Understanding Scheel seats for Porsche 914, 914-6, There are a lot of threads, not a lot of answers… Options

[horizontally-opposed]

I just found a pair of Scheel seats for my 914 that I couldn't pass up. They are thought to have never been installed, and the underside and 914 seat rails suggest that might be true. The little damage that the seats do have topside looks like it could indeed be shop wear. Whatever the case, the price was right and the corduroy looked good, so I decided to buy them.

I've sat in Scheels here and there over the years, and some seemed really nice while others were pretty tight. Well, wouldn't you know it: The one wearing the driver's side 914 seat rails is very nice but a bit tight while the one wearing passenger seat rails is loooooovely. That's funny, as taking a tape measure to the width of the seat centers suggests it should be the other way around. And that's when I started to notice the differences between the heights of the pleats in both the back rests and the seat bottoms.

But both seats have 914 headrests that exactly match the material on the bolsters and backs (which looks super original and in generally great shape...in line with the underside of the seats) and both seats came on 914 seat rails that look like they could be NOS. I know all that may not prove much, but…

I've looked through a lot of threads on Scheel seats, and looked around the internet too. Not a lot of great information so far—though maybe you know a better source? Gerrit looks to have let his website go, and the Scheel Austria site seems to be focused on later Scheel seats for Ford Escorts, etc. Any go-to sites or experts now?

I will be installing these seats in my 1973 914 in the weeks to come, and will report back about fit with the factory back pad. And while the corduroy is nice now, I am thinking about buying some of the stuff used in the 991.2 GT3 Touring, as it looks very similar but is sure to be quite a bit more durable given modern wear requirements.

[horizontally-opposed]

Probably the best image I have found so far was here on 914world—and original bit of sales literature showing the 100, 101, 114, etc.—from this thread:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...9&hl=scheel

Both of my seats came with headrests like the ones seen on the "114 Sport…for the VW-Porsche." But it appears someone may have ordered the pair with one 114 Sport and one 100 Sport with 114 Sport headrests and then went to the parts counter for L&R side 914 seat rails. Neither have the adjustable backrest of the 101 Sport. Will be very curious to see how/if they fit. Wonder if that's why they ended up on a shelf in the first place...

Translations, for what they're worth (probably imperfect):

Modell 100 Sport
Wie Modell 100 Sport jedoch mit starrer Rückenlehne.

Model 100 Sport
Like model 100 Sport, however, with a rigid backrest.

Modell 101 Sport
neuentwickelter sportschalensitz mit komfort. Besonders geeignet für den sportlichen fahrer. Dieser Sitz hat eine 15 grad stufenlos verstellbare Rückenlehne.

Model 101 Sport
newly developed sport scarf seat with comfort. Especially suitable for the sporty driver. This seat has a 15 degree infinitely adjustable backrest.

Modell 114 Sport
Wie Modell 100 Sport entwickelt für den VW Porsche.

Model 114 Sport
Like model 100 Sport developed for the VW Porsche.

[914forme]

Pete can not wait to see what you find out.

[914Sixer]

We need a picture of the side view. It will tell if it is for a 911 or 914 .Back angle must match 914 seat.

[rgalla9146]

I just found a pair of Scheel seats for my 914 that I couldn't pass up. Thought to have never been installed, and the underside and 914 seat rails suggest that might be true—and the damage that the seats do have looks like it could indeed be shop wear. Whatever the case, the price was right and the corduroy looked good, so I decided to buy them.

I've sat in Scheels a lot over the years, and some seemed really nice while others were pretty tight. Well, wouldn't you know it: The one wearing the driver's side 914 seat rails is very nice but a bit tight while the one wearing passenger seat rails is just loooooovely.

That's funny, as taking a tape measure to the width of the seat centers suggests it should be the other way around. And that's when I started to notice the differences between the heights of the pleats in both the back rests and the seat bottoms.

But both seats have 914 headrests that exactly match the material on the bolsters and backs (which looks super original and in generally great shape...in line with the underside of the seats) and both seats came on 914 seat rails that look like they could be NOS. I know all that may not prove much, but…

I've looked through a lot of threads on Scheel seats, and looked around the internet too. Not a lot of great information so far—though maybe you know a better source? Gerrit looks to have let his website go, and the Scheel Austria site seems to be focused on later Scheel seats for Ford Escorts, etc. Any go-to sites or experts now?

I will be installing these seats in my 1973 914 in the weeks to come, and will report back about fit with the factory back pad. And while the corduroy is nice now, I am thinking about buying some of the stuff used in the 991.2 GT3 Touring, as it looks very similar but is sure to be quite a bit more durable given modern wear requirements.

