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Thread: Fixed back seat mounts for bigger guys

  1. #1
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    Fixed back seat mounts for bigger guys

    If you're tall and enjoy taking your coupe/roadster to driving events, then you've certainly been victim of the lack of headroom in the cabin. A nice option is to purchase a fixed back recaro SPG XL seat, but the usual combo of mounts leaves fitment lacking a bit. After not being happy with the VAC & motion motorsport options, for they don't have enough adjustment to center the seat and they don't quite get low enough, I decided to try my hand at making my own.

    That said, is there anybody here who would be interested in a set? I'm about to make mine and might as well do more if I can help the community.

    See the image below, these will bolt directly to your floor without the need for a universal adapter. Seating is as far back as possible without contacting the B-pillar or door panels, and the L-R offset of the seat is identical to OEM. I'm 6'3" 225lbs and a 35" waist, the seating position is ideal for me and I have clearance with a helmet at the lowest position. Seatbelt mounting is up to the user.

    These are sized to specifically fit the Recaro SPG XL seat, I cannot guarantee these will fit any other seat. The Recaro Pole Position has the same mounting measurements and should fit but I do not have a test seat.

    Let me know if you're interested and I'll make some spares!

    Bryson

    Last edited by Bryson; 04-26-2017 at 10:28 AM.

  2. #2
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    I might be in, how soon would they be done?

  3. #3
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    I'm thinking a couple weeks, I haven't decided if I want to powdercoat vs spray them, which could add a little time as well. I wouldn't need a deposit, I want to make sure they're good to go before involving any dough

  4. #4
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    I'm interested as long as the price is reasonable.

  5. #5
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    Excellent, can each of you let me know if you're interested in just the driver seat or a driver + passenger combo?

    These will definitely cost less than a VAC and motion motorsports combo.

  6. #6
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    I was planning on DR only, but if you are making both, I'm in. Also, I can finish as well, no biggie there.

  7. #7
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    I just need the driver side.

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    Chris
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  8. #8
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    Bryson, Do you have measurements for the seats that this will work with? I fond some stuff on the recaro site, but not the critical stuff. I have Corbeau FX1, and want to make sure this will work.

  9. #9
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    The most critical measurement is side to side (width) of 430mm. I believe the side-bracket hole spacing is standard across most aftermarket seats but I would recommend looking into that first.

    Looks like the first prototype should be arriving some time next week for test fitment, I'll update this thread when I have pics
    Last edited by Bryson; 04-27-2017 at 01:36 AM.

  10. #10
    Terry F.'s Avatar
    Terry F. is offline ONLY BMW Content is + Moderator
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    I see no conflict with vendors so I won't move this to FS section. Anyone correct me if I am wrong. If a few people want these, fine. If it grows to group buy size, you need to clear with Kev, OK Bryson?

    Stuff. I got stuff.

  11. #11
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    Sounds good, thank you. I'm not in the business, just figured if I'm doing the work there might be others that can benefit.

    For better or worse, this will be a one time go. I'll post up all the CAD files for the community so it can be replicated by anyone down the line
    Last edited by Bryson; 04-27-2017 at 10:08 AM.

  12. #12
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    Interested in future.

  13. #13
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    Here is the fitment mock up to show how there is no interference with the b-pillar or door panel, albeit just barely. Shown here fitted with a funky and not road safe combination of different brackets and hardware - the completed version will position the seat in the same location

    Don't mind the automatic, next week it gets a six speed














    Last edited by Bryson; 04-30-2017 at 06:42 PM.

  14. #14
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    Shouldn't it also have bolt holes for seatbelt receptable?

    Z3 & E36 RamAir systems, send private message for more information.

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  16. #16
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    still playing around with where the seat belt mounting holes will need to land, those will make it into the final revision. We'll see if I can fit the OEM belt receptacle mount, currently pictured is the popular E30 receptacle

  17. #17
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    Good news! Everything fits like a glove and they're super easy to install! Unfortunately there just isn't enough room to fit the OEM seat belt receptacle without cutting into the carpet/foam, which I'm not willing to do. I'm using an e30 seat belt receptacle with the OEM one plugged in and zip tied under the seat to keep the airbag working and the seatbelt chime at bay.

    A few photos of how everything came out below, now I just have to order more for you guys who want some. If you want to cut & bend your own, shoot me a PM and I'll email you the files you need

    Now tomorrow's exercise is to 6-speed the Z3

    Cheers,
    Bryson















    Last edited by Bryson; 05-28-2017 at 10:50 AM.

  18. #18
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    im interested, how much total cost for L+R? I have VAC and motion motorsport with Pole Position but the seat isnt tilt enough for me even i drill an extra hole for the front of the bracket

  19. #19
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    A friend of mine did this first set gratis for me to entice me out to an upcoming track day. Unfortunately his business doesn't do small quantity jobs so I still have to get them quoted out and produced somewhere else. I'll be ordering a passenger side for myself and a handful of others for you guys here. I'm still expecting these to be very reasonably priced and am not interested in taking a profit off of this, which should help with cost as well

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Aw0802 View Post
    im interested, how much total cost for L+R? I have VAC and motion motorsport with Pole Position but the seat isnt tilt enough for me even i drill an extra hole for the front of the bracket
    do you want the seats to be tilted further backward or forward? This will allow a significant forward tilt but probably not more rear tilt than the combo you already have
    2.8 Z3 coupe + 6 speed || 200kW electric 1970 Jaguar XJ6

  20. #20
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    I am looking to tilt the seats more to the back....

    Quote Originally Posted by Bryson View Post
    A friend of mine did this first set gratis for me to entice me out to an upcoming track day. Unfortunately his business doesn't do small quantity jobs so I still have to get them quoted out and produced somewhere else. I'll be ordering a passenger side for myself and a handful of others for you guys here. I'm still expecting these to be very reasonably priced and am not interested in taking a profit off of this, which should help with cost as well

    - - - Updated - - -


    do you want the seats to be tilted further backward or forward? This will allow a significant forward tilt but probably not more rear tilt than the combo you already have

  21. #21
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    Wowzers!!! How have I not seen this thread before??? I'm interested in both the driver's and passenger's side! Finally, a set-up that will allow us to install decent fixed-back seats without having to cut/modify either the door, B pillar, or seat!

    "You don't win silver....you lose gold."

  22. #22
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    I'm still interested, but need to know cost.

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  23. #23
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    Also interested.....
    2001 Z3 3.0 Coupe--Sterling Gray/Sunroof Delete/5MT

  24. #24
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    In for a driver and passenger side set. Thanks!

    josh

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by jb1856 View Post
    In for a driver and passenger side set. Thanks!

    josh
    I am interested in both sides as well.


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