Bench seat

[nerdist]

Greetings from across the pond. I am working on restoring my '53 Mk1a (SCL952). Most parts are relatively easy to gather, despite the lack of availability on this side of the pond and high shipping costs, but the bench seat got me stumped. I am thinking about getting it custom-made locally. I found some hand-drawn notes in past posts but none with precise measurements. Can anyone share drawings or point me to some alternatives please? If there is any concern that I will mass produce and corner the spare parts market, I'd be glad to sign nda w/one time production commitment

Cheers,
Chad

[Forumadmin]

I think if you cornered the market nobody would complain.
I think the frame is being made by JCS. Hopefully they will comment and perhaps supply you the drawings.

[Chris Spencer]

I somewhat doubt that JCS will supply the drawings that they have invested heavily in - both in time & commitment to reproduce the seat frames - Yes JCS are here to help all members but why should that commit them to giving away something that all other members have contributed to through their annual membership - For the uninformed Jowett Car Spares receives a small levy contribution from each membership - JCS in turn use the levy funding to invest in patterning / tooling / research / drawings etc in order to manufacture / reproduce parts that are no longer available - The Jupiter seat frames are available to order from them

[Keith Clements]

I think the issue is shipping cost to USA versus local manufacture.

[Chris Spencer]

That's a owner problem and nothing else - I have no desire to sound hard faced or matter of fact on the issue but should I choose to purchase a rare American classic car for restoration I going to expect to have to locate and ship parts from the US to the UK whilst factoring in that there's going to be shipping / customs charges applied - In this case the reverse factor applies.

[nerdist]

Correct me if I am wrong or have unrealistic expectations about this club but I thought owners with problems shared their issues or solutions with other owners. I'm a mechanical engineer and have spent many hours doing cad drawings for bimmerforms and custom parts for z3s as a volunteer but never thought my contributions should not be provided others as a free service but that's me and my own perspective for these types of clubs. Btw I volunteered several times to help Jowett clubs with technology, periodicals and website so I am willing to contribute back to the collective knowledge and hopefully one day I will reach that goal.

I am a paid member of multiple Jowett clubs and trying to return my car back to road with some collective knowledge and help from others. Being in the States, I cannot join local events, socialize or collaborate with other members so I probably have the lowest ROI on my club membership when compared to UK based members but I am not complaining. I 'll pay 10 times more for the knowledge I gathered and put to work.

I reached out to JCS last June and have been in touch with them and handful others, so I followed the proper procedure but was told that they were out of stock (still trying to confirm). I am willing to pay extra for shipping and I already expected that when I decided to buy a Yorkshire car with very limited US presence so no surprise there. Even with shipping costs, large volume production from JCS is still much cheaper than custom made one. So my first priority is the availability and if there is no availability, what options do I have (custom made, bucket seats, or anything else helpful).

Cheers,
Chad

[Chris Spencer]

I'll chat to Paul and see what can be sorted in regards to production - otherwise I have a used original frame that has been reupholstered that came with a car that is being converted to racing hence no longer required - the leather has some minor storage damage on it and it maybe not the colour that you were planning on (Beige /Biscuit) but you are still up against shipping / custom costs - Yes we are here to help our members within reason & yes its a 2 way street - Your intentions sound great but have you physically made anyone aware of your offer / help / assistance ?

Regards Chris

[Chris Spencer]

Chad - Further to this have you made contact with Scott Renner at all - he's LA based and owned / restored Jupiters for decades - He may be able to assist in parts supply on that side of the pond - I'll put you in touch if you don't have his contact details

[nerdist]

Thanks. I have been in touch with Scott since I bought my Jupiter and joined the club in 2016. He's been great mentor and resource for many issues but he was stumped as well and suggested that I post here. Just got a note from JCS last night and looks like I might get the last one of the last production run. Fingers crossed. If not, I'll reach out for your offer.

[PJGD]

Chad, Where are you located? I am in Detroit. . .

[David Kemp]

I have the remains of a bench seat I could make a paper pattern for you if you want.