Replacing horsehair pad

[four50sel]

The leather in my 450SEL is in fantastic shape, but the horsehair pad in the back seat bottom is heading south. What is involved in replacing the pad? How difficult is it to get the leather off and back on? I appreciate any and all advice on this subject.

[abe g]

I replaced the leather on my 77 450sl drivers seat. It is a lot of work! You have remove the entire seat assembly from the car. Allow for this if you decide to do. good luck, Abe G

[four50sel]

Thank goodness I am doing the back seat and not the front. The front pads are in great shape.

I would imagine that the back seat is easier to remove then the front. I am more interested in what is involved in removing the leather cover, replacing the pad, and then replacing the leather cover.

[abe g]

Based on your model, removal of seat is first step. The covrs are held on with c -clips (hog rings) uph supply or auto store sells same with crimper handle. Depending on model, there may be a metal ring around base that also holds material down. As to horsehair original pads, very expensive. Cutting firm poly-foam to shape (proper thickness) may be more feasible. good luck. Abe G

[alabbasi]

It seems every w116 I have seen in the US suffers from this (they must have been some sub standard horses running around in the 70's). You can buy these pads from World Upholstery and Trim (http://www.worlduph.com) Although the idea of using foam does sound more feasable cost wise.

[milterino]

I have a 76 450 sel and am doing the rear seat and back at this time. On mine the rear seat has 2 cut outs on the front lower sheet metal part of the seat. This is where the seat is secured on to a couple of projections from the car body. Seat removes by lifting front part "up". The seat cover has a 3/16 '' by perhaps 3/4'' strip of cardboard that is sewed to the bottom perimeterr of the cover. This cardboard strip inserts into a slot built into the sheemetal seat frame at the bottom perimeter. Might take a little prying but the strip comes out and goes back fairly easily. A nice design I thought. I used the junk yard to get my replacement material. Good luck. Milt.