacturing and unique aspects of a particular project. The champion for the project in house left for another job and then their people went dark on me. I don't have a good taste in my mouth for working with them, although I'd imagine it's different when you're giving THEM money.
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

Im not a fan of the Oregon Aero stuff. Just not very comfortable to me. The issue is that they use the high density foam throughout the entire seat rather than just using it in a small sub layer. I ferried a customer plane up from NY last fall and this was the first complaint I had... TOSS THOSE SEATS! LOL

I just ferried it back out west and feel the same way. Lots of cash for uncomfortable bricks.
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

So basically you need a super soft, cushy seat for your whiny ass. Maybe these will work for you. Just cut off one corner of your man card and enjoy the comfort, that is if you have any corners left.
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Last edited by akgreg on Sat Jun 02, 2018 9:28 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

Bigrenna wrote:Im not a fan of the Oregon Aero stuff. Just not very comfortable to me. The issue is that they use the high density foam throughout the entire seat rather than just using it in a small sub layer. I ferried a customer plane up from NY last fall and this was the first complaint I had... TOSS THOSE SEATS! LOL

I just ferried it back out west and feel the same way. Lots of cash for uncomfortable bricks.


That’s what happens when you’re such a hard ass your own self......high density foam and a hard ass don’t mix apparently.

A heck of a lot of customers firmly (pun intended) disagree with you.

MTV
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

mtv wrote:A heck of a lot of customers firmly (pun intended) disagree with you.

MTV


Thousands of folks eat fast food each day... Doesn't mean its the best for you, just what is on TV and around the corner.

:wink:
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

Got around 4000 hours sittin on an Oregon Aero portable seat cushion, still using the same one and it's not blown out. They are amazing, makes an 8-10 hour day like nothin, without it I'm gettin stiff after 2-3 hours.

Deciding how to redo seats on the wagon right now. Got a quote from Oregon Aero, talk about sticker shock! As much as I love their product, just can't stomach $3000 for just the front seats. They won't sell just the foam and fabric either, which is disappointing.

Been considering using High Tech Foams, and covering with a local outfit. Anyone have experience with them? http://www.seatfoam.com/index.html
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

Yeah it's pile on Greg time! MTV is like the opposite size of me. The SQ2 has Oregon Aero seats and I've done two iron butt flights in it, AK to TX and TX to AK, plus another 600 hours of just flying. And even with the thin cushion I've never had any part of my anatomy get sore.

But I get it that you don't like fast food, so I say just keep the seats you have and get the cushiest seat covers you can find. Perhaps something along these lines. :-)

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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

Tough crowd.
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Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

I can sew, special attention to your delicate ass is included at no extra charge.

Check out @thehogring and reach out to one of the auto shops they feature that catches your eye. There is some incredible craftsmanship out there.
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Re: Looking for a new go-to seat vendor

@Greg - Have you looked at local hotrod upholstery shops to see if they are interested in the custom work?
They would be more than capable to do the work and you could help them navigate the burn certs and such.
Local means you can grab them by the soft spots when things go sideways.
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