I have read enough forum threads to know that this is one of "those" questions (what engine, how much horsepower, to sway or not to sway, what color to paint, etc). I want to put a high back seat into my roadster (delivery date end of September). After reading threads, and reading websites, I have come down to three main options.
Ultrashield Rally Sport Seats
Ultrashiled Spec Miata
Kirkey series 55 - drag.
I am 6'2", 205 pounds, have a 32"-33" inseam, waist 36". I measured hip to hip at 16.5".
I doubt I would fit into the clubman or the corbeau A4. I thought about adding a head rest to the low back (1969 mustang single post) but I am afraid it would only go to my lower neck.
What I am looking for, is a chance to sit in a few of these seats and see what I liked. I wanted to go to the London car show just to sit in the seats (just??? I wanted to go anyways), but all sorts of complications arouse that made that trip imposible. I live in the very SE corner of Arkansas and was hoping that someone who lived "close" by would allow me to stop by and try the seats out.
FYI - I haven't sent a PM to the moderators to unlock my account to put a signature in. Gen 3 coyote, with IRS, PS (with cooler), (hopefully A/C). Plan on using it as a cruiser, but am very interested in Autocross. I am seriously considering a soft top to appease the missus
I started with the Kirkey's and had to pull them out. The issue for me was you have to drop your hips and it was tight. Perfectly comfortable but tight and it hugged my body all the way up to just below my ribs. I found it hard to turn my head and getting in and out was a challenge. I wanted more of a sporty driver though. If I was going to the track a lot maybe.
I ended up using the Cobra Monaco Pro. They were pretty wide at the base for a sport seat. I get in and out with no problem now.
I have Kirkey drag seats in my car. I completely agree that they're a little harder to get in and out of due to the height of the hip bolsters. You do have to lift yourself in and out. For me they are comfortable. I thought an aluminum seat with a padded cover would not be, but after I sat in another car with them I was sold in that regard.
To me the biggest pros of the Kirkey are this: They are easy to fit in the car (due to the thinness of the seat itself), and can be set very far back from the steering wheel for the same reason (which may help you being 6'2"). They are very light, which makes them easy to take in and out of the car. And I think for a high back seat they look pretty good, not period correct but may be period inspired?
As far as adding headrests to the low back roadster seats, I doubt you will get what you want there. I have 5"7 and those seats hit me below the shoulder. As you suggest, I doubt the headrest can get high enough to to be behind your head.
One other note, whatever seats you choose, make your your parking brake handle fits (unless you relocate it to the top of the tunnel or otherwise).
Here's a couple of photos of the Kirkeys in my car that may help serve as reference.
Brandon, where did you get the "bezels" around some of your switches? are those lucas switches as well. If so where did you source those? Dash look simple, clean and great.
Mk IV 9968 complete kit, 3 Link, PS, 15” Halibrand, Wilwood Brakes
Blue Print 347, TKO600
Corbeau FX1 Pro also fits, just barely, and is very comfortable. Ive driven mine over 2 hours continuous a few times and the seats never became uncomfortable. Whatever you choose, remember to tilt the seat mount back enough to make the seat comfortable
If so where did you source those? Dash look simple, clean and great.
Thanks! The switches are all Factory Five Lucas style switches (included with the kit). I know I bought an extra switch at some point, but I can't seem to recall if it was to replace one I lost or to add one.
I bought the labels from http://plastic-tags.com/ , I saw a post about them on one of the forums at some point. My notes say to ask for "Lex tags" if you call to order, I believe that was the first person to order them. You submit what they should be and they supply proofs before manufacturing. One thing I will note is that some of the switches (such as the wiper switch) do not have enough tread engagement to use a tag if you are using the padded vinyl dash covering provided by Factory Five, it's just a little too thick.
I'm about the same size as you and always found the Fiero seats to be comfortable. KelmSeats1.jpg
If you can find them you can have them recovered. I know a guy
Edit: I have never sat in a Cobra with Fiero seats, but I have sat in multiple Fieros with Fiero seats
I have Kirkey drag seats in my car. I completely agree that they're a little harder to get in and out of due to the height of the hip bolsters. You do have to lift yourself in and out. For me they are comfortable. I thought an aluminum seat with a padded cover would not be, but after I sat in another car with them I was sold in that regard.
