Aftermarket seat heater instalation help

[Zengod]

Hello Forum, I bought the universal seat heaters for my solstice recently & i am currently trying to find the best places to install the actual buttons, and where to wire them into to the car. Any knowledge on this, or how you installed them is welcomed.

[TomatoSoup]

There is tons on this in the fora if you search... but one of the forum members, odiaz, has put together a pretty comprehensive how-to, including at least three variations on button placement. See his compendium write-up at: http://www.cherod.com/solstice/HowTos/HeatedSeats.htm

[maddog4]

TS is right. That is the same thread I used to install mine without a hitch. I did choose a different switch location though that required no drilling. I ordered the membrane switches and placed them on the center tunnel. I will try to get a picture up later of the actual location. But suffice it to say, adding heated seats to my Sol before moving to Germany was one of the smartest things I've done yet.

Switch placement:

[TomShadow]

I installed the heating pads in my seats back in May but never have gotten around to completing my install. The thought of drilling a hole in the dash really scares me, I guess.
I was thinking of putting my switch just below the 'power' plug (shown in Maddog's pic above). This would be just to the left of the shifter. Anybody know if there's room under that area for the switch?

Temps are in the 30's now. When they get below 20 I'll be sorry I procrastinated!!

[TomatoSoup]

Originally Posted by TomShadow I was thinking of putting my switch just below the 'power' plug (shown in Maddog's pic above). This would be just to the left of the shifter. Anybody know if there's room under that area for the switch?

Not by default, no. There's a pressed steel support bracket right behind the plastic. It may be that you can cut a hole in that steel piece, but the other issue is that that area of the dash is heavily curved and your switch won't lie flat anyway.

[wcf59]

where did you find the seat kits with the membrane switches?

[carnut122]

Originally Posted by Zengod Hello Forum, I bought the universal seat heaters for my solstice recently & i am currently trying to find the best places to install the actual buttons, and where to wire them into to the car. Any knowledge on this, or how you installed them is welcomed.

Bun warmers in Dallas? I thought about installing them too, but I'm not sure if it would be worth it her in GA.

[maddog4]

Originally Posted by wcf59 where did you find the seat kits with the membrane switches?

Link to the kit I installed is below:

Custom Fit Heated or Massage Seat Kit - PFYC.com

[wcf59]

thanks Maddog. I found it. How do the membrane switches mount without drilling holes? I like the idea of them being on the side of the console where they can be seen and easily reached.

[maddog4]

Originally Posted by wcf59 thanks Maddog. I found it. How do the membrane switches mount without drilling holes? I like the idea of them being on the side of the console where they can be seen and easily reached.

It is double sided tape. It seems like pretty good stuff. Just make sure that you clean the mounting spot really well. I went through a bit og sitting and looking before I picked that spot. For example, I ride with my elbow on the center "arm rest" (in quotes because there is nothing restful about the stock arem rest) and the fingers of my right hand in the shifter well (usually playing with the leather waiting to shift). If you look at the picture, you will see that the switch is right where my thumb would be. Easy peezy. So, it's comfortable and no hunting for the button. And it's inobtrusive.

But as with every other mod, it is a matter of personal taste and what you want. That's why we do these little mods, right? To get it just how we want, not someone else.

Oh, forgot to mention the other reason I chose that spot, the ribbon cable that comes out of the bottom of the switch tucks under the trim very nicely right there.