Alternative Seat Rails

[LCD Gauges]

For those wanting an alternative to the power seat rails, or Vette specific mounting, you might like this setup. I'm using manual rails from a Honda Prelude
that have an overall height of 1.25".

There is just a slight bit of modification required to the rails, as well as fab'ing a U-bracket for the rear seat support. It hides itself well under the seat
upholstery.

I'm not sure how that compares to the other rails out there, but this will keep the seat profile low. The ability to adjust the seat quickly when needed
is always a bonus. The electric flavour never really hit home with me; with this car, it might save a bit of time getting in, and out?

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I'll get some photos up once it's all together, and installed.

[artistwantab]

What year prelude?

[LCD Gauges]

1997-2001 Prelude (1998 for mine)

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[LCD Gauges]

A few photos of the seat rails. About 1 1/4 high, and manual sliders. The bar stock will be used to cradle the seat for additional support, and strain-relief for the bolts.
I'm thinking I may revamp the design of the bracket in the previous image.

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[LCD Gauges]

Getting a bit closer to finishing the install. Picking up a welding mask today, then all the fun begins.
Just a bit of rust residue to grind off, then treat before painting.

Rails bolted to front of seat.
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Rear cross-bar position. I don't get a sense that the seat will sway, or rock with this bolt location,
but we'll see how secure everything feels during the go-kart test.
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P.S. Does anyone else have ^^^^^ scratch markings under the seat covering like shown in the 3rd photo ?

[LCD Gauges]

Almost there; just needs some primer, and paint then I'm ready for install. I'm getting butterflies thinking about the go-kart testing!

How do these compare to the Vette rails with respect to clearance, and ease of install?

The Prelude rails have a stud for the front of the seat. I used two cross-members for strength, and strain relief. The seat mounts flush
on the inner member. I used two thread inserts that fit into the seat, and sit inside the steel cross-member. The jam nut will lock the
insert to the rails. I'm also going to use two large washers on the bolts to spread the load on heavy braking to prevent damaging the fiberglass.
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[VD2021]

How do these compare to the Vette rails with respect to clearance, and ease of install?


What Mike did appears to be less work on the tracks, but considerably more work to the seat.

I have a long torso relative to my height of 70"s. I have ~1.75" of head clearance using the FFR tracks and David's seat brackets (which keep the seat bottom on the floor). When Mike and I added the C5 power track, to the passenger seat, I lost ~1.5" inches. I was not comfortable with only ~.5" of clearance so I opted back to the FFR tracks and David's seat brackets.

Comparing the two seat in the last picture; it looks like you've lost over two inches of headroom. Shouldn't be as problem if you're in the 67" or lower range and some are comfortable with a huge amount of rake to gain some room. You wont know for sure until you've tested it in the GTM to see what the clearance is.

[LCD Gauges]

The difference in height is 1 3/8" from the floor to bottom of the seat.

I'm not sure how to lower it any further without modifying the front pads.
Right now they are sitting parallel to the rails. We'll see how much clearance
there is once mounted as you say. 5'9" on a good day, so I'm probably safe!

[LCD Gauges]

Vidal, you were correct. The rails had to be modified to allow enough clearance for the seat's headrest to sit lower than the top of the upper roll bar.

The horizontal flat bar was moved to the underside of the track, and welded in place. The distance from the floor pan to the bottom of the seat is about
1/2 inch. The seat was installed for a quick test fit, and everything feels great.

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