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Winston

Jedi Trainee
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I still have not finished the interior and am stammering back and forth about the seats and belts.
I've looked through JEGS and Summit racing as well as racer wholesale and I cannot make a decision for the life of me.
I would really appreciate any and all comments about what to consider based on the fact that the Iowa speedway is going to let our club on the track during a Fall event.
This will not be a sanctioned event but I will want to get on the track safely.
The car is and will remain street legal and I hope my Insurance agent is not in the crowd or I'm in trouble!
We are just looking at a run around the apron and maybe try to hit the apex at speed once or twice.
What my intent is as you can see is confused. I want to look period appropriate to a degree but add safety to the car. It is a resto-mod but I come down on the side of originality.
Any comments (aside from the obvious" you're crazy") would really help as would any pics of what has worked under these circumstances.
 
I think the Cobra or Corbeau Classics have that vintage look. I had to modify the transmission tunnel of my TR3 so they would fit, but a TR4A is wider. They are discussing putting these in a TR6 on the Triumph Forum.

Also they are light.

See attachment:
 

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Winston--

I recently replaced the original seats in my Elva Courier race car with a pair of Kirkey Engineering "Vintage" model aluminum seats. They are reasonably priced (about $400 with sculptured rolled and pleated cushions)and look appropriate to the car. The old seats were very lacking on support even with a five-point harness and I'm sure these will be a vast improvement. BTW I will be racing with them for the first time next weekend at VDCA's event at Kershaw, SC.

See attached shot of the new seats.
 

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Mike:
That's the seat I have in my racer. It was like around $60 (from Summit) with the cover...but that was a while ago.

That seat is plastic and some organizations wll not allow it. I *think* my club will outlaw them soon.

I really like the "vintage" seats in Michael's Elva. They look like they'd provide a lot of upper body control (needed in small bore cars, as we pass the big tanks in the corners /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif )

When I'm ready, I'll probably buy the Kirkey aluminum, economy race seat in Summit (around $100 without the cover).
 
you might also look into a Beard seat,

they are a suspension seat , steel frame and the covering is hung from the steel bars,

They are very popular in off road racing....where you need something to hold you in but comfortable,

but they are prety wide

Beaulieu
 
""""""""I want to look period appropriate to a degree but add safety to the car. """""""""

Pretty hard to have both.

We'd still be using pudding pot helmets if that were possible.

I cringe when I see a rather fast car on track going fast with low back seats and inadaquate roll bar configurations.
 
Thanks to all replies,
Nial I have wondered if the Summit seat will give the appropriate height at the back of the thighs, my concern is that I would be to low in the seat.
I had considered using 1" square stock and welding that to the floorpan and then drill and attach the seat brackets to the stock.
It would be nice not to have to take that extra step but do you think it might help or be necessary.
I too would like Corbeau, but a little pricey.
I will research all that has been suggested and let you know how it turns out.
Thanx again
 
what do the rules say ?

is fiberglass OK ?

or do they need to be metal ?

I have a fiberglass seat that has steel tubing to support it around the edges and across the back, very strong ,

Beaulieu
 
The Cobra/Corbeau seat is steel tube constuction.

Just like an Air Knocker fuselage, eh, Nial?
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Nial I have wondered if the Summit seat will give the appropriate height at the back of the thighs, my concern is that I would be to low in the seat.[/QUOTE]

I raised the front of mine by bolting aluminum angle to it and "jacking up" the front part of the seat. I have a layback angle of about 20 degreees. It works OK....not great. Not really any great support, but I am about 6'1" and in a Spridget, I am already pretty well constrained, so I don't bang around too much anyway.
I'd rather bolt to the floor pan than weld to it (in case you want to change it later).

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]what do the rules say ?

is fiberglass OK ?[/QUOTE]

I think it would depend on the local club and the type of event you are in (sprints, TT, auto-X, hillclimb, etc.). My experience with clubs here on the east coast is that "it varies".


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]The Cobra/Corbeau seat is steel tube constuction.

Just like an Air Knocker fuselage, eh, Nial?[/QUOTE]

Then it's *gotta* be good! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif

PS-I just ordered a Kirkey today for my Twin-cam Escort project. 20 degree layback with 15.5 width. $89 plus shipping from Summit.
 
I've got a single Kirkey seat - that's the only thing I'm using..with no cover of any type.
 
Tony, when I'm shaking down a new race car, I will usually remove the seat cover, if it has one. I get a better "seat of the pants" feeling that way.
Jeff
 
Bugeye58 said:
Tony, when I'm shaking down a new race car, I will usually remove the seat cover, if it has one. I get a better "seat of the pants" feeling that way.
Jeff
Click to expand...

It's easier to clean up the "mess" that got out of your driving suit too! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/winner1.gif Jeff!

Shame on me. Couldn't help it! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/bow.gif

Tim
 
Gee, thanks, Tim. It looks like I'm going to have to come out this season just to whip your A--!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
Jeff
 
Bugeye58 said:
Gee, thanks, Tim. It looks like I'm going to have to come out this season just to whip your A--!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
Jeff
Click to expand...

Wow! Didn't take long to get a rise out of ya, did it? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif

Bring it on! Would truly be an honor to be on the track with ya! After all, you are the teacher and mentor!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/yesnod.gif

Tim
 
Tim Hollister said:
Bring it on! Would truly be an honor to be on the track with ya! After all, you are the teacher and mentor!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/yesnod.gif

Tim
Click to expand...

Yeah, and probably slower than a snail on Valium,too. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/nopity.gif
Hey, I could always borrow the Spit back, and run it for a weekend. That could be interesting.
Jeff
 
After lengthy negotiations and much persuasion, I have decided to use Corbeau seats.
I am trying to decide between the Clubman or the Classic.
Michael the pic really sealed the deal. I just happened to have your pic on screen of the Classic's and my wife came into my office and I asked "What do think of these seats?", BAM $$$$$$$$ made no difference at that point.
I am deeply indebted and smirking while I write to all who replied.
Anyone have an opinion over the Clubman vs. The Classic particuarly considering harness type.
Thanx again.
 
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