More Talon Woes

27 cents. That's exactly what a $2,600 perforated leather Talon seat is worth.

What? $2,600? Yeah. I called the Chrysler Jeep Eagle dealership. Not only is each seat worth approximately $2,600, but you can't order a fully constructed seat. You have to order all the parts, and build it yourself.

But 27 cents? That doesn't make any sense. Or does it? In fact, it makes perfect sense. Allow me to explain as these mild, age-related problems with my Talon continue.

The passenger seat in my 15 year old Eagle Talon TSI collapsed the other day, causing it to become useless, and me to feel depressed. My 2+2 sports car had instantly become a 1+1, as the passenger seat fell onto the seat behind it, rendering them both un-useable.

Pulling the adjustment bar made the seat jump right back into position, but trying to sit in it proved impossible, as it instantly collapsed again.

Being moderately mechanically capable, I decided I would dismantle the seat, find the problem, and fix it.

For the third time in a month I faced the cold as I attempted another repair in my driveway. Previous repairs were hugely successful, yet I wasn't feeling very confident.

I was only able to remove two of three screws holding the plastic fascia on the side of the seat, but it was enough. Looking inside at the mechanics of the seat, I discovered a loose bolt.

It was a big, sturdy, hefty, burly bolt, whose sole purpose was to support the backrest of the seat. Having unscrewed itself somehow, this 27 cent bolt rattling around under the seat was the entire reason it was not functioning.

I slid a 14mm wrench down between the seat and the plastic trim, and turned the bolt back into place. With my self-confidence restored, I played with my newly repaired seat, marvelling at the fact that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

No wait.... a $2,600 seat is only worth as much as its cheapest part. Yeah.