AFAIK Scheels are not side specific.
Switch the rails to put the more comfortable seat on the drivers side.
My inserts were a bit baggy but the original material was re-fitted by a local
upholstery shop.
I'm working on restoring the original Scheel emblems that fit on the upper backrest.

[mepstein]

I have a set of 114 seats. They have a metal frame. They fit 914’s. I don’t think any of their other seats have a proper 914 fit but the 300 racing or one very close was used on the 914-6GT. I would put the most comfortable one in the driver side. Many older porsche’s have non matching seats. Wouldn’t bother me a bit. Those seats look like they are in terrific shape. Congrats.

Besides Rory, Glenn Stazak is very knowledgeable about Scheel seats

[horizontally-opposed]

Pete can not wait to see what you find out.

Me too! This project may move slowly, as I think I am going to see if a local upholstery shop can do anything for the small holes on one of the bolster...even an imperfect repair would be better than redoing these, as they are so original. Just want to prevent the holes from getting bigger.

What I have found out so far is that one of these seats is one of the most comfortable seats I have sat in in any car. Definitely want to figure out what it is, and which one of these is which.

We need a picture of the side view. It will tell if it is for a 911 or 914 .Back angle must match 914 seat.

Will get such a pic!

AFAIK Scheels are not side specific.
Switch the rails to put the more comfortable seat on the drivers side. My inserts were a bit baggy but the original material was re-fitted by a local upholstery shop. I'm working on restoring the original Scheel emblems that fit on the upper backrest.

^ Thank you! Very helpful, and I think I am going to switch the rails for sure. Saw your thread and they sure came out great. I will ask about tightening these up a hair, but they are pretty good as is—certainly nice enough to use for a while. The reality is I've never seen a set of well used Scheels where the corduroy looked good, so I am going to ask a friend at PAG if there's a way to buy some of the new corduroy they use in the current GT3 Touring. Want to take a closer look at that material, as it may provide the correct Scheel look (or close enough for me) with much better wear. Will report back, and please keep us posted on your Scheel emblem restoration. These seats look largely unused, but the even then the Scheel logos are very, very faint.

I have a set of 114 seats. They have a metal frame. They fit 914’s. I don’t think any of their other seats have a proper 914 fit but the 300 racing or one very close was used on the 914-6GT. I would put the most comfortable one in the driver side. Many older porsche’s have non matching seats. Wouldn’t bother me a bit. Those seats look like they are in terrific shape. Congrats.

Besides Rory, Glenn Stazak is very knowledgeable about Scheel seats

Thanks! I think I am going to do just that, and am hopeful that even if the comfier seat is the wrong seat for the 914 that I might be able to make it work on the driver's side—as I lowered the seat rails on that side by about 0.8-inch and that might help with back pad clearance. We'll see. Also see that my back pad may be sitting 0.25-inch to 0.5-inch low...going to see what's up with that, too. Would love to make these seats work in my car—and find ways to make them work for others who think it's 114 only.

First, however, it would be great to determine exactly which version each seat is.

[914Sixer]

As a side note, using the hand brake can be fun with this type of seat. Stock seats have a scallop in them.

[Larmo63]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

The tracks are easily flip-flopped. I found that the puny screw holes in these seats (I used hex heads here) are almost laughably microscopic. Also, you must shim (washers) the tracks or they can stick. To the point where you can't get them back out of the car.


One of my biggest frustrations has been to get the dumb looking headrests out of my seats. I don't care for them. I've tried and tried to extricate them from the seat backs. They won't budge and they aren't rusted together at all. I suspect a set screw somewhere or a secret internal weld.

When I get these reupholstered, the headrests will be changed to something else.

Nice seats, Pete, you'll love them!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

[mepstein]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

The tracks are easily flip-flopped. I found that the puny screw holes in these seats (I used hex heads here) are almost laughably microscopic. Also, you must shim (washers) the tracks or they can stick. To the point where you can't get them back out of the car.


One of my biggest frustrations has been to get the dumb looking headrests out of my seats. I don't care for them. I've tried and tried to extricate them from the seat backs. They won't budge and they aren't rusted together at all. I suspect a set screw somewhere or a secret internal weld.

When I get these reupholstered, the headrests will be changed to something else.

Nice seats, Pete, you'll love them!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

Most of the 114’s have a fixed headrest though the one I purchased from mike fitton is removable. But that seat has been reupholstered.

[johnlush]

Hey Pete,

Glad to see you got your Scheels! They look great! I know nothing about their fitment but based on your pictures and visual cues it looks like they are definitely different. Any markings or date stamps that may indicate model or vintage? Guess the good news is that it looks like you have your choice as to which one you want to park it in. Your passenger may or may not be as happy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Cheers,

John

[horizontally-opposed]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

The tracks are easily flip-flopped. I found that the puny screw holes in these seats (I used hex heads here) are almost laughably microscopic. Also, you must shim (washers) the tracks or they can stick. To the point where you can't get them back out of the car.


