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Posted by: trekkor Apr 18 2006, 04:32 PM

I know some have done this...Demick.

I'd like to see some examples.

I'm tossing around the idea of glassing on full bolstering and covering with vinyl to match.

I like the ready to buy seats and all. I also like a good project, too.


thanks, KT

Posted by: lapuwali Apr 18 2006, 04:43 PM

There are some examples here if you search for them.

What I'd do is use some thin plywood cut to shape, and glass that into place. Alternatively, use surfboard foam. If you try using fiberglass alone, it will probably be too flexible (too thin) or too brittle (too thick). Use something as a core (like foam) to glass around to get bolsters that are stiff enough w/o being brittle.

Still another approach is to use a steel tube from the base of the seat to the back on each side as a brace, with a fiberglass panel filling in the rest. This is roughly how many actual race seats are made.

Posted by: trekkor Apr 18 2006, 05:08 PM

Thanks.

I'll first need to do some drawings to get some shape ideas.
Also, I'll need holes for the belts.

If I self destruct, I'll just buy a Kirkey.


KT

Posted by: john rogers Apr 18 2006, 05:35 PM

I had thought about doing that when I started vintage racing the 914, but then I sat in one with one of the wrap around aluminum seats and that made me change my mind. The one I have wraps around my rib cage and my shoulders and I don't move a bit once the belts are tightened down. I'd recommend trying one before you go to all the hard work of modifying a stock seat......

Posted by: Travis Neff Apr 18 2006, 05:36 PM

Do a search, there are a couple of people that have done this. Thee was one in particular that looked fantastic. he had done the work himself on the bolstering and had an upholstery shop stitch them up with leather.

Posted by: scotty b Apr 18 2006, 06:00 PM

I don't know who's this is but the seat was done like an early 911 sport seat. I have a set in my 944 and they are really nice. This is the 3rd car I've put them in now! I plan on making a set of these for my teener when I get started on it


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Posted by: trekkor Apr 18 2006, 06:07 PM

I like that seat. great! i need more of those pics.


KT

Posted by: Carlitos Way Apr 18 2006, 06:09 PM

If I am not mistaken, Renegade Hybrids makes these seats already. Not sure if it's what you're looking for, and they are rather pricey, but if you have the moeny, why not go for it? Then again, there's always the enjoyment of doing something yourself.

Posted by: Eric_Shea Apr 18 2006, 06:31 PM

I'm building GT seat replicas off the original frame. I used the Recaros from my 911RS to form the side bolster. Used Copper tubing as the template. They're going to have the same cord inserts as the Recaros. Here's some pics:




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Posted by: trekkor Apr 18 2006, 06:38 PM

Oh yeah!!!!


KT

Posted by: trekkor Apr 19 2006, 05:03 PM

I'd like to see some more examples.

That copper tubing is a really great idea.


KT

Posted by: r_towle Apr 19 2006, 05:10 PM

I saw that somewhere before..
The tubing gives you a way to play with the shape...
Then you have somewhere to hang the fiberglass from.

Rich

Posted by: BIGKAT_83 Apr 19 2006, 06:30 PM

That's my car I did the seat about 3 years ago. Made the bolsters and did all the upholstery myself. Still have not done the pass side. I think I had some pictures on my blog. I'm looking for pictures of the modified bases and frames I know I have some somewhere.

Bob

Posted by: grasshopper Apr 19 2006, 06:52 PM

I dont like it, but here is one


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Posted by: trekkor Apr 19 2006, 09:34 PM

That pic also helps. Good. The colors aren't for me, but the quality makes me happy.

I think I'll photoshop up something.


KT

Posted by: Demick Apr 20 2006, 12:14 AM

Here's mine. From this view, it's easy to see the original shape and the new shape.



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Posted by: Demick Apr 20 2006, 12:15 AM

Here it is half covered in foam.


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Posted by: Demick Apr 20 2006, 12:16 AM

...and finished


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Posted by: gregrobbins Apr 20 2006, 12:27 AM

I have a stock seat modified by Renegade Hybrids that is very nice.


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Posted by: trekkor Apr 20 2006, 12:28 AM

That helps a ton.
thanks


KT

Posted by: JOHNMAN Apr 20 2006, 12:34 AM

Here is a bad pic of the seats my dad did for the track car.

They have holes for the belts built into them.

I'll have to take a couple pics of revision one (which reside in my street car)....


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Posted by: trekkor Apr 20 2006, 12:41 AM

Were those 914 seats?
Wow!


KT

Posted by: JOHNMAN Apr 20 2006, 12:53 AM

Oh, yes they were/still are stock 914 seats. They have just been modified somewhat.