To me the biggest pros of the Kirkey are this: They are easy to fit in the car (due to the thinness of the seat itself), and can be set very far back from the steering wheel for the same reason (which may help you being 6'2"). They are very light, which makes them easy to take in and out of the car. And I think for a high back seat they look pretty good, not period correct but may be period inspired?
As far as adding headrests to the low back roadster seats, I doubt you will get what you want there. I have 5"7 and those seats hit me below the shoulder. As you suggest, I doubt the headrest can get high enough to to be behind your head.
One other note, whatever seats you choose, make your your parking brake handle fits (unless you relocate it to the top of the tunnel or otherwise).
Here's a couple of photos of the Kirkeys in my car that may help serve as reference.
-Brandon
Are those the vinyl seats? If so, how hot do they get in the sun. Living in Arkansas, I worry if a run an errand that the seats will get two hot. I ask because if I got vinyl, I would perforate the vinyl and place heated/vented seats in.
I started with the Kirkey's and had to pull them out. The issue for me was you have to drop your hips and it was tight. Perfectly comfortable but tight and it hugged my body all the way up to just below my ribs. I found it hard to turn my head and getting in and out was a challenge. I wanted more of a sporty driver though. If I was going to the track a lot maybe.
I ended up using the Cobra Monaco Pro. They were pretty wide at the base for a sport seat. I get in and out with no problem now.
How well do they fit? The info I have is that they have maximum 20 inches width and are 26 inches long. I worry about fitment issues. I would prefer to look through the windshield and not above it. I also worry about fitting my legs fitting in the car. That is why I was hoping someone closer to the ArkLaMiss would have a high back seat to let me fit test
I have read enough about the kirkeys to know I would fit, but I don't particularly like the ironing board look (as a world famous replica painter once put it). I will have double roll bars, which will help mitigate that look. Decisions, decisions.
How well do they fit? The info I have is that they have maximum 20 inches width and are 26 inches long. I worry about fitment issues. I would prefer to look through the windshield and not above it. I also worry about fitting my legs fitting in the car. That is why I was hoping someone closer to the ArkLaMiss would have a high back seat to let me fit test
I have read enough about the kirkeys to know I would fit, but I don't particularly like the ironing board look (as a world famous replica painter once put it). I will have double roll bars, which will help mitigate that look. Decisions, decisions.
The answer to how they fit is just. I have them installed in the only way they will fit. They look great and if anything I could stand to be a little closer to the pedals. I fixed this my modifying my brake pedal to be closer instead of moving the seat. The gas and clutch have plenty of adjustment
The height issue can be real. I’m right about 6 feet. I used a rather generic seat mount and I have them higher than I need. With a different mount or modified version of what I have I can lower them about 1.5 inches. This would ultimately be perfect for me. It’s something I will take on over the winter.
I’m having too much fun driving it right now to mess with it.
Are those the vinyl seats? If so, how hot do they get in the sun. Living in Arkansas, I worry if a run an errand that the seats will get two hot. I ask because if I got vinyl, I would perforate the vinyl and place heated/vented seats in.
They are the vinyl covers. They can get pretty hot, but they are very durable. They will heat up the sun just like leather seats. Kirkey does have fabric cover option which would probably be cooler. If you plan on parking in the open for any period of time, you may consider putting something on the seats to keep them cool or get some kind of fast to use cockpit cover.
As far as heated seats, lots of guys do it nothing wrong with it. My observation is, even with two layers of insulation, it gets warm enough in the tub to not worry about heated seats. For the Kirkeys in particular, I think the snug fit will do enough.
I don't want to steal this thread, but @Blitzboy54, can you post an additional photo from directly above (well above) that shows the entire seat bottom as well as the transmission tunnel and door openings? I love the look of these seats and am not shooting for period correctness, but I'd like to avoid having the seats angle outward. I've spent a couple hours at a time in the old FFR lowback seats and I find them okay, but mine do not have the metal frame and they "wiggle" a lot when navigating some good twisties - plus I like the higher back for safety. Been thinking about Miata seats but I like the look of these better. I too plan to install both heat and ventilation into whatever seat I finally decide on...
