Seat recommendations

dls141 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-24-2012, 07:46 AM

I appreciate the "original" bucket seats in the cobra - but they don't offer much support. I'm at a point where I can either get my original style seats re-covered or go with new ones.

I've seen a lot of pictures of cars with different styles of seats.

I would be interested to know from those with experience changing out seats what you would recommend. I'm a tall guy - 6'2 and like to have the seat tilt back just a bit if possible for comfort.

Any ideas - and PHOTOS would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

D-CEL · #2 (**permalink**) 07-24-2012, 10:43 AM

Well I used the lower half of a Kirkey 53 series seat. It has 15 deg of layback and approx 10 deg of rise in the thigh support. It is very comfortable and holds you like a vise.
I trimmed the upper corners to get the shape that I wanted and added a couple of snaps the Kirkey cover.
I am very happy with it so far.

LMH · #3 (**permalink**) 07-24-2012, 11:41 AM

I just bought a Sube Cobra seat and found it lays back too much for my car. I'm looking for one more original but high quality. I may be returning the one I bought.
Larry

dls141 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-24-2012, 12:38 PM

Larry,
Which of the Sube Cobra seat styles did you get? I was looking at them.

Don

LMH · #5 (**permalink**) 07-24-2012, 01:30 PM

It's the Roadster SS. It seems to be a good seat as far as I can tell, just not original enough for me.
I haven't really looked at it much yet though. It's still in plastic but I have it sitting in my car.
Larry

dallas_ · #6 (**permalink**) 07-24-2012, 02:48 PM

You may also want to take a look at the Kirkey Vintage Bucket seats (41V).

Frank Messina · #7 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012, 03:49 PM

I have Cobra Classics in mine and they are great, but they have about a 20° seatback rake. If you are short on legroom you may need something more upright.

Frank

PS: If you are broad in the beam you will need something more open. I think the max recommended is a 38" waist.

bobcowan · #8 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012, 04:57 PM

I wouldn't even consider a low back seat in any car, street or track. You would be surprised how much damage a low speed impact can create.

Jaydee · #9 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012, 05:19 PM

I'm in the seat process. I bought some saas racing seats. High back, then someone says it's not a cobra seat. But bobcowan has made me rethink. Bugger it, safety is important. Just the acceleration, will give you whiplash. It's hard to find a production seat that will fit.
JD

LMH · #10 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012, 08:44 PM

I sent my Roadster SS seat back today for exchange on a Roadster SR seat. Sube tells me it's more upright than the SS but I'll know more when it arrives.

While it's true that high back seats are safer, they just don't belong in a car like this. My opinion of course.
Larry

Thor maine · #11 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012, 09:04 PM

I used Jaguar XKE series one seats. They have the right vintage look and the back(which is a little high) has a wood frame so it can be cut down, and the lower section is angled in the corner so it fits around the trans tunnel. The lower section is lower than a original style seat so you get more leg room, so mounted them on the original tracks so I have the full adjustment forward to back. And the best part they are comfortable. But if you are doing some track time some of the other seats suggested would be better

G-Pete · #12 (**permalink**) 07-29-2012, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcowan

I wouldn't even consider a low back seat in any car, street or track. You would be surprised how much damage a low speed impact can create.

...the Miata comes with high back seats in the standard configuration...

If you refer to whiplash, a high back seat cannot prevent that. Headrests protect you from high kinetic energy braking your neck - that all.

G-Pete · #13 (**permalink**) 07-29-2012, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dallas_

You may also want to take a look at the Kirkey Vintage Bucket seats (41V).

...here some pics with the cushion on. Even my wife said they are comfy, better than the FF5 roadster seats and lower (I was surprised too).

Thor maine · #14 (**permalink**) 07-29-2012, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Pete

...the Miata comes with high back seats in the standard configuration...

If you refer to whiplash, a high back seat cannot prevent that. Headrests protect you from high kinetic energy braking your neck - that all.

Is that a Miata?

G-Pete · #15 (**permalink**) 07-30-2012, 06:09 AM

Yes it is, there is at least one company who makes a body kit. Here is the link..
Home Page

lnfletcher · #16 (**permalink**) 07-30-2012, 07:28 AM

That is just so wrong!!!!!!!!!!!

bobcowan · #17 (**permalink**) 07-30-2012, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Pete

.
Headrests protect you from high kinetic energy braking your neck - that all.

That's all? Isn't that enough? The whole point of high back seats is to prevent hyperextension of the neck in a rear impact.

I'v been working in one ER or another for the last 35 years. I can't even begin to count the number of crippling neck injuries I'v seen from low back seats over the years. And I don't mean just injuries that put you in a wheel chair. Some "minor" injuries from low impact crashes left people with chronic neck pain, chronic daily headaches, and permanent disability.

Imagine having a migrain headache every day of your life.

The tall seats may not look right in these cars, but I wouldn't do without them for the same reason I won't ride a motorcycle without a helmet - I'v seen what happens when you don't.

henrik · #18 (**permalink**) 07-30-2012, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcowan

That's all? Isn't that enough? The whole point of high back seats is to prevent hyperextension of the neck in a rear impact.

I'v been working in one ER or another for the last 35 years. I can't even begin to count the number of crippling neck injuries I'v seen from low back seats over the years. And I don't mean just injuries that put you in a wheel chair. Some "minor" injuries from low impact crashes left people with chronic neck pain, chronic daily headaches, and permanent disability.

Imagine having a migrain headache every day of your life.

The tall seats may not look right in these cars, but I wouldn't do without them for the same reason I won't ride a motorcycle without a helmet - I'v seen what happens when you don't.

So what do you have... pictures pls. :-)

Jaydee · #19 (**permalink**) 07-30-2012, 05:44 PM

Doesn't whiplash also occur in a frontal. Like when you brake hard, then you come to a stop, and your head jerks back?
Thanks bob, I'm going for high back.
JD

bobcowan · #20 (**permalink**) 07-30-2012, 10:12 PM

"Whiplash" is caused by any dramatic movement of the neck beyond it's normal range of motion. Most commonly, it's hyperextension (backwards), like you would get by being hit in the rear. Permanent/significant neck injuries from movement in other directions is a lot less common, mostly for anatomic reasons.

The reason high back seats are mandated is to help prevent this kind of injury.

I use a Cobra Clubman seat, as supplied by Factory Five. It provides good support on the track, and is also very comfortable on a long trip.

Clubman - Sports - Cobra Seats