Low Profile Non-Roadster Seats?

[Kevin Davis]

I've probably been watching too much "street customs", but I'm considering some different seats for the roadster, to add comfort and a little style. But, I don't like the look of the over the body taller seats.

Couple of questions for you guys:

1) Any comments on the long term comfort of the standard steel new style seats (ie: mk3.1)? I know you can mount them slightly leaning back to make them better, but the are still kind of bar stool style.

2) Do you know of any newer style (wrap around) seats that would fit in the roadster, either as is, or by modifying? I was looking at the Miata seats, and it looks like you could actual round off the top of them short and make them work. Someone over on ffcars did acura ones too that look like you could just leave the head rests off for the right height.

Thanks!

Miata:

http://www.miata.net/garage/images/seat18.jpg

Acura:

http://i537.photobucket.com/albums/ff334/JOHNSNAKEPIT/Latest%20works%20November%202010/100_1635.jpg

[canuck1]

I like the look of the Miata seats better. I just don't like how they force your shoulder belts outward.

The Acura seats might actually be more functional, but the modern style headrest isn't that appealing.

I have (Kirkey) high backs, but like you I am NOT fond of the look of them. t's just one of the compromises I chose to make to add a small margin of safety over the vintage style seats (which I prefer the look of).

Sean

[Kevin Davis]

The Acura seats might actually be more functional, but the modern style headrest isn't that appealing.

I'm the same way. If you look at that pic though, and imagine no headrest, they might look pretty good. I'm thinking you'd just do the top of the seat cover so you wouldn't even know they are supposed to be there. With a little extra foam, you could round the top a bit to match the arch of the body.

[snakeboost]

Kevin,
Check out www.corbeau.com
Steve

[Todd Baumann]

Try these, I have them and love them.
Plenty of support and side bolstering.
The cushions are thick, but can be cut down easily.
Did it myself on the drivers seat.
http://www.whitbymotorsports.com/UInvDetail.asp?invPage=3&inventoryid=1577

[Scalded-Dog]

Beartooth, I have the mount kit from Breeze and my FFR seats are surprisingly comfortable. Several 100 mile plus trips and I have no aches or pains.

[Kevin Davis]

Thanks guys. I should clarify it's not just comfort, but also just something a little different with the design. The standard seats don't offer much for options for styling them.

[ChopperJustin]

I like the look of the Miata seats better. I just don't like how they force your shoulder belts outward.

Ok, dumb question... BUT, whats the frame of the Miata seat like under the upholstry? Could you run the belts thru the seats?

[Kevin Davis]

Ok, dumb question... BUT, whats the frame of the Miata seat like under the upholstry? Could you run the belts thru the seats?

I haven't seen them naked, but the way I understand it, it's an issue of the relative location of the belts to the edges of the seat. I think the plane is through the "shoulders" of the seat.

They make miata racing seats that are pretty nice too that have belt channels already in them.

[Scott Meyer]

Check these out. Got them for a steal on fee-bay:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/STL-Scott/FFR%206583-Build-Frame/DSC00006.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/STL-Scott/FFR%206583-Build-Frame/SANY0292.jpg

Scott

[Kevin Davis]

Check these out. Got them for a steal on fee-bay:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/STL-Scott/FFR%206583-Build-Frame/DSC00006.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/STL-Scott/FFR%206583-Build-Frame/SANY0292.jpg

Scott

Scott, are you running those now? Your build pics don't show them. Any pics from a wider angle? Are those the ebay miata race seats? Are they steel or fiberglass? I was just looking at some of those.

[Scott Meyer]

Kevin,

They are showing up in my build pictures link now, should be on the most recent page (and there should be some wider angle shots). They are steel framed, fabric covered, with a slider kit, and the seat back is adjustable. I found these by looking for Miata size seats. If you need a link to the listing on ebay let me know and I can send it by PM.

P.S. - how tall/big are you? I ask because I am 6'3~6'4 and these seats are a little tight for me in the car, but it works.

[cChrisM]

Question? Are you concerned with head protection/support? Wondering if the ones you showed in the first post provide that. The ones Scott has look great and I saw them on feebay and you can't beat the price.

Off Topic, Scott steering wheel looks great and matches everything nicely.

[Kevin Davis]

Question? Are you concerned with head protection/support? Wondering if the ones you showed in the first post provide that. The ones Scott has look great and I saw them on feebay and you can't beat the price.

Honestly, not my major concern over looks in this case. I've put so many miles riding in early/mid 60's cars, none of which had headrests that I don't really even think about it. I am putting in dual roll bars in case the rubber gets upside down, but I suppose it's worth thinking about more with the whiplash protection. Someone posted on the other forum that for much head protection the top of the seat should be 2-3" above the top of your head. Likely not going to happen if you're 6'4 like Scott. I'm 6'0" and 185-190, so those racing seats would be a good fit. I do like the look of them in general, just have to get past the whole "over the body" thing.

Thanks Scott for the pics, I can see the ones in the build pics link now.

BTW, the seats Scott has appear to be similar if not the same as these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PAIR-JDM-TYPE-R-BLACK-CLOTH-RED-STITCH-RACING-SEATS-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQfitsZModelQ3aMXQ2d5Q20MiataQQha shZitem27b8a47026QQitemZ170601508902QQptZMotorsQ5f CarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

To Steve's Corbeau link too, these appear to be a nice option. I'm doing a Black paint with Silver stripes. I need to mock up a look, as this might be a bit much with my 2 tone interior (black leather/vinyl with gray carpet), but these are nice seats too.

http://www.corbeau.com/products/reclining_seats/trs/

[Kevin Davis]

I couldn't find any definitive pictures with measurements for the standard seats. This is using my MK3.1 Steel Framed seats, and some of it is sort of eyeballed since it's not a flat surface. I used the non-covered image because I had it and it showed both front and side views. Hope this helps someone else in the future.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_jc24YCM0TIY/TV1oI0Oa2FI/AAAAAAAAPaA/ByqTsYPxCVw/roadster_seat_measurements.jpg