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Prius seats / modifications

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Nelly11, Feb 25, 2016.

  1. Nelly11

    Nelly11 New Member

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    Hey all! Great forum! First time post

    I'm the owner of a 2005 Prius that I've been driving for almost 4 years.

    I have a serious Love / Hate relationship with this car. For many years was a proud owner! Fuel economy was probably the biggest single factor in my purchase, have used the storage for many epic hauls but looking back not sure I would have made the same decision. About 1-1.5 months after purchasing the Prius I started to have very serious back issues. These back issues have taken over my life. Years of pain, chiro, physio, accupuncture, standing desk, no more sports have been a major disruption to my life.

    I'm convinced the Prius is either THE cause or at least a major contributing factor to this issues so I'm considering selling despite not being in the financial position to do so comfortably. It took me far too long to figure this out, but better late than never.

    My question to anyone out there is have you had success with seat replacements or modifications to replace the horrible seats that come with this Prius.

    In trying to find a solution to my problem I've come across the Lexus CT 200h. It looks to be a slightly smaller . Would these be a possible swap if i could somehow find some from a junk yard or something?

    My local mechanic did not suggest changing seats. He thinks i should buy a new car, but trying to give the Prius one last ditch effort. I live in Toronto, Ontario any local people or places to talk to would also be appreciated.

    Cheers, Matt
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! i have no clue, but there are threads here on all kinds of seat changes, if you try searching. all the best!(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Feb 25, 2016
    Last edited: Feb 25, 2016
  3. Nelly11

    Nelly11 New Member

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    Thanks!
     
    bisco likes this.
  4. Caniac

    Caniac Active Member

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    I too had back issues when driving my gen 2. Probably not as bad as yours though. I had a small vibrating back pillow that I would put behind my lower lumbar and it helped a lot. Other than that we just took the nicer car on long trips.
     
  5. Nelly11

    Nelly11 New Member

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    Yes, I think there is no doubt that the seat lacks proper support and adjustments typical in a modern car. I've tried some seat cushion / support addition type things and they tend to move / get squashed not really help. I will look into the lower lumbar virating pillow that could help but i imagine just marginally. I think beyond the lack of support the posture is just terrible since you cannot adjust the seat down or tilt the base of the seat to improve posture. I'm also a larger frame 6'4" 200+ pounds which is probably part of the equation although some smaller people probably also still have issues with these things they are so cheap.
     
  6. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Biggest issue I see is the connectors. Back in the day, switching seats was an easy thing to do. Nowadays, every sensor to the computer is hook up to the seats. Not to mention the void of a warranty. If you do this, please try to match up the seat sensors and connectors and ahve them tested out. If not, in the event of an accident, your back issue could be the least of concerns..........just looking out for you!
     
  7. Nelly11

    Nelly11 New Member

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    Thanks Montgomery! I could not agree more. I think this is the general view of my mechanic as well in terms of why he recommends me just replacing the car. I know there are side air bags that deploy from the seat which is a central safety feature. Would the side air bags from another car seat like a Lexus CT 200h be able to be setup properly? No idea. Just trying to see if there is anyone else out there in the same situation and what they ended up doing. It is frustrating to even be thinking of replacing a car for this reason, but trying to navigate best that i can. We have recently put in about $1k into various improvements. Love the car otherwise. It seems like a shame, but might be the best call from a back / safety perspective.
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    some people who have added clazzio leather seat covers, say they are much more comfortable, and the air bags a re taken into account.
     
    apt5020 likes this.
  9. Nelly11

    Nelly11 New Member

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    Thanks Bisco! Appreciate the response and just looking at some interesting things as a result. However, a little hesitant to believe the leather seat covers are going to be enough change. Probably a nice little extra bit of padding for the average person but not sure it addresses the core posture / support issue that is causing my back issues in these chairs
     
  10. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    Check out @LamboGuy's thread here: The transformation has begun! | Page 2 | PriusChat

    His seats are for sale.
    [​IMG]

    Looks pretty awesome. I've thought about upgrading my seats as most seat covers do not change the shape of the seat or the comfort. This would require different padding... so a completely different seat seems the best answer...but not an easy one.
     
  11. Nelly11

    Nelly11 New Member

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    Wow. Thanks @Justdidit and kudos @LamboGuy! That is incredible. I don't think i have the skills to pull off that DIY but that is incredible work. Interesting to see it done successfully.

    What do you mean his seats are for sale?
     
  12. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    Maybe reach out to him and double check.. A few days ago, he posted that his Prius was going back to stock and he was selling his seats for $1500. Maybe he's changed his mind. Send him a PM.
     
  13. Nelly11

    Nelly11 New Member

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  14. javajunki

    javajunki recycled hippy

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    I vaguely remember something about being able to swap out Camry seats into the 2007 Prius. Didn't pay attention at the time but am looking to try to get some more comfort in my old age and wonder if anyone has information or links to that discussion?
     
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i don't think it was a straight swap. maybe some floor bolt reconfiguration, and it was a power seat, iirc.
     
  16. ulysses calles

    ulysses calles New Member

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    For my gen 2 i installed a bucket seat if that helps
     
  17. Einstein57

    Einstein57 New Member

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    IMG_4394.JPG I installed a pair of BMW seats I picked up for $100
     
    audiodave, Ajourney101 and Justdidit like this.
  18. javajunki

    javajunki recycled hippy

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    Thanks for the info.. everyone who responded.
     
  19. jm98

    jm98 Member

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    @Einstein57, Did you have to disable or reprogram to bypass seat airbags alarm? If there is one...
     
  20. Lenzyl

    Lenzyl New Member

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    JavaJunki, did you get the Camry seats to fit? if so, how?