Seats

[Dwight]

My Caterham’s seats seem to sit in a way that their uprights are slanted inboard or outboard depending on which one you’re viewing.  Is there an intentional slant, i.e., a left and right seat?  Or have the seat back uprights just gotten “tweaked” and can be realigned to be equal with some leverage?

[MV8]

The frames are tubular steel and do sometimes break but can be repaired better than new. It is a perimeter tube untriangulated so it can be bent. The upholstery should be removeable without damage, the frame squared up and reinforced in a way that won't interfere with the upholstery, then the upholstery reinstalled. Since the covers are 22 years old, you could remove the upholstery and ship it to a specialty upholsterer to make new using the original as a pattern, then have a local shop assemble. Another option is someone who specializes in aircraft reupholstery.

[Dwight]

Thank you for the very helpful and knowledgeable response.  I will consider your suggestions.  It appears, however, that there’s liberal use of glue on the fabric.  In your opinion, can the glued sections be separated and re-glued without damage?

[MV8]

It depends on the fabric condition and glue used. I expect the glue is contact cement or traditional yellow smelly weather stripping adhesive to wrap the bottom of the seat back around the foam around the frame, with the seat back slipping over from the top with the head rest removed. Some photos might help.

A wire wheel in a drill could roughen the old glue so fresh glue could adhere.