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replacement Seats for TR

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Jerry

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My current TR3A project will need seats. I have no seat frames to start with, so I am looking at other options. I know people have used Miata seats, but I don't want something that modern, but would like head rests if possible. What have you used?

Jerry
 
Jerry,
I am in the same position,needing TR3 seats.My frames and springs are also shot.Ebayer Two Tall customs sells complete seats,new pans and foam,in leather $625 a pair,less for vinyl.Sounds hard to beat.Moss or TRF comes out to close to 1k per seat if you need everything,frames,springs padding kit and covers,and you have to build seat.
Tom
 
TFB said:
Jerry,
Two Tall customs sells complete seats,new pans and foam,in leather $625 a pair,less for vinyl.Sounds hard to beat.Tom
Click to expand...

Wow...I think I paid double that, just for the materials. I still have a day of sandblasting and painting too! If the quality is good, Two Tall sounds like the way to go!

John
 
Thanks for the links. I tried searching myself, but often don't find the old threads to these topics. In my finished TR3A, I set a little high with the top of my head just above the windshield. That car has the original seats. With the new project car, I hope to get lower a few inches. The old adjustable sliders are gone, so I can use any of the modern mounting kits. The Classic Cobra seats look almost period. It does spoil the look to add head rests, but I may put a roll bar in this car and want to protect my head from hitting it. I know in the finished car the seats are too low, IE: they stop at about my shoulder blades, so I would like to get a little taller in the back.

I appreciate all the help.

Jerry
TR3A finished
TR3A project
 
Likely this is obvious to all, but just thought I would point out that TwoTall is selling TR3A pattern seats (not TR3 as stated); the cushions are foam rather than springs, and the passenger seat does not fold as original.

Still a good deal, if that is what you want, but I didn't care for the foam TR3 seats that I sat on.
 
I'm not sure you can get much lower in the car than the original seats. The sliders are ultra thin, and the springs compress a good distance towards the floor. Maybe if you bolt the buckets straight to the floor?!? JMO

John
 
TR3driver said:
the passenger seat does not fold as original.
Click to expand...

Just a quick correction, or clarification - TooTall does in fact sell the folding passenger seat. Never compared it to an original but I think it would be pretty indistinguishable.

I wanted a slightly lower seat so he shaved down the foam a little - have not road tested it yet but I like the feel of the seats.
 
TR4nut said:
Just a quick correction, or clarification - TooTall does in fact sell the folding passenger seat.
Click to expand...
I'm sure you're right, but the ones on eBay clearly state that they do not fold.
 
Interesting, maybe he's stopped selling the folding version? I just checked and the set I have has the folding passenger version - perhaps its more headache for him so not in his typical deal anymore.
 
Hopefully this adds to original question...

Does anyone have opinions or experience concerning the comfort level of the various bottom pad options, like the original springs vs high density foam vs aftermarket Corbeau Clubman seats?

https://www.corbeau.com/products/fixed_back_seats/clubman/

I would very much like to find out how comfortable the Clubman seats are for general street driving. My seat covers and springs are on their last legs and I need to make a decision somewhat soon with what direction take. The Corbeau seats seem great as long as transmit too much shocks and jolts.
 
I went from tired springs to high density foam and thought it excellent. But this is very much a matter of personal preference -- indeed, the old saying about there being 'an a** for every seat' is quite appropos here.

Your best hope is to try a few of others' TR seats and feel the difference for yourself.

BTW -- when I redid the seats the replacement spring sets were not yet offerred -- I had actually resorted to making springs over a gas stove and twirling them in as replacements. If good springs had been on offer I probably would have gone that route and never tried the foam.
 
My Austin Healey has foam seats. When you buy them, the first step is to drill one inch holes in the bottom. The more holes, the softer the seat, and more you sink into the bottom. When my wife and I sit in the car now, we actually have our heads even, but I am sitting about 2-3 inches lower. Much more comfortable than without holes. My other TR3A has the original springs, horsehair and all. The seats are comfortable, but I sit too high. So, a look to see what else is out there.

Jerry
TR3A restored
TR3A Project
Austin Healey BN4
Austin Healey BJ8
 
I've never considered the TR3A to be a comfort car. Its a devil in the wet, hot in the summer, steers like a tractor, and is pretty tight for large people; but a great sports car.
 
This may not help you find seats for your 3, but when I had my '59, back in the day, the seats were as stated above, uncomfortable at best. My seats were in good condition, but uncomfortable, especially on a long trip. (Went to Mexico in the 3 once.) I went to one of those companies (uh, this was before the internet) that custom made quality sheepskin seat covers that fit over the stock seat. These were held on with elastic, as I remember, fit very well and were comfortable as all get out. Made the seats cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. I used a competition lap belt for a seat belt. I always thought they looked kinda cool in the TR3.
 
When I was 21, my skinny butt loved loved those seats, 'cause I had a TR3 FOR GOODNESS SAKE.

They were comfortable to me, but in those days I remember sometimes being numb from the neck down. Them wuz th' daze.
 
Back in the day ('65), I had an early TR4 that had essentially the same seats as the TR3. I had no trouble driving several hundred miles at a clip. Of course, I have to agree, "Them wuz th' daze." Couldn't do it today. :nonod:
 
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