Custom seats

[e21Mark]

As I'm now middle aged and no longer the svelte, athletic young chap I once was, I need a new race seat for the man with the fuller figure. I tried the usual offerings from Sparco etc but they are still a little too snug for me. As a result, I am thinking it would be best to go for a custom seat that's made to measure? My only concern is that it is to be used in my E30 BMW, where the extra width might be an issue?

I just wondered if anyone else had had their seat made and is it very expensive? Are their any pitfalls or manufacturers who might specialise in larger seats? My old seat was from Ridgard but is a steel framed model and a bit too long in the tooth to be safe.

Thanks in advance.

[andy97]

I think Cobra used to do a seat which was wider than standard by a couple of inches. I had one a few years ago.

[e21Mark]

Yes, I had one but sadly not wide enough.

[e21Mark]

Thanks, I'll drop them a mail.

[benjj]

Are you sure, Mark?

I have Cobra seats in my rally Porsche and I fit. I'm 6'3'' and 19 stone. Basically like a rugby international who quit playing 10 years ago and started running a pub that serves decent pies.

My driver seat is the fat boy model. 7kg carbon. Can find specific style if it helps.

ETA - mine are the carbon Imola Pro seats. One in fat boy width, passenger standard. The Porsche is a transaxle obviously so has a fat transmission tunnel and they fit fine. You can also buy/change the 3 individual seat cushions on each one to get the perfect fit.

Edited by benjj on Wednesday 1st July 07:57

[e21Mark]

I tried the Monaco ''fat boy'' and ideally needed it to be about 2'' wider.

Coincidentally I heard back from Mark @ Cobra and am looking at circa £400 + VAT for a custom seat. It was good to hear that he was aware I may have an issue with limited space between the transmission tunnel and inner sill.

Anyway, I'm off to find a tape measure.

[benjj]

I didn't fit in the Monaco fat lad seat either, but do in the Imola Pro GT fat lad seat.

0.4 motorsport units for bespoke is a fking bargain though, have his hand off! He really helps out the blokes at Mission Motorsport. Top man.

[e21Mark]

Yes, I must admit I was expecting it to be more than that. I've done my own measurements but am waiting to get my car back, so that I can see just how much room there is between sill and tunnel. I considered going for something like the Recaro Speed but would rather have a one piece race seat. In the past, I broke my neck, back and pelvis so find a hard seat much more supportive and comfortable.

[benjj]

For what it's worth these are the Imolas I have and the place where they fit. They're bolted straight through the floor with weight spreading fillets as per MSA gubbins.





Mandatory school run shot.

[e21Mark]

Yep, they'll do.

[The Wookie]

Worth pointing out that Corbeau do a range of sizes, including the FIA spec stuff. I'm 6'5" and (unhelpfully for the sport) built like a rugby player and I'm actually on the size down from the largest which is perfect for me. It also fits into a Ginetta G55 which has a huge transmission tunnel and the seats rammed up against the doors.

You can also go for the larger size and have a moulded insert that's perfectly fitted to you.

Edited by The Wookie on Thursday 2nd July 11:16

[Graham]

e21Mark said:

I tried the Monaco ''fat boy'' and ideally needed it to be about 2'' wider.

Coincidentally I heard back from Mark @ Cobra and am looking at circa £400 + VAT for a custom seat. It was good to hear that he was aware I may have an issue with limited space between the transmission tunnel and inner sill.

Anyway, I'm off to find a tape measure.

Are the custom seats still FIA certified so you can race at places like spa?


the problem i have is that im only 6ft, but have short legs and a long body. currently the only way i can get low enough below the cage in my tuscan is to use a Kirkey with a flat alloy bottom and my arse is actually below the top of the chassis rails with the seat bolted to a plate across the bottom of the chassis rails !!!

With kirkey being american they dont bother with the FIA tax

Edited by Graham on Thursday 2nd July 11:34

[benjj]

Mark + The Wookie - We need to start our own race team - Scuderia Equippe Molto Grande Hombres.

We can do truck racing or something.

[The Wookie]

I've used 'Team Fat is Fast' before

[Oilchange]

benjj said:

Mandatory school run shot.

Jesus Christ chap! Ever heard of 'submarining'?

[benjj]

Oilchange said:

benjj said:

Mandatory school run shot.

Jesus Christ chap! Ever heard of 'submarining'?

I appreciate the concern, but yes - most rally people know someone who walks like John Wayne after detonating his knees and hips from badly fitted harnesses.

That wasn't locked and ready to roll, just a photo opp.

[Oilchange]

Phew

[Coxyjunior]

Back on topic, I received a tweet from Corbeau this morning saying that the next batch of XL size ClubSport seats are scheduled for completion this week.

[Jim1985]

Try http://motordrive.com/ for sensible priced seating.

[e21Mark]

Found myself a seat 'off the shelf' in the end. Sabelt Taurus XL. I was a bit sceptical as it has wrap around head/neck protection and I'm usually too broad shouldered for that style seat, but it's spot on.