One of my biggest frustrations has been to get the dumb looking headrests out of my seats. I don't care for them. I've tried and tried to extricate them from the seat backs. They won't budge and they aren't rusted together at all. I suspect a set screw somewhere or a secret internal weld.

When I get these reupholstered, the headrests will be changed to something else.

Nice seats, Pete, you'll love them!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

Thanks, man! Can't wait to get these figured out and into the car. When you say shims, can you elaborate? Are you stacking them for height, or? Leaving them a bit loose to get everything "happy" and then removing an tightening? Talk about a tricky endeavor. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/barf.gif)

I am familiar with what you are describing with getting aftermarket seats off the rails again. I had to employ my CSOB lightweight floor jack, towels, and wood to get the passenger side GTS Classic seat out. Thankfully, the driver's seat was easier. There has to be a better way. I wonder if removing the floor mounts and setting everything up on the seat and then adding a bit of (lithium?) grease is one way to go? May get interesting, with my lowered driver's side mount.

About those headrests....would it be helpful if I took some detailed pics of the spears on mine before installing? Have to admit your prior posts are what kept me from installing them on the seats straightaway.

Most of the 114’s have a fixed headrest though the one I purchased from mike fitton is removable. But that seat has been reupholstered.

Innnteresting. A running change, maybe? I have noticed vinyl headrests and corduroy headrests, though maybe this is something that happened during the moves from Scheel to Scheel-Mann to König.

Hey Pete,

Glad to see you got your Scheels! They look great! I know nothing about their fitment but based on your pictures and visual cues it looks like they are definitely different. Any markings or date stamps that may indicate model or vintage? Guess the good news is that it looks like you have your choice as to which one you want to park it in. Your passenger may or may not be as happy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Cheers,

John

Thanks! Yep, no question the two are different. Curious to see what I can figure out, as these really do look original and very nice (thanks to lack of use). I think the seller said they were numbered sequentially, but I need to double check my memory banks (email) on that. I will get some pics of the underside and straps, as they look new and do have what appear to be spray-painted numbers on the straps. Didn't see a date stamp, or much else in the way of markings, but will dig around a bit.

[rgalla9146]

Mine are actually Scheel Mann
I Googled Scheel Mann and luckily came up with an original printed logo
that I used for the artwork.
Took it to a screen maker.
I'm now looking for someone who can screen it
onto black vinyl...(naugahide ?)
I'm also looking for a matching pair of submarine belt grommets.
The ones in my seats were added later and are not the same.
They're 2 1/2" x 4" outside.

[burton73]

I suggest that you print on new material and then wrap and glue back on the button.

I need this for my one seat for my 6 but the layout was different.

UV cure ink would be the shot.

Bob Burton

[Larmo63]

You should come to WCR, Pete. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

By shims, I meant simple washers. The vinyl on the underside of the seats gets tangles in the track to track arrangement, especially as it gets to the back of the track (firewall.)

I found that washers cured the issue. Maybe two or three on each bolt?

I'm going to have mine re-covered at some point, so I'll get the bastard headrests out then.

Probably after WCR.

[Dave_Darling]

Would the folks at GTS Classics be a source? I know they make their own, but they may have info on some of their predecessors.

--DD

[mepstein]

Would the folks at GTS Classics be a source? I know they make their own, but they may have info on some of their predecessors.

--DD

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Stephan knows alot about seats.

[wes]

Sorry!

[wes]

I think the washers are as a spacer because the seats or mine anyway catch on the back at the point where the material is folded on each corner and won’t let the slider move all the way back to remove the seats. I used a flat bar of aluminum I think a 1/4 thick by 3/4 wide 18” long, enough to cover the puffed up corners front and rear. The front corner puffs up so the handle to release the sliders don’t have enough movement to release the slider nicely. Also on mine the metal clamp things that tied the material were holding the rails at an angle which would not let the rails slide nicely so adding the aluminum bars just off to the side enough to avoid the clamps helped there as well. Also Larmo mentioned he used the hex heads great idea because I wasn’t bright enough to think of that and I used a regular bolt head leaving little room for my fat fingers to start them, that’s experience.
Without bar catch’s material
With bar holding puffy corner down

[larryM]

the original 114 scheel for the 914 logo button was



i have 2 brand new ones FS, & one oem that the logo is worn off of (it is oem leather wrap)

I suggest that you print on new material and then wrap and glue back on the button.

I need this for my one seat for my 6 but the layout was different.

UV cure ink would be the shot.

Bob Burton