Fiberglass seats

[Tim Kerr]

Just looking to canvas thoughts on the RTR fiberglass seats.

I have the original MEV leather seats but was condiering changing to the fiberglass for the following reasons:-

1. Weight saving
2. Slightly more room in front/behind and around the seats

My only concerns are:-

1. Fitting them
2. The fiberglass cracking and the paint getting scratched.

Has anyone any comments regarding the seats? I think if i was to get a new set of seats i will definately be giving Joker a shout for his brackets!!!

Tim

[mattsmev]

Hi tim

I have just sold my MEV seats on ebay, but bought another set of fibreglass seats to replace them. I love the fibreglass seats as they can be left out in the rain and can simply be wiped dry, but the MEV seats that i bought two years ago were too big for me, This meant i moved around a lot in the seat on track days no matter how tight the seat belts were.

I bought some seats from Triton Race Seats, still in orange fibre glass, but with a much narrower fitting, i find them much better. I have also put some 10mm foam on the seat to stop me sliding forwards and a bit above the head to prevent my crash helmet scratching the seat.

Cheers

Mattsmev

[Tim Kerr]

Hi Matt

Did you go for the High Side seat model? Any idea what colour code you ordered as i am guessing yours will be the same as my orange.

Tim

[The Joker]

Tim,

Triton seats are good but also look at www.jkcomposites.com/. I used the Saloon GT seats as they fitted me best (tight fit across the base and shoulders.

GRP Seats are tough, just don't sit in them before they are mounted correctly as the bottom can weaken and split. Once mounted they're fine. As for scratching, you can get fine scratches in the base through normal use but these would polish out if necessary. Just avoid zips and jeans with studs, etc.

As mentioned, GRP seats are light and are in keeping with the design of the car. On their own they are surprisingly comfortable unless you are on a very long journey and then there are always upolstery options.

The only problem I find with GRP seats in these cars is the wind that blows around the back of the seat and finds it's way through to your back

I also looked at these www.cobraseats.com/Aqua-4x4 but they are much more expensive than the typical £100 per seat you will pay for a good GRP set.

[mattsmev]

Hi Tim

The Joker has a good point, you need to find a seat that fits well, so going to a show and trying them is important. I have bought low side seats in tangerine orange. of all the seats i tried these fitted my rear end the best.

I went down to Le Mans in these seats and they were comfortable all the way, but they don't breeth very well so you get a bit sweaty on very hot days.

Nigels Sonic has a selection of scatter cusions for comfort, or may be it's to get the feng sui right

Cheers

Mattsmev

[Tim Kerr]

Thanks Matt

The problem is there are no shows over here and i cant afford the time off at the minute to get over :-(

[Tim Kerr]

Matt

How did you fix your seats to the chassis.

Tim

[mattsmev]

Ahhh, here is a short story

For my first seats i mounted runners through the chassis cross members with 8mm bolts and crush tubes. I spaced the runners to suit these seats. I then bolted from the runners direct to the seat frames with 6mm bolts.

My new seats have narrower spacing of the bolt holes, so to save re drilling through the chassis members i have mounted two cross members (25mm box) across the runners and the seats are on top of that. Obviously the seats are 25mm higher than they need to be, but the seat is quite dished so i have to space the seat up to get the dished seat bottom above the seat runners anyway.

I dont actually sit any higher because the seat dish gains what the additional cross members have lost.

I like having adjustable seats, especially as mrs mattsmev also uses the car.

i think you need to bolt through the chassis members as seat mounting is very important. I know the seat belt keeps you from going forwards, but the seat is the only thing keeping you from being launched backwards if someone else rear ends you.

I hope that helps

Cheers

Mattsmev