Author Topic: Transverse jump seat  (Read 10096 times)

al_lieffring

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Transverse jump seat
« on: July 27, 2006, 15:15:59 »
My 66 us model 230sl has a jump seat instead of the carpeted package shelf in the back. I have seen euro models with a forward facing seat and no folding top or boot.

But mine has a side facing seat on the right hand (passenger side)

anyone else ever seen an SL with this option?

Al Lieffring

mdsalemi

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2006, 15:56:07 »
Hello Al,

I don't know which is more rare of what you describe, but I have seen more of the transverse Kinder seats then the forward facing one as you describe.

It's kind of a novelty as I don't know any right thinking parent who would put an untethered child in that seat for anything other then a slow spin around the block.  Any child small enough to fit in that seat is probably covered by child seat laws in the USA hence the novelty aspect.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
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Michael Salemi
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Douglas

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2006, 19:18:56 »
Al,

The model with the bench seat in the rear is the Coupe, or "California Coupe." It has no soft top; just a removable hardtop. Technically, it's a 2+2, but that's stretching it since the backseat has just an inch or two more than the normal Roadster.

The transverse backseat, aka "kinder seat," was seen on Roadsters (models with soft tops)throughout production. It is easily added or, if desired, removed. Cars with the transverse seat were delivered with the removable parcel shelf in the rear that covered the footwell on the driver side of the back seat.

IMHO, it's a neat option to have. I like the fact that you can stow luggage or groceries in the footwell and they won't move around.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA
« Last Edit: July 27, 2006, 19:20:09 by Douglas »

rogerh113

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2006, 13:33:36 »
Hello,

I also have a kinder seat in my '66 - I think it is not that unusual.  

A brief note on the illegality of small children in the seat.  I just recently saw my two cousins after MANY years (they are now 30x and I am 50x).  He said he still thinks back fondly on, and maybe the only thing he really remembers, about a visit they made as young children was a ride he got in my Austin Healey 3000 III. He ended up buying an MG when he grew up as a result (can't blame me for that). His sister also said the same thing about getting a ride.  The rides were probably no more than around the block, and I never realized what a big deal it was to them.  He has three children in the 3 to 7 range which came on the visit, and sadly I couldn't provide them with a similar memorable experience in my 230SL (probably even more of a fun ride).  They will be safer, but will never have that memory to think back on.......

Roger
1966 230SL black 4 speed (250 low compression engine)

keesing

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2006, 16:43:01 »
Both of my babies have "Kinder" seats... and I wish they didn't - only because I have two granddaughters (4+8)... I've made the mistake of giving each the around-the-block ride, and now they both get very upset with "pops" because he won't take them for his rides in the mountains! :(  :?:  
I have written to the DMV with photos, asking that if I install a harness type seatbelt, would it be legal(?) Due to the size and placement of the seat, any li'l passenger sure isn't going anywhere!

1967 250SL Signal Red
1969 280SL "Tweety Bird Yellow"
1987 260E Charcoal

Amanda

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #5 on: September 05, 2006, 18:02:53 »
My car has the kinder seat as well - and I have stuffed two adults back there (at different times).  They both said it was actually relatively comfortable, but they had the sense that they could be easily ejected from even the smallest of accidents, so you definitely have to drive extra carefully, and probably best only used for a short ride around town.

Amanda
1966 230SL
Manual
Red/Tan
Los Angeles

Naj ✝︎

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #6 on: September 06, 2006, 05:57:32 »
Are these original?
Anybody know?

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naj

68 280SL
68 280SL

rwmastel

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #7 on: September 06, 2006, 06:41:55 »
Naj,

I've not seen anything like that before.  I'm not even sure how useful it would be.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
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Ricardo

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #8 on: September 06, 2006, 07:07:39 »
Naj
That kind of looks like a converted coupe..no? I don't see the centre support for the original plywood floor panels, and the support is spot welded to the floor, so it's a job to remove it..... also the way the rear carpet fits seems odd and still no room for a person's legs....probably for the family dogs  :D

graphic66

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Naj ✝︎

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #10 on: September 06, 2006, 07:37:12 »
Ricardo

 
quote:
That kind of looks like a converted coupe..no?


It did have the soft top compartment, could not decide about the cushions....

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naj

68 280SL
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JamesL

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #11 on: September 06, 2006, 07:49:06 »
I asked a safetybelt specialist about this as I too have the kinder seat. (Naj: QuickfitSBS)

They said they have doen it but effectively ended up installing a seat not dissimilar to the later R107s, and a 5 point safety belt. The kid sits in the middle with legs on the tranny tunnel. Quite an expensive conversion...
James L
Oct69 RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

waqas

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #12 on: September 06, 2006, 11:55:00 »
Hello Al,

I have both options (my Mar-'65 pagoda is with kinder seat, but my Jan-'65 pagoda is without), and I can safely attest to the "coolness factor" of the kinder seat. It has always sparked a discussion... with me having to politely but firmly refuse to seat anyone there  :?  ... for anything more than a quick spin around the block.

Seats without headrests are bad enough, but these sideways-facing seats (even if you don't fly out due to lack of seatbelt) can give you a severe neck injury in even a little fender-bender.

I've readily used the seat for placing delicate items (like a bag of fruits and vegetables), and as Doug mentioned, the rear footwell is ideally suited (better than the shelf) for items that need to stay put while driving.

WAQAS in Austin, Texas
« Last Edit: September 06, 2006, 11:55:35 by waqas »
Waqas (Wa-kaas) in Austin, Texas

France

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #13 on: September 07, 2006, 08:16:49 »
Waqas,  

Carling (alias The Little Red Truck) commonly carries bags of cypress mulch on her kinder seat!

Trice
1968 280SL US, signal red/bl leather, auto, kinder seat
Sarasota FL; Alsace France
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1968 280SL US, signal red/bl leather, auto, kinder seat
Austrian Alps
Think of your Pagoda as a woman with a past...

114015

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Re: Transverse jump seat
« Reply #14 on: September 07, 2006, 16:52:55 »
Hello Naj,

I am pretty confident that your finding in the red 230 is not original but custom fit, although the cushon matches the seats' color pretty well.

Achim
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Achim
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