TBone1209 Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 (edited) I've got a 7 clone with 17.5" from the tunnel to the external frame. I'd like to change my seating situation. With such a limited space (and budget) I wanted to query the collective genius of this August group to see what others may be using....outside of the $1200 Tillet B6's. Something like 400-500 bucks would be OK. This is for a street car with spirited driving but minimal track work. The Tillett W1i looks OK but with the internal frame it's $900 per seat... Anything else out there that's narrow, good support and decently priced? Edited October 28, 2021 by TBone1209 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayentaskier Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 I am a big believer in foam in place seating for the driver at least Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBone1209 Posted October 28, 2021 Author Share Posted October 28, 2021 (edited) Yea, that's great for a track car but in most respects this is a nice looking street car and the idea was keeping it that way if possible. Pics added in earlier post because everyone likes pictures... Having said that, I agree, bead seats are great for track mobiles... Edited October 28, 2021 by TBone1209 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panamericano Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 Just remember, the answer is always MIATA! Search for Spec Miata Seats and you will faind a bunch from many suppliers, reasonably priced. As little as 15" wide? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayentaskier Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 Hi Tbone, I agree most people think of bead seats as not very attractive. I don't track my car; but on both of my previous S3, I built a "foam in place" seat bottom, not a bead seat. The car was so tight for me (6'4" 220 lbs) that I didn't need the seat back. Below is a picture of the covered seat cushion. As I said, I didn't use beads I used this product: https://www.sunmatecushions.com/pages/liquid-sunmate-foam-in-place-seating My current car is an SV, with lowered floors and leather seats. Although the seats are pretty comfortable, I am just beginning the process to build a new seat cushion. I am not trying to change your mind, but thought I would post this here so that in the future if someone is searching the site for seat options, they will find this info. Good luck in finding your perfect seat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBone1209 Posted October 29, 2021 Author Share Posted October 29, 2021 @kayentaskier-that's fantastic! Given your size and the limited space that's definitely an interesting option. I'm 6ft and 185 so a "normal" seat is probably a lot easier for me... Especially on resale at some point. Thanks for the input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m wirth Posted October 29, 2021 Share Posted October 29, 2021 I drive a lot on the street and lots of track time, the Ultrashield seats suit my needs completely, a little memory foam and they are good for some long trips. Also several widths to choose from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted October 29, 2021 Share Posted October 29, 2021 I've used a Kirkey seat in a Miata track car and found them to be pretty rigid with good support, and they're not too expensive. I don't remember the model number but like the Ultrashield they're available in different widths to fit. I ended up getting a 14" Kirkey #38140 to use in my Series 2 vintage rep and had to modify the rib brace/wings to get it to fit in the narrow space available....and that's the 14" model! I really like the standard Caterham seats that I have in my 310 for comfort, but they could use more side support if you were going to go on track. Like most things, you really need to sit in one to see how it fits. Nice looking Seven clone TBone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papak Posted October 30, 2021 Share Posted October 30, 2021 I ran into the same issue with the Kirkey's in my Birkin. You need to use the "Drag" version of the same seat. It's dimensionally the same except no shoulder supports. I cut the supports off of my seats and salvaged the soft aluminum edge trim and tack welded it to fit the revised edges. I had a local upholsterer (hot rod guy) modify and re-cover the Kirkey upholstery to fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted October 30, 2021 Share Posted October 30, 2021 I think I did pretty much the same thing as you did Papak. I also cut off the seat headrest because I'm using the headrest from the rollbar. The modified seat looks like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBone1209 Posted October 30, 2021 Author Share Posted October 30, 2021 On 10/29/2021 at 10:13 AM, m wirth said: I drive a lot on the street and lots of track time, the Ultrashield seats suit my needs completely, a little memory foam and they are good for some long trips. Also several widths to choose from. I saw those after looking on the spec Miata sites. I believe that's the Rally seat? The only issue is shipping from the UK. Based on the dimensions they look to be a good fit for the 17.5" space I'm dealing with. I'll see if I can find a dealer stateside... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted October 30, 2021 Share Posted October 30, 2021 I'm pretty sure the Ultrashield seats are made in the US so should be readily available here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBone1209 Posted October 30, 2021 Author Share Posted October 30, 2021 Hey Bruce- you are right. In Texas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBone1209 Posted November 1, 2021 Author Share Posted November 1, 2021 (edited) Just spoke with Ultrashield about the spec Miata seat they have. Pretty remarkable that they will customize it within bounds for little to no additional costs. Custom width for no additional costs. Move the harness holes up or down by an inch for no cost and potentially remove 3-4 inches from the top for free. Pretty amazing. I'll have to wait until January but everything has a wait time these days... Edited November 1, 2021 by TBone1209 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted November 2, 2021 Share Posted November 2, 2021 That's some pretty impressive customer service! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papak Posted November 4, 2021 Share Posted November 4, 2021 Nice job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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