I'm not an upholstery expert, but replacing the foam on that rear
mattress would be a real trip finding the same density foam.   I can
say that whatever density it is, it's perfect for sleeping.  I use
minicell for canoe outfitting and although it might be too dense and
too stiff for sleeping, I always wondered if someone laminated
several layers of that blue camp pad foam Walmart and others sell for
backpackers might come out pretty close.  Youj'd have to offset your
pattern cuts to get it all together and I have no idea what the total
foam cost would be, but someone once told me the new mattress and
cover from VW was $1500 and that was several years ago.  I was
fortunate enough to have some kind list member sell me one that
matched my grey interior for $60 including the shipping, but that
also was a long time ago.

On my old loaf buses, I had a piece of plywood with a hinge on it and
laid down 6 milk crates down in the middle seat space and then used
2  4" urethane foam pads stitched up by my wife using a baby mattress
covers.  They worked well too, but not as good as the Vanagon foam.

I'd be leery of having replacement urethane foam over that engine
compartment in case of an engine fire.  Not sure what the factory
stuff is made of, so I could be contradicting myself here.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

DM&FS

At 03:16 PM 2/10/2008, Allan Streib wrote:

>Michael Sullivan <sandwichhead@YAHOO.COM> writes:
>
> > Trying to replace the rear cushion and may contact Jonce, but looking
> > for the foam to possibly do myself.  Wondering if anyone has any
> > suggestions or a spare to sell? Thought about buying a baby mattress
> > and just using that. Ideas?
>
>Futon shops will often be able to make a custom "mattress", if you had
>the old one as a template should not be hard to do.  No idea what it
>would cost.
>
>Note, futon pads are heavy and floppy, so it would be a bit more
>awkward to handle out of the car than the original cushion.
>
>As far as getting a foam pad for a DIY replacement, I'd guess a
>furniture upholstery shop might be able to help.
>
>Allan
>--
>1991 Vanagon GL