horsehair vs high density foam pads

[Ferrolanoman]

As you've probably seen in my other thread (MB Tex suppliers), I'm about to reupholster the seats in my 1970 280SL. With an ever widening number of choices for the covers, I'm also facing a choice of stuffings. What is the consensus of opinion from those who've reupholstered their cars or had it done--horsehair as it was originally done by MB or foam as a lot of suppliers are offering?
And, not incidentally, how do I remove the seat back adjustment knob so that I can take off all of the hardware from the back/upright part of the seat?
I look forward to your comments with anticipation and gratitude.

[paults1]

On the back side of the knob there is a hole that you can insert a short blunt tool or a wood dowel rod to push out the center cover of the knob. Use a mirror to locate the hole. This will give you access to remove the knob.  This worked for me on my '63 230SL, so I think it should work on a later 250 or 280SL.
Regards, Paul, early '63 230SL

[66andBlue]

Since rubberized horsehair (?) was the original material I would pick that one. You will have to use hog clamps to attach the pad to the frame and I am not sure how well that works with dense foam.
Before you push out the plastic ring as Paul described it carefully warm up the cap with a hairdryer. The old plastic is very brittle and breaks easily especially when it is cold.

[thelews]

Was it horsehair or coco fiber?

[66andBlue]

Good question!
I read somewhere that early on when they were made in Czechoslovakia (supposedly)  it was horse hair - now it looks like rubberized coco fiber.
Still a better support for hog clamps than foam I would think.

[thelews]

I think it was originally coco fiber

[66andBlue]

... and I tend to agree with you.
My 1966 original pad material looked more like cocos (or perhaps Sisal) than horse hair.

[zoegrlh]

Couple of things, first DON'T take the tilt knobs, or the center plastic cover of knobs off.  An easier way, just take the rod with knob attached, and pull out after you have removed the chrome cover next to the center transmission tunnel.  You can also release the chrome cover at the knob, but you can not take off until you have released the "C" rings on the rod, inside the seat.  First you have to take off the back board of the seat, it will slide down once the two screws that hold on the bottom of back board are un-screwed.  Once you have the back board off the seat, you will see the "C" rings (2).  Just take out, slide the wheels off as the rod is being pulled out.  Note, that the tilt gear will slide out of the spring loaded teeth.  Make sure you release the small spring holding these teeth.  It really is very easy to do.  I have heard too many horror stories about taking the tilt knobs of the rods.  Also I don't think MB knobs are still available, some after market might be.

Now next, I would use the "hoarshair" for your pads, they feel so much like the new feel of the Pagoda, and they are firm, and they have always been made of a natural plant/tree fiber.  They are  not of a horse's hair, and is spelled hoars.  It is just a term used.  The new pads are sprayed with rubberized coating to hold the materal together better.  I think this is the way to go.  Now I have been told that the pads are NLA from MB.  You might want to check.  I ordered pads for a friend on mine a couple of years ago from GAHH.  Those pads are being made in Mexico by the supplier for VW.  I also understand that these are no longer available.  You will want to check.

[GermanAutoTops]

Last time I checked with the classic center there were a few pads available but were very expensive. I believe they retail for over $450 (each) when I checked a few months ago. The pads from GAHH have now almost doubled in price and retail for $250 for each pad which is still alot cheaper than the original pads, and are a very good aftermarket item.

[66andBlue]

...I would use the "hoarshair" for your pads, ... and is spelled hoars.  ...

Hi Bob,
you are pulling our legs, aren't you?    Are you supplying the hair?  

Dictionary entry overview: What does hoar mean?
• HOAR (adjective)
  The adjective HOAR has 1 sense:
1. showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair

A common German word for seat padding is Gummihaarauflage, translated as "rubberized hair pad".
Horse hair was/is used as a stuffing , especially in mattresses, and those are still made today and are not cheap:
http://www.rosshaarmatratzen.ch/rosshaar.php
http://www.chbeckley.com/products-mattresses.html

[zoegrlh]

Hey, you are correct, pulling your leg, good research on the word HOAR.  I am gray headed, although when I look into the mirror, I think it still looks blond to me.  And yes lots of my hair have filled my seats over the past years.  By the way, I have donated my hair to LOCKS OF LOVE three times, and will do so shortly again for a fourth time.
Bob

[Ferrolanoman]

Well everybody, I ordered the seat cover and the bottom pad for the driver's side from German Auto Tops. After contacting Armen by email and phone, I decided to go slow and only do the damaged and worn driver's side bottom. I can tell you that my helper and I worked almost all day Sunday fitting and installing both pieces. The results couldn't have been more satisfying in all regards--fit, match, feel and finish. In fact, since the replaced bottom was the only damaged/worn part and it blends so well (I'm sure that being black MB Tex helps immensely), not only with the pass side but also with the back rest of the driver, I am not going any further for now. I mean to keep the car as original as possible in all aspects--68K miles for a 280SL should represent its infancy. There you have it, a satisfied German Auto Top customer speaking from experience. And I did use the hoarshair pad.