I had a local guy that Bennanie recommended install electric seat heaters in my S2000 last weekend.

The cost was $400 for both seats (two elements per seat, two low/high/off switches, fully installed). Installation involved taking the seats out, inserting the heating elements into the seat and back, removing the console cover and installing the switches (including cutting the carpet and Rick's leather) and connecting the wiring (with fuses).

I've only used it a couple of times, but I can already tell that the butt heat will be very useful. I'll be able to use the heater at a lower setting and be more comfortable; I'm one of those people who keeps the top down unless it's raining hard. Even at the low setting the seats get very warm, but that's with light summer clothing. When bundled up for cold weather I'm sure I'll find use for the high setting, too.

Here's one heating element and one switch:


The element feels like 1/8th inch thick felt. It doesn't add any noticeable thickness to the seats. The elements are big enough to cover almost the entire perforated area of the seats.

Here's a closer view:


Due to the depth of the switch assembly, the only practical place for them is in the console, between the shifter and the stereo door:


I think the switches are very good looking. You can't tell in my photos, but they are illuminated with a nice subtle orange light. They look like they could be original equipment with the S2000.

Here's a closeup:


I'm very happy so far; I'll post more in the fall after they get some real use!

Let me know if you have any questions.

Ted

OK, here's the best I could do to get a shot of the lighted switches (it's hard to hold a one second exposure):



[Edited by Tedster on 05-21-2001 at 07:17 PM]

 

That looks great

 

That is sweet! I had a$$ warmers in my last car and I'm thinking that they'd be great to have in this car too - especially on those chilly nights. Where did you get the heating elements from? The same place that installed them?

 

Nice ... How long did it take to install?

 

That looks like an awesome setup.

However, due to the cost involved I will be sticking with my B&M baked beans

 

some answers:

The guy who did the install ordered the elements.

He had my car for about 24 hours.

Hmmm, baked beans; never thought of that .

 

Thanks for posting the pictures.
I'll be looking to do this in the fall.

 

Looks good Tedster! Looking forward to seeing it should I be able to make it to the Redmond meet on Saturday.

 

LOL

 

Hey Tedster!

Don't know if I'll be able to make it down to Seattle next weekend, so thats great you got some good pictures up.

I guess without Rick's console cover, those wouldn't have mounted quite as nicely. Did you have any alternative sites considered? I'm definitely going to do this install (am the same way -- top down as long as its not raining) but without the console cover, will stew over a site for the switches.

One question (and its probably impossible to tell) -- how invasive was the installation? Probably have to have seen the seat out of the car to tell.