Anyone good at identifying Recaros?

[powelli]

Well, I have decided not to use the Corbeau's that I picked up in my car and am contemplating re-coverng the recaros that came with the car and using those. All along, I assumed that they were e21 recaros. However, after studying them, they seem to be a little different in the side bolster, headrest and pattern. Can anyone tell me what these came out of and whether they are worth re-covering for use in my '02.

Corbeaus
http://tinypic.com/noslsl.jpg

Example of e21 Recaros - Pic borrowed from oh2fly
http://www.2002restorations.com/upload/544/Mvc-009fbluerecaro.jpg

Recaros that came with the car.
http://tinypic.com/nosm1i.jpg

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3428/p1010176reducednk4.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2719/p1010178reducedwy5.jpg

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/2748/p1010179reducedwb4.jpg

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/9607/p1010180reducedlh4.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9429/p1010182reducedgv7.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/227/p1010183reducedot7.jpg


Thanks for the help.

[Al Canuck]

Hey Ian,

Those are aftermarket Recaros, not OE in anything. I can't recall the model number right now, but they are sometimes known as "big bolsters". Absolutely worth recovering for an 02. They are better built, and less inclined to twisting than the E21 seats. I had the same seat in my last E28.

Al

[powelli]

Thanks Al!

Was hoping that you would recognize them and respond.

Take care.

- Ian

[Alpine003]

Yes aftermarket based on the fabric but I believe this style might've been on the early Jetta GLI's wolfsburg edition as well.(not 100% sure)

[Al Canuck]

Yes aftermarket based on the fabric but I believe this style might've been on the early Jetta GLI's wolfsburg edition as well.(not 100% sure)

Style is very similar to the 90-92 GTI 16V(manual), and the 90-92 Jetta GLI/GTX, but the Jetta was power. Similar appearing, but different construction.

Al

[powelli]

Interestingly, I never noticed the idents in the headrest until I looked closer at this picture.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2719/p1010178reducedwy5.jpg

Turns out that there are speakers in them. Another twist.

Decision has been made to definitely re-cover the seats and use them in the '02. Next question is whether I should look into reducing the size of those headrests? Bodyman jokingly said that they reminded him of a HANS device.

[Al Canuck]

You're going to have a tough time reducing the size of the headrests. They're framed with the speakers in place. Find a set of regular Recaro ones, and slam them in.

Al

[kpolito99]

Not sure about the head rest designation but the seat shape looks similar to the LS model that a buddy of mine once purchased for his 320i.

BTW what are you going to do with the black Corbeau Seats? What model are they, do they recline and are mounting brackets available for an e46?

Thanks,

Kurt

[powelli]

BTW what are you going to do with the black Corbeau Seats? What model are they, do they recline and are mounting brackets available for an e46?

I recently picked up an e30 and they might go into it. If not, I will be putting them up FS. They are Corbeau CR-1's. They do recline and yes, brackets should be available for the e46.

[bluedevils]

They look like the Pontiac Fiero Recaros from 80s.
al

[Alpine003]

They look like the Pontiac Fiero Recaros from 80s.
al

Ding ding. When I heard speakers in the headrest, I was either going to say JDM Miata or select Fiero models. I had a Fiero a long time ago but I don't remember how the seats looked. Just the fact they had speakers in the headrest.

[Al Canuck]

RX-7 convertibles also had speakers in the headrest.

That said, Feiro seats weren't actually Recaros, they were knockoffs.

Al

[harv]

Why are you not using the Corbeaus?

John

[powelli]

Why are you not using the Corbeaus?

I just decided that I like the look of the Recaros better. I think that they will look more correct in the car. Once recovered, they should go nicely with the black leather e30M3 rear seat that I plan to put in it.

There is nothing wrong with the Corbeau's. If I don't use them in the e30, I will offer them up FS w/sliders.

[Alpine003]

I think that they will look more correct in the car.

I tend to agree and really don't like it when shows like Overhaulin uses the modern race seats on some of the older classic muscle cars as well. Just doesn't seem to fit on most of them.

[oh2fly]

I think those Recaros are LS model. Very comfortable and worth restoring.