I don't know if we still have pics of them being made (prior to the digital age).

My mom did the covers for both sets (those shown as well as my street car seats).

We went with the heavy duty cloth type seat covers because they will wear like iron and can absorb some moisture instead of getting slick. They are several seasons old.

Posted by: redshift Apr 20 2006, 04:57 AM

Where is the asshole icon... nevermind... ASSHOLE!

I just called, to say!!!!




M

Posted by: Randal Apr 20 2006, 08:39 AM

Trekkor,

How about making one of those foam inserts, after you finish your re-work, that you can put in just for racing.

That way you wouldn't move at all.

Bet Demick knows how to do it and where to get the materials.

Posted by: trekkor Apr 20 2006, 04:17 PM

OK, the old seat is out, stripped, cleaned and sanded.

I'm off to...ahem...Home Depot for supplies.

Here's the old look.
Let's see how far I can get before Saturday morning.

That could be just what I need. we'll see.


KT


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Posted by: trekkor Apr 20 2006, 06:15 PM

I'm back and for under $100 I have enough material to do both seats if the first one turns out to my liking.


KT

Posted by: Krieger914 Apr 20 2006, 08:28 PM

Hey Trek,
Ive got two seats you could have if you want to play with them.

Posted by: JOHNMAN Apr 20 2006, 08:47 PM

As promised, here are a couple pics of my silver street car seats.




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Posted by: trekkor Apr 20 2006, 08:49 PM

OK, I'm done for the night.

things are coming along nicely.

Here's the frame shape.

3/8 copper tube riveted to the seat.
Test fitted to me and in the car.

My fire extinguisher has to be relocated.


KT


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Posted by: redshift Apr 20 2006, 08:52 PM

Why not just use GT flares..



Is that a tiny blue water tower, for... lilliputians?


M

Posted by: trekkor Apr 20 2006, 08:55 PM

Down boy!

Again...


KT


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Posted by: trekkor Apr 20 2006, 09:01 PM

Oooops, wrong pic.

that was my cat biting my hand

Heres the seat from the side.


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Posted by: trekkor Apr 20 2006, 09:05 PM

next step. backing for the foam core.





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Posted by: trekkor Apr 20 2006, 09:12 PM

Expandible foam applied

After 8 hours it can be shaped before the fiberglass matting is laminated over it.

F-O-A-M



KT




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Posted by: Demick Apr 20 2006, 09:17 PM

Hey Trekkor - those are some huge bolsters. Didn't know you needed support for your shoulders!

Just make sure you are going to fit into the seat after you are done. My seat is VERY tight in the hips. If I have my wallet in my back pocket, I don't fit.

Demick

Posted by: trekkor Apr 20 2006, 09:19 PM

"Great Stuff"

Tune in tommorow...


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Posted by: Heeltoe914 Apr 20 2006, 09:24 PM

I am truly sorry but WTH are you trying to hold in that seat. Your but and part of your rib cage should be more than enought for any auto-X. IMHO

Posted by: trekkor Apr 20 2006, 09:28 PM

I'm really big

Thanks Andy, I'll let you know!


KT

Posted by: trekkor Apr 21 2006, 12:23 AM

first cut...

I spotted it with foam one more time.

I sat in it


Pretty cool


KT


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Posted by: messix Apr 21 2006, 12:49 AM

bolstering for the shoulders has been found to be more effective, and comfortable.
nascar guys are all swichted over, off road guys are finding it too. it doesn't beat up your ribs. who has gotten the bruises?[raising my hand.]

Posted by: Hydra Apr 21 2006, 04:39 AM

Great thread trekkor!
One question remains, how did you mount the copper tubes to the seat?
Good Luck
Nick

Posted by: trekkor Apr 21 2006, 10:36 AM

The copper is fastened with pop rivets. Two on each end.


KT

Posted by: trekkor Apr 21 2006, 02:15 PM

Foam shaped to my liking, followed by the first coat of resin and glass matte.
Sanded.

Ready for a final coat of resin and glass cloth.

KT


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Posted by: nynone4 Apr 21 2006, 02:20 PM

Very Cool! Can't wait to see the finished product. You've got me thinking about modifying one my seats as well.

Posted by: trekkor Apr 21 2006, 02:21 PM

It is taking a little more material than I planned

Back to the Depot for more latex gloves, resin and glass cloth.

I'm not sure how I'm going to finish it for the weekend, as the fabric store is out of brown vinyl.

Maybe just padding only...We'll have to wait and see.

What I like about this project, is the seat will have exactly the shape I want and it will fit me perfectly. Tough to find that off the shelf for under $500.


