DreamZproject Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 Hey guys, while I'm doing all the welding stuff on my car it was suggested to me that it's an appropriate time to decide what seats I'll be using as I'll have to make up new seat rails anyway. I really do love the look of the original vinyl seats with the chrome breather press button thingies, but I really just don't think they can compare to the design and standards of modern seats in the way of performance and comfort. What I am after is; - A seat that looks the part (whether I get a damaged set recovered or if it originally comes close). - Support/ sportiness (something that will hold me in to the car for the occasional track day and frequent spirited driving ). - Comfort (doesn't have to be super padded or anything, but I easily get back aches if he seat isn't supportive or adjustable enough). I have been looking at a few seat options so far and I was wondering if anyone had experience with any of these seats; - S2000 - Looks amazing, looks very supportive, expensive. - Rx7 - Looks very close to original seats, looks somewhat supportive, moderate price but tend to be a bit worn. (Gav I'm looking at you here ) - Autotecnica - Looks a bit cheap, looks to be quite supportive (lots of models), price is SUPER cheap!!! as little as $300 for a brand new set with ADR approval and all! (I would nearly consider recovering them for that price if they were half reasonable structurally). - Worn out Recaro's etc. - Looks great, by name is supportive, cheap but would definitely need recovering with the possibility of the foam being quite worn so could end up quite a lot of work... The price range I am looking around is almost immaterial, I really just want to meet these demands. I suppose i would have to put a cap of $1,000 on it for the perfect seats, they don't need to be proper race seats or anything. Thanks guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators gav240z Posted May 19, 2014 Administrators Share Posted May 19, 2014 Hey mate, The standard FD seats are quite good, I like them and I think they would fit well, since both the FD3S and S30 Z are very narrow in terms of seating and so you shouldn't have door card rubbing issues etc..They are a good trade off between bucket seat and every day suitable seat. The only downside is that they are quite heavy and would need a re-trim to suit the S30Z interior look etc... A really great seat and what I have in my FD is the Recaro's RZs with Tilting Rail Function. The benefit of these is you get a fixed bucket seat that can be adjusted titled forward / back and slide forward and back etc.. It is now hard to get into and out of the FD but it is a good compromise and best of both worlds. The only problem is these seats are very expensive - even second hand in shagged condition. They come in black and red. To my knowledge I don't know of any other bucket seat that has a tilting function like this? I've often thought about taking them out of the FD and putting them in the S30Z and putting the normal FD seats back in the RX-7, since they would fit in the tiny S30 cabin. If they were not so damn expensive I'd buy another set. Another great feature is the seat belt strap so you don't have to fish for the belt behind you, although if you go a harness this is a moot point. A guy has replicated them here: http://www.angrypandafactory.com.au/ But he is having issues getting the rails sorted and I've been waiting ages for him to replicate the rails so I can buy 1. A similar seat to the Recaro RZ (Spirit R Type A) seat is the Recaro Pole position seat, (Mossy) - Mark had these in his orange S30Z and they looked good, but he swapped them for some Datsun competition bucket seats. You could re-trim them to have the Datsun style vents in them like this 432 appears to have had done. The Recaro seat shape etc.. would suit the S30Z in my opinion. I've been looking at the Datsun bucket seats since I really like the look of them, but you need the headrest for sure. The only downside is comfort wise they might not be great. A similar seat to those is the 432-R buckets like seen here: Think they are the same as the old Rally cars had. Where would you get them? No idea. I think Alan T (HS30-H) had some copies made a few years ago if I recall what he said correctly? I have a set of reclinable Recaro's in the 72 240z, they are comfortable but they look too big and chunky for the S30z and I want to change them in the future. I like the period look as you can probably tell, even if it means a trade off in comfort to some extent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamZproject Posted May 19, 2014 Author Share Posted May 19, 2014 Wow thats some nice Info Gav, I probably should have mentioned that I would more than likely prefer reclinable bucket seats as I really don't want to realise that they cause me too much pain once I've bought them and are stuck with them. I'd more than likely stay with a regular sash seatbelt as it will be mostly a street driven car. Any idea on good reclinable buckets? (bit of an oxymoron really...) :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalee Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 Have you considered MX5 seats! http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,5828.60.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamZproject Posted May 19, 2014 Author Share Posted May 19, 2014 Yeah I knew the Mx5's were possible, they just don't look as though they have as much support as something like the s2000 seats. If I considered mx5 seats I'd be more likely to use the Mk2 MR2 seats as I know exactly how supportive they are. I'd just like a tad more I think... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators gav240z Posted May 19, 2014 Administrators Share Posted May 19, 2014 Lotus Elise seats could be another option (although I don't know what they cost). http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/89-roadster-projects/18571-sharka-build-2.html#post352791 It is difficult to find seats that are narrow enough for the S30Z. The standard FD seats are good, I drove all over Ireland in them and never really felt tired or sore once it was properly adjusted. I sometimes consider putting the stock seats back in since they can be reclined. But I have to say the RZ Recaro's I've got are a really good compromise between a serious track seat and daily driver seat. Only downside is price, but most aftermarket seats are expensive. You may find the stock seats quite good if re-trimmed and the foam support restored. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linton Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 I got 300zx z32 in mine, I am probably going to take them out they are very comfortable but too high , they would be better if I cut out the original seat mounts and got them down onto the floor but I am not going to cut up my car, also you can get a re-trim kit in the colour you want synth leather are about $225 I paid $80 for both seats drivers seat is fully electric http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,9360.135.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PZG302 Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 Don't use na or nb mx5 seats unless you are less than 5'6" tall and weigh no more than 60kg. They are not very supportive for larger people. My mx5 is tolerable for an hour or so on the road and at the end of a trackday my back and shoulder are sore. Driving a 5 fitted with a sparco sprint seat was 11ty billion times better with no back or shoulder pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamZproject Posted May 19, 2014 Author Share Posted May 19, 2014 Yeah, still interested in adjustable seats, but those elise seats are amazingly thin hey! I actually have just completely restored and refoamed my 240z seats and they look shmick, I just think that they would still be a little too squidgy for my liking. Yeah I'm certainly over 5'6" and over 60kgs Luckily (i guess) my rails are gone, so i have the luxury of being able to fit things that are a tad taller than most. Has anyone tried the S2000 seats I'm fairly keen on them so far. Also any thoguhts on any of the cheap end sports seats; Autotecnica fake recaro's etc.