The Elio Engine

[Ty]

That is the approach HD moved to as it comes down the line it is equipped as ordered

... and almost every other vehicle manufacturer on the planet...

 

[Ty]

Not exactly a 30-second job. But kind of neat just the same.

That is neat and not nearly as hard as that first layer of cloth. At Johnson Controls, we had a machine that squeezed the seat. The operator would take an inside out cover and get it started and then a set of rollers pushed it down over the seat. Another station squeezed the upside down (seat back in this case) and an operator would connect that plastic channel thing to hold it all together. Then, that seatback was connected to a seat bottom... probably because they had to make so many seats so fast.

 

[Ekh]

I know how I'm going to pay for my Elio! (at least that's the plan)
This is actually OT, but is important personal news. My dad wrote a very popular novel then screen play for the classic movie My Man Godfrey. I have written an adaptation for the stage, and have received an offer (a good one) from a publisher specializing in plays. This is not get-rich-quick, but is potentially a nickel machine -- a device that spits out only a couple of nickels, but does so fairly often and over a length of time. Here's a link to the film, which is now in public domain. You will split your sides laughing! But don't watch it here -- it's worth seeing it larger and in better resolution.

 

[WilliamH]

Not exactly a 30-second job. But kind of neat just the same.

That is neat and not nearly as hard as that first layer of cloth. At Johnson Controls, we had a machine that squeezed the seat. The operator would take an inside out cover and get it started and then a set of rollers pushed it down over the seat. Another station squeezed the upside down (seat back in this case) and an operator would connect that plastic channel thing to hold it all together. Then, that seatback was connected to a seat bottom... probably because they had to make so many seats so fast.

On the other hand, 4 bolts and a power connector (in the case of a power seat) and you are done, and how many seat options will there be.
Or maybe 8 bolts including the back seat.

 

[Ty]

On the other hand, 4 bolts and a power connector (in the case of a power seat) and you are done, and how many seat options will there be.
Or maybe 8 bolts including the back seat.

I'd bet the seat bottom for the back seat just snaps into place. Or maybe has two tabs in the back and two bolts on the floor. The seatback pivots so it may be a bit more complicated. Since Lear is building the seats (Mustang seat up front), they may have a lot of options. But, it wouldn't be too hard to store single seats for options. There may be some people who would want a nice heated leather seat up front but don't think they'll carry passengers very often. It'd be silly to have leather back there if it would never be used. Maybe Elio will "unpackage" the seats and allow us to only buy the one we want. My wife doesn't like leather seats... let her have cloth. I want the leather heated/cooled seats. (my truck is spoiling the crap out of me... not literally)

 

[WilliamH]

I'd bet the seat bottom for the back seat just snaps into place. Or maybe has two tabs in the back and two bolts on the floor. The seatback pivots so it may be a bit more complicated. Since Lear is building the seats (Mustang seat up front), they may have a lot of options. But, it wouldn't be too hard to store single seats for options. There may be some people who would want a nice heated leather seat up front but don't think they'll carry passengers very often. It'd be silly to have leather back there if it would never be used. Maybe Elio will "unpackage" the seats and allow us to only buy the one we want. My wife doesn't like leather seats... let her have cloth. I want the leather heated/cooled seats. (my truck is spoiling the crap out of me... not literally)

I know the feeling. Heated and cooled 10 way power seats along with dual zone heat and air. And that's in a mid line truck. (F150 Lariat)

 

[outsydthebox]

I'd bet the seat bottom for the back seat just snaps into place. Or maybe has two tabs in the back and two bolts on the floor. The seatback pivots so it may be a bit more complicated. Since Lear is building the seats (Mustang seat up front), they may have a lot of options. But, it wouldn't be too hard to store single seats for options. There may be some people who would want a nice heated leather seat up front but don't think they'll carry passengers very often. It'd be silly to have leather back there if it would never be used. Maybe Elio will "unpackage" the seats and allow us to only buy the one we want. My wife doesn't like leather seats... let her have cloth. I want the leather heated/cooled seats. (my truck is spoiling the crap out of me... not literally)

You bring up some more good points to consider. 1) "Other" seat options...(heat&cool). This would require removing the factory cover anyway. 2) Will they be offering "only one" leather option?...or will there be several colors available? I assume there will be several. There will also be the back seat (things gotta match) door panels, etc.
Now that I think about it, EM could easily install an uncovered seat (bare foam) with a plastic bag over it to protect it. This would save them on materials & labor, AND eliminate the need to transport heavy and bulky seats back and forth between supplies and EM.

 

[Sidecar Bob]

Some of this will depend on the skills and training that the "techs." at the marshaling centers will have or get.

 

[RUCRAYZE]

Some of this will depend on the skills and training that the "techs." at the marshaling centers will have or get.

The will, by observation have to be extremely faster than the PeP Boys "techs"!!!

 

[Ty]

You bring up some more good points to consider. 1) "Other" seat options...(heat&cool). This would require removing the factory cover anyway. 2) Will they be offering "only one" leather option?...or will there be several colors available? I assume there will be several. There will also be the back seat (things gotta match) door panels, etc.
Now that I think about it, EM could easily install an uncovered seat (bare foam) with a plastic bag over it to protect it. This would save them on materials & labor, AND eliminate the need to transport heavy and bulky seats back and forth between supplies and EM.

I watched the machine install those covers over the foam and metal frames... Not something easily done.