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.

[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.