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators gav240z Posted May 19, 2014 Administrators Share Posted May 19, 2014 I'd almost swap you those 240z seats (sure they're not 260z ones?) for my FD RX-7 ones but I have the early 240z style seats and I'm not sure they would be what I need? This is what my FD seats look like, they are the carbon style (pattern) ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d3c0y Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 FD seats are a pretty tight fit 44014 had some in his 20B project when he bought it and then flicked them. Garage San Maru has just started making seat rail conversion kits for S2000 seats into 240Zs though... If you check out my facebook page there are pics of them in the car and of the rail adapters themselves etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamZproject Posted May 19, 2014 Author Share Posted May 19, 2014 I don't think I'll need a rail conversion as i will make completely custom seat mounts due to mine being totaled anyway. i really can't remember if mine are the 240 or 260 ones... I did a bit of part swapping with another seat to get all the best parts in one, so may be a little frankenstein... I'm looking at a pair of shoes seats tomorrow for about 600 bucks. I'm really hoping that they are in great condition because I missed out on a near perfect pair just the other day for that price Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agno Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 The ADR compliant Bride/Recaro replicas... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamZproject Posted May 19, 2014 Author Share Posted May 19, 2014 Quality's that bad huh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators PB260Z Posted May 20, 2014 Moderators Share Posted May 20, 2014 Hi Mate, As a complete tangent, have you considered talking to a motor trimmer about modifying the bolsters etc in your current seats. I have seen done it before, although years ago, with excellent results and no engineering complications. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamZproject Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 Hmm sounds expensive.... i guess I'll get in touch with one and see what they think.... do you mean like modifying the metal shell? That sounds way less legal than changing to another cars per seats. good suggestion though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cracker Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 I've just bought FD seats to go into my 240z (in almost perfect condition too ) and though I've only done a very quick trial fit, they look like they will fit quite well and at 6ft tall and quite slim I find them very comfortable. I can't vouch for them fitted, though from the reading I've done they are excellent, but for sitting a touch high (though if you are fabricating custom mounts you will be able to account for this easily). Gav mentioned they are quite heavy but I've weighed them and they come in at EXACTLY the same weight as my stock 240z seats. If memory serves correctly, zedevan (I think?) has installed them and is very happy. There are photos somewhere. James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators gav240z Posted May 20, 2014 Administrators Share Posted May 20, 2014 Gav mentioned they are quite heavy but I've weighed them and they come in at EXACTLY the same weight as my stock 240z seats. Compared to the Recaro bucket seats that came in limited edition FDs they are heavy. It's all relative to your expectations LOL...but I suspect not much heavier than stock 240z seats like you say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d3c0y Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 I don't think I'll need a rail conversion as i will make completely custom seat mounts due to mine being totaled anyway. Hope you've talked to your engineer about that, there is a reason we had to make rail adapters for the seats... The ADR compliant Bride/Recaro replicas... Real Brides arent ADR compliant at all so worse off with the genuine in respect to legality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamZproject Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 Not to be appearing dodgy, but I really don't think anyone could tell that the rails have been modified once the seats are in. Also, unless they completely break up for some reason I don't see how insurance could try and void my claim for it. Anyway, this is something that I'll get Lurch or someone alike to fab up for me so I am 100% sure that it's up to and exceeding spec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators PB260Z Posted May 20, 2014 Moderators Share Posted May 20, 2014 Not to be appearing dodgy, but I really don't think anyone could tell that the rails have been modified once the seats are in. Also, unless they completely break up for some reason I don't see how insurance could try and void my claim for it. Anyway, this is something that I'll get Lurch or someone alike to fab up for me so I am 100% sure that it's up to and exceeding spec. Very true, but in the unlikely and unfortunate that you are are involved in a crash resulting serious injury (or worse), even if it is not your fault, EVERYTHING about all vehicles involved could be called into question. In that scenario having your claim rejected could be the least of your worries. Don't want to seem like a kill joy or stick in the mud, but seats and seat belts are serious. Just my opinion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators gav240z Posted May 20, 2014 Administrators Share Posted May 20, 2014 Agreed. If there is a serious crash your car will be inspected for faults by a forensic specialist. Therefore makes sense to play by the rules. Dimitri is running velo seats in his Z. Made in AU so will be ADR approved I'd say. Worth looking into and not bad looking seats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
44014 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 The ADR compliant Bride/Recaro replicas... this seems to be bit of a myth as i can not find these seats anywhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agno Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Option 1 garage sell the unbranded versions, I wonder if you can get a Bride skin for them: http://www.option1garage.com.au/Accessories.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamZproject Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 There are tons of them around... just really not sure if they're any good... I'd more than likely re trim them anyway. I have found some fairly aesthetically worn recaro SR3's on fleabay for $300, so I'll have a look at them and if they are structurally fine I'll buy them and get them retrimmed. Otherwise, I looked at some S2000 seats today, which by the way are very decent for a sporty stock seat which was around $600 but had a bit of cracking, so I'd have to re-dye it (it's supposed to be black, but as i found out it's really a very, very dark grey. So I'd just redye it black to make sure it matches my interior). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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