KT

Posted by: jgara962 Apr 21 2006, 02:41 PM

Looking good!

How much do you think this project will cost you?

Posted by: trekkor Apr 21 2006, 03:39 PM

$140 in materials.

Don't count the time


KT

Posted by: Demick Apr 21 2006, 03:47 PM

Mine cost about $100 in materials (that was enough to do 2 seats, although I only completed one). Time was probably about 20 hours of labor - most of it doing the upholstry work. It was a real pain. I don't think I would do it again. #1 reason I did it instead of buying the Renegade seat was because I wanted it in brown rather than black.

BTW, Trekkor - watch out on how the size of the seat will change when you cover it with foam. It gets smaller very quickly when you add the foam.

Demick

Posted by: Dan (Almaden Valley) Apr 21 2006, 03:54 PM

Trekkor,
With the shoulder "wings" as wide as you have them, does the seat still slide all the way back into the back pad as before? You know how it is recessed for the shape of the seat?

Just wondering....with my Corbeaus the seat would not go back as far as before. because of the shoulder wings.

Looking good.

Posted by: grantsfo Apr 21 2006, 04:18 PM

Do they have running water? ...love the copper pipe.

Posted by: Aaron Cox Apr 21 2006, 05:54 PM

looks "interesting"

and did you get the dimesnions off of sasquatch? LOL.


fun project - i may have to do mine...

Posted by: trekkor Apr 21 2006, 07:43 PM

The seat does not slide all the way back. that's OK though.

I run with the seat pretty far foward.

Here's the end of the show. I'm pretty tired.

I don't like the color of the fabric I am using, but for $6, enh?
Just getting by for now.


KT


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Posted by: trekkor Apr 21 2006, 07:49 PM

Of course it's installed

I've got an a/x this weekend.

I have to go clean up and load the car now.

KT


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Posted by: sixnotfour Apr 21 2006, 08:01 PM

Trekkor, you the man

Posted by: J P Stein Apr 21 2006, 08:23 PM

I like to see guys that aren't afraid to build sthuff....even Trekkor
Nice job, too.

Posted by: Dan (Almaden Valley) Apr 21 2006, 08:27 PM

Looks like you shouldn't be sliding around anymore

Probably don't need the 5 points anymore

Fast work as usual Trek...

Are you planning to eventually do the passenger seat as well?

For ~$100 how could anyone complain. Homedepot strikes yet again.

Nice Trekkor!

Posted by: trekkor Apr 21 2006, 09:53 PM

Thanks, guys.

I had fun on this project. That was part of the plan.
I've been fighting some sort of flu-like crud ...Sorry it took so long.

Can't wait to try this out tomorrow on the course.
I ran it around the Vineyard Lap™ and I must say. It's pretty good.

KT

Posted by: trekkor Feb 8 2007, 04:26 PM

I'm still happy...



KT

Posted by: dflesburg Feb 8 2007, 04:31 PM

Done in sofa grade leather...

Posted by: dflesburg Feb 8 2007, 04:32 PM

Posted by: trekkor Feb 8 2007, 04:59 PM

Those seats look really cozy


KT

Posted by: ChrisNPDrider Feb 8 2007, 06:42 PM

Wow, it's like a 914 love seat in your garage

Posted by: dflesburg Feb 8 2007, 09:32 PM

old pics, they are in the car now... and I have the camp handles on them now... and the passenger seat is 3/4 of an inch higher than stock to clear the motronic brain... I copied my brothers set up because he is THE man.

Posted by: John Feb 8 2007, 10:05 PM

The shoulder thing makes all kinds of sense, but it makes the seat HUGE!

I'm older than I was when I was 16-18 and I prefer some COMFORT. I like padding.

I highly recommend padding the seat bottom and the seat back.

For reasons that I do not understand, someone in their infinite wisdom decided to contour the stiffener ribs in the seat back TOWARD your spine instead of away from it. Too thin of padding there hurts my spine right in the middle of my back. Without ample padding in the seat bottom gives me a real Pain in the Ass (literally).

I have tried it both ways, and actually added padding to the seat back in the track car. (you know where if you look at the pictures posted above).

Here is a shot of my street car seats. Not all leather, but I don't stick to them in the hot summer sun either.


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Posted by: trekkor Feb 9 2007, 12:14 AM

I can still use the stock seat cushion and tuck away the sub-belt.

I do like the thin seat pads I had made however.


KT

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Feb 9 2007, 12:30 AM

I would love to but then I would have to wear goggles and run with the top off.

Extra padding on the back is a good idea.