Where should I look for some really small race type seats

[BMWChris]

Hi,

I expect there are kit car parts suppliers who can help but I'm not from the kit car world so i don't know any of them.

My MG Midget competition car has a very narrow space (just over 40cm) between the transmition tunnel and the rollcage as it passess along the sill.

I looking for a pair of fibreglass seats - idealy designed for competition (its the performance in a crash, rather than than the shape i'm interested in).

The race car people such as Demon Tweaks do make them small enough but they are £300-400 where as a basic FIA approved seat in a slightly larger size is a little over £100.

Seat needs to have a high back to protect heads from roll cage in a crash.

But a lot of kit cars are very small so I wondered what you would recomend. Any ideas?

Thanks

[AC Motors]

I would try the MG Owners club or MGBhive, both have race experience and may be able to supply or point you in the right direction. Good luck.

[mickrick]

Tillet, or Kirkey.
http://www.tillett.co.uk/
http://www.kirkeyracing.com/

[greengreenwood7]

2 suppliers/maufacturers come to mind - Triton seats and JK Composites. Both i'm sure would have seats within their range that would fit. I've got the Triton offering and i was able to tell them to make the passenger side slightly narrower as that on my car is on 39 wides.
From what i can recall its been suggested that the Triton seats are slightly stiffer and don't need additional bracing ( towards the rear ) if they're not up against a bulhead - whereas i think the JK ones are recommended to have some bracing - although for racing perhaps you'd be doing that anyway. Both very similar in style and cost. Approx £110 each?
Both should be found via the web - or worst ways look in 'locostbuilders.com', i think both are registered traders on there.

[danny keenan]

hi i work at mk sportscars we do a seat its £124 in any coulr and would fit in your car give me a ring on 01709 816138 we are open saturday 9-1pm

cheers danny

[mirach]

hi.
i have moulds for seats that are designed for narrow cars and have fitted them into several different kit types, i can supply a pair in black grp for £175 or with kevlar re-inforcing for £225 pr.i can provide other colours if required. if you are interested you can call me on 0756 5956138. rob

[stevetvrs]

I highly recommend JK Composites http://www.jkcomposites.com/

They can make a seat to your requirements/width. They are very very good value for money and quality (I bought two for my Fury)

Steve

[BMWChris]

Hi Guys,

thanks for all the excellent responses. Certainly better value than Demon Tweeks etc. When I can get to the car (its not at my house) I#ll get some really accurate measurements and give the people who have given me their numbers a ring.

Thanks again

[JontyR]

Have you thought about running a foam moulded seat? You make it yourself using the 2 pack foam.

Used it in caterhams and the good thing is is that it will be moulded to the exact shape of your ar$e

[VxDuncan]

Built simulators at work using kart seats - a basic tub but as narrow as you like. There are also larger kart seats for the entertainment type karting where the "larger frame" is accomadated...

[Shoestringracer]

JontyR said:

Have you thought about running a foam moulded seat? You make it yourself using the 2 pack foam.

Used it in caterhams and the good thing is is that it will be moulded to the exact shape of your ar$e

How does this work? Do you need some kind of frame or base to mould onto?

[GC8]

If you look at Demon Thieves catalogue youll see that virtually all seats available will have their dimensions listed. Youll also see that most Lotus Elise and Seven style seats are extremely expensive, and theyll be very difficult to mount in an MG (mount properly, that is).

One further point: Id avoid Kirkley seats at all costs, theyre rubbish. Further to that theyre deadly too - theyre designed to use a back support which is common (usually compulsary) in American racing and without one, theyre simply not safe.

[JontyR]

Shoestringracer said:

How does this work? Do you need some kind of frame or base to mould onto?

It will take a couple of you to do it, and between half and a full day to finish it.

Get a seat bag from Trident roughly a £1
Spray the inside with WD40
Put a suitable amount of 2 pack foam in the bag
Wait for it to start to rise.
Put the bag with the foam into the car
Sit in it and remain still for about 30-40 mins
Take it out of the bag
Smooth down with 80 grit and cover with tank tape or even flock it.

If you need any help, or want me to do it drop me a mail

[procomp]

HI

Don't even think of using any of the fiberglass items in a saloon car. They flex far too much when installed into a kit car where more support is available. Kirkey seats as mentioned are also a big worry with regards to safety and also offer very little room to allow access when in a saloon car, and with those wrap round sides they give the doctors / rescue crews very little room to treat you should the worst happen.
For most competition kit cars a foam seat in the perfect solution, however in a saloon i do not see how you are going to make one with sufficient support as they are usually moulded into the paneled chassis with full support.

Best bet is a Tillet or other FIA approved item. It's worth missing one race meeting and putt the £'s saved towards buying a proper seat and better safety.

Cheers Matt