Ask the Editors: I’m Not Short, My Seat’s Just Tall
Dear ATVC:
I am a smaller rider and have wondered if any companies offer custom-made ATV seats to accommodate those of us who feel a bit stretched in most quads’ cockpits.
Had you said you were seeking a custom made UTV seat, the options would be limitless. However, since ATV seat foam is typically designed to accommodate specific makes and models, typically the only option of customization at your disposal is the seatcover itself.
We have some good news however.. You or someone you know with a steady hand and a little bit of patience can perform a seat foam trim in an afternoon with only an electric carving knife.
Remove your ATV’s seat then carefully remove the staples on the underside connecting the cover to the plastic seat pan. Once you’ve removed the cover, simply run the electric carving knife over the seat foam, shaving it off in small, even layers. Once you are satisfied with the height of your seat’s foam, stretch the cover back on and pop fresh staples through the cover into the plastic pan using a staple gun.
Like the old carpenter adage “measure twice, cut once”, we find its better to remove less foam initially and to repeat the process until satisfied rather than taking off too much and having to purchase new seat foam.
