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Custom Lumbar Support

Model Years 2018 to 2023
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13K views 16 replies 7 participants last post by  Sarang  
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#1 · (Edited)
We all know that the Crosstrek is missing a significant feature -- lumbar support. Driving it give me a backache. Since, for now, it will be my daily driver for only a few months I was willing to take the risk of getting a Crosstrek with the intention of modifying the seat. I've done this in other vehicles as well. For one non-Subaru vehicle I was even able to purchase an OEM manually adjustable lumbar support mechanism. I couldn't find one for the Crosstrek so I decided to use some automotive upholstery foam from previous projects. A local upholstery shop gave me some for free. (I suspect lumbar is available on JDM models but I couldn't find parts.)

Edit: Sorry the photos are such low resolution. The files I uploaded were 12 MP.

Here's my how to:

1) Selected my foam thickness. I used a 5 mm thick piece. I initially used the thicker piece but it was too prominent.

2) Cut to size. Finding the best size took some experimentation.



3) Find the best placement on the seat. I used packaging tape to hold it in place. This took lots of experimentation too. I left in it place for a couple of weeks to make sure the foam was the right size and in the right location.

4) Now it's time hide the foam in the seat. It was easy.

Pull out the zippers.

(Continued)
 
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#2 ·
4) (continued)

The zipper does not have a pull handle.

Now you can see inside the seat back. I had hoped to flip up the entire back panel but it was attached on the bottom and had electrical wiring all over the place. However, access was still adequate.



5) Insert the foam. I had to adjust it a couple of times to get it in the correct spot.

6) Close it up and hide the zippers so they don't rattle against the surrounding plastic panels. When zipping I pulled on the ends to straighten them out. This reduces the chance of something getting caught in the zipper which would be a nightmare to fix.

7) Happy motoring and enjoy no longer being envious of the Forester's OEM lumbar.
 
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#4 ·
This foam is not something that could melt or catch on fire from that wiring in the seat right? Even if you don't use, but accidentally turn ON the Seat Heating, what those wires are? They do get pretty warm, both seat cushions and backs.
 
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#7 ·
Having spent 18 years as a firefighter back east, that caught my eye. Didn't want to read a bad news post, so figured I'd throw that out there for safety sake.
 
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#8 ·
The heating elements are on the front side of the seat immediately under the upholstery.

The foam I placed is on the backside of the seat with a sheet of factory plastic and plenty of factory foam between it and the heating elements.

There’s plenty of materials that would have to catch fire before my foam would.
 
#9 ·
So did you just unzip the seat cover and basically shove/work your piece of foam up under those wires? If so that sounds not too horrible to do. Might have to think about it myself, the seat really could use a touch more lumbar support for longer drives.
 
#11 ·
Very awesome, thanks for posting this. The pics especially help make the idea less daunting. Installing a new head unit, yeah I can do that.... new brakes and rotors, no problem. Mess with upholstery... holy crap I'm scared.... hold me mommy...
 
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