Thanks!
Shack
Mk 3.1, "Stock" 306 w/ Trickflow Top End, 4-into-4 headers, full MSD ignition, T-5, 3-Link, Ron Francis wiring all around, Autometer Ultralights, RT turn signal and gas pedal, NorthRaceCars A/C, heated seats, Hydroboost PS/PB (Brembo/Baer 13" combo), ABS, SAI mod, VPM sway bars, dual roll bars, dropped trunk, center console, APE hardtop, trick camera setup...too much time and $$$...one day she'll get painted! Delivered 8/05, first start 3/16/06, Go Kart 6/1/06, Titled & registered 7/21/08.
I used this UltraShield https://www.ultrashieldrace.com/cata...oad-race-seat/
I modified it for easier in and out. Ultrashield by craig stuard, on Flickr
I cut the outside down and then welded on a piece of 1/8x1.5" aluminum so I had that instead of the edge of the aluminum to run my butt over on the way into the seat. The shoulder wings are different than most seats and really give you something to lean against when cornering. A nice aspect of the aluminum seats is they are easy to modify. Mine were too narrow so I laid the seat on it's side, stuck my small floor jack and some 2x4 lumber between the sides. A few pumps later and the seat was 1.5 inches wider. The cover being attached w/ snaps also makes it easy to slip in a piece of foam if needed. I cut a piece to give me a bit of lower back support and velcroed it to the seat back aluminum.
FFR MkII, 408W, Tremec TKO 500, 2015 IRS, DA QA1s, Forte front bar, APE hardtop.
I don't want to steal this thread, but @Blitzboy54, can you post an additional photo from directly above (well above) that shows the entire seat bottom as well as the transmission tunnel and door openings? I love the look of these seats and am not shooting for period correctness, but I'd like to avoid having the seats angle outward. I've spent a couple hours at a time in the old FFR lowback seats and I find them okay, but mine do not have the metal frame and they "wiggle" a lot when navigating some good twisties - plus I like the higher back for safety. Been thinking about Miata seats but I like the look of these better. I too plan to install both heat and ventilation into whatever seat I finally decide on...
Thanks!
Shack
Yeah sure. I'll take them tonight. Like I said they just fit to allow them to sit straight. Had they tipped outward I would have gone a different route.
Another option that many feel looks better is a headrest on the rollbar hoop. Search here for pics as most are diy. They combine really well w/ a Kirkey Classic Bucket. https://www.kirkeyracing.com/categor...e-class-bucket
FFR MkII, 408W, Tremec TKO 500, 2015 IRS, DA QA1s, Forte front bar, APE hardtop.
I went through this during my build and was undecided on a set up high back seats for a while. I ended up taking a chance on a set of Stoneleigh seats from Intatrim (a company in the UK) and am very happy with them. They also did the rest of my interior bits for my car. I think I was the first to use these seats but several other guys have used them since. They have a bunch of style options for you to fully customize them for your car. I am 5' 10" and about 210 lbs, usually a 36 inch waist. They have some bolster around the back/shoulder but little at the bottom so it allows you to "fit" the seat that is actually more narrow without feeling squeezed in there. I also like that the overall height is a bit shorter for a high back so they don't look super tall.
Michael aka @my_cobra_build on Instagram
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Base MK IV Roadster with several options. Body is Lamborghini Grigio Lynx w/ Audi Vesuvius Gray stripes. 25th Anniversary FFR wheels. Seats and interior by Intatrim.
Gen1 Coyote w/ Comp Cams & Cobrajet manifold. Tremec TKO 600 w/ a midshift kit. 2015 IRS w/ 3.73 Torsen diff. FFR Headers, Gas N Pipes, Power steering & power brakes.
Wow, I like those seats. I have been looking at high back seats for 6 months, and was never that impressed with any of them until know. At first I thought the price was per seat and I thought it was priced out of range for me. Then I realized it was per pair. You can get them heated, but I wonder if they would put ventilated/cooled seats in? Looks like they fit, but are they comfortable after a few hours? Do they have a steel frame, or fiberglass? Do the seats flex (i.e. do I have to mount