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Tue Feb 21, 2012 10:38 am

I am looking for information on how comfortable these seats are. (front buckets)

I have tried the poly seats and they were rough on my back. (I need to preface that with the fact that I was using the seat covers that came with them which were lacking in padding) I borrowed a cover from FarmerJohn. (Thanks John :D :D ) and put it on a fiberglass shell I had. They were comfortable and with the addition of a little padding I think they would be very comfortable and fit my needs perfectly.

I am looking for people who have ridden in these seats and what they think about comfort and seat time.

I know that Geoff had a great set in his awesome restored Manx.

Geoff if you read this thread let me know how they were.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I plan to use something similar on my next build.

If anyone has a set they would like to sell PM me. Condition is not important since I will have new covers made from the pattern of the old covers.

Vince

Tue Feb 21, 2012 10:49 am

I've got similar and find them fine, they need added padding though. I got some 2" foam seat pads from an upolsterer, cut to shape with an electric carving knife and spray glued them in place to the squab and backrest of the fiberglass.

Tue Feb 21, 2012 10:55 am

David
Thanks! That is the kind of info I am looking for. How high are they off the pan and are they mounted to VW frames? If so are the frames shortened.

I have been looking for a set and just missed a few in the classifieds.

Vince

Tue Feb 21, 2012 11:10 am

NOT............

Go with full suspension seats... Poly and fiberglass seats are of same caliber, not forgiving and a pain...... If you have old bones and take long trips, full suspension is only way, its all about being able to move the next day after body has been abused in unforgiving seat....

My PRP suspension seats are on spacers (to get correct angle) and generic sliders.....

http://www.prpseats.com/Category/4-roadster-series.aspx

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Universal-Seat-Sliders,7103.html

Dale

Tue Feb 21, 2012 11:13 am

Mine are fitted on some folded stainless steel wedges (3" to 1") and some Corbeau seat runners.

Tue Feb 21, 2012 5:45 pm

I have that style in my buggy:

I have taken many 5,6,7 hour trips and they are comfortable. They were even more comfy when I was a few pound lighter/smaller.

Here is a few pics of the bottom of the seats:

Tue Feb 21, 2012 7:33 pm

To tell you the truth.... I got a really boney ass and at first I just ran the seat cover but soon found it didn't cut it. I added some padding under mine and it's much better. Most who have ridden in my Manx think they are comfortable.

Hope this helps.

Tue Feb 21, 2012 11:29 pm

The comfort of this style seat can be improved upon with the addition of better padding/foams materials available today. There are a number of materials in various densities/durometers/price ranges that can be added under the cover - a 'memory foam' type of material can be used in a firmer density for added support.

bryan

Wed Feb 22, 2012 3:39 am

Hello,

I have these ones in my Manx and they are very comfortable ...

They came from a French little car of rallye in the 70's ... the Simca Rallye 2

:wink:

DomManx

Wed Feb 22, 2012 7:26 am

I had those for a couple of years, but they are pretty narrow (or I'm too big :shock: ) but didn't find them comfortable at all. Another thing to consider is how strong they are if you get hit from behind. They will break and you could end up with serious injuries from a relatively low speed impact. I now have sport seats and have never been happier cruising in my car. If you want a lowback I'd consider Dales advice and go with a real seat.

brad

Wed Feb 22, 2012 9:55 am

Thanks everyone for their input.

I know that they might not be as safe in an accident. I am doing a period restoration and want to build it as it could be built at the time. Very much like Geoff's green Manx. (Geoff thanks for your input)

Jerry, thanks for the pictures they are just what I need for the rail fabrication.

Bryan
That is a good idea with the memory foam!

Still looking for a set if anyone has one to sell.

Vince

Wed Feb 22, 2012 5:31 pm

Vince,

Speedway Motors sells a version of the fiberglass lowback seat and they sell the cover separate. They don't look exactly like the Manx seats, but may be close enough.

Wed Feb 22, 2012 5:41 pm

I had those seats in my first buggy and after about 45 minutes to 1 hour, I was done. I even added in additional foam in the bottom and the backs.

So I bought a new set of Race Trim suspension seats. They were worse than the FG bucket. The way the Race Trims are designed, my hip bones sat on the tubing on each side. They fit me so poorly, I sold last spring at Fast Times at Farmington swap meet before even using them.

I recently bought a set of 914 seats and love the fit of those, but hate the look of the head rest. I may trim the head rest off and create a low back style. I can sit in these for hours and not hurt my back or hips.

Everyone is different and no two people have the same body. If possible, sit in as many as you can before purchasing.

Thu Feb 23, 2012 3:34 pm

Problem I have with 914 seats is in the lack of side/hip support...

bryan

Mon May 28, 2012 12:32 pm

I have the original Foyega seats in my '68 body Manx. They do not have that nice pleated seat cover. They do still have the original covers, a pebble grained naugahyde with lots of padding. Been in the Manx since it as built.

As far as ass to seat goes, you are held in rather well. I am 5'6" 155 #. My son is 6'2" 220 #. We seats fit both of us fine. My issue with the seats is, the lean of the back of the seat is too far to the rear. My son complains of that, as well as have two friends that have driven the Manx. I find that anything over about 4 mile of driving, I am leaning forward almost using the steering wheel for support. Maybe tilting the rear of the seat ? Don't know, the angle of the seat is pretty pronounced.

One other thing and, Bruce told me these seats were like this new, so is not an age thing, on rough roads, the upright ( back ) of the seats tend to wallow ( side to side motion ), just a tad. It is not disconcerting, just that when compared to modern seats, it something one tends to notice.

Other than the lean of the back, the seats, with the padding ( is the original padding that came with the seat covers, I have neither added nor removed any padding ), the seats are comfortable to sit and ride in.

As far as safety goes, one is already riding in an egg shell. So, adding anything thing that increases safety, is a good idea. I have neck and back issues and am currently entertaining new seats ( was just outside, test fitting S2000 Honda seats. Have had em Tuff Shed for past 6 months waiting for energy level and time constraints to change ).

The others are correct when they tell you, quality suspension seats are the way to go.

BUT, as you suggest, these are period correct ... however, any smaller seats out of an MG, Triumph, Austin Spitfire, even a Datsun 510 or, 240z, ect, would also be period correct.

OEM seats are generally safer and more comfortable that these Foyega seats.

The orange Manx on the cover of old Car and Driver Magazine has Spitfire seats in it, I think from a 1965 - 1967 Spitfire. I had a line on a nice ( pictures ) pair about 90 miles north of me. $500. On day I was going to go see/buy em, seller failed to return email. Was 2 months ago, no word since.

Good luck with the seats. Remember, is your car ... be safe, make it yours.

wayne

Tue May 29, 2012 6:09 am

Vince, With your back issues I would say don't use them.

Tue May 29, 2012 10:48 am

I have a set of PRP suspension seats in the manxter. I am a bit wide in the bottom end and after our 2000 mile trip back from AZ, I realized I needed to do something different. After 6 years, I still have not done anything but every time I drive it, I curse the seats. I will eventually remove them and will widen the lower frame...that is what hits my hips and makes them so uncomfortable.
Chris