Topic: Foam Seat Question

[j-conn]

Hi all,
So I am considering new ways to build a seat. I was wondering if I could get your guys thoughts on what I am thinking...

Basically taking high desity foam (like that of a bodyboard) layering up on top of base that would attach to frame and forming to desired shape. If you ever try and break a boogie board its alot harder than u think. You can almost fold those in half and they wont snap. I dont know if they even would...

Is there a kind of glue/epoxy that would bind well enough? What kind of glue would eat the foam up?

I already have thoughts of how to reinforce the stack as well. run bolts from base to top. Cut out half depth of top layer 6 inch length by 4 inch width with 4 bolts coming out at 4 corners and install plate with bolts to prevent issues if glue gives out. Cover plate back up with top layer of foam.

I imagine a heat cutting wand (don't know correct term) would work perfectly.

You could then just apolster the whole thing if desired... I am almost thinking if the foam is the right color I could just leave it as you could just use actual bodyboard for top layer that has water resistant rubber on top.

Thoughts?

Thx

[mystic_1]

The mounting plate you describe would create quite a hard spot in the seat.  It's not necessary so long as you use an appropriate glue for the foam.  Do some googling.

mystic_1

[j-conn]

Need to find that glue/foam combo...

[Johnie]

I wonder if that spray can adhesive would work?  My son uses it when he makes car speaker boxes and glues thin carpet to the outside of the wood box. 

[j-conn]

http://www.foamandupholstery.com/Open_Cell_Foam.htm
nothing that looks dense enough tho... 3 lb styrofoam but i dont think thats the poly in the bodyboards.

Sounds like i want DOW 300

[Hinz]

you need a closed cell foam like neoprene. stiff and it's waterproof (obviously since they use it for wetsuits) and you can get it up to 2" thick.

I ordered some 1/8" thick neoprene from here...
http://www.foamforyou.com/neoprene.htm

You can go to Home Depot and find a kneeling pad that they usually sell in the gardening department. Use that as the base and then wrap it with thinner foam. That's my plan for my XS650.

[Alan F.]

That's a good link Hinz, if you click the button for 'Foam Accessories' scroll down almost halfway, there's a selection of spray adhesives for different types of foam.

Maybe a phone call will help you select the right one?

[cafeconleche]

someone else on the board mentioned it, but i ended up using a camping pad from Wlamart, it was $6.00.  I had to cut it up and layer it.  I used Gorilla glue to stick the layers together and then shaped the foam with a saw. Check my project thread, I have lots of pictures explaining the process

[cafeconleche]

http://www.foamandupholstery.com/Open_Cell_Foam.htm
nothing that looks dense enough tho... 3 lb styrofoam but i dont think thats the poly in the bodyboards.

Sounds like i want DOW 300

The link that Hinz posted has a section for motorcycle seat foam, it's located under high density foam.

[super pasty white guy]

I'm in the process of carving an entire seat out of 2" neoprene.  the stuff is really firm-  there's no sinking into it that's for sure.  Used the dow spray to glue it together and it's working quite well.

dave

[j-conn]

All awesome info for sure...
I am gonna try something this weekend and ill be sure to doc it in my project thread. (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=52458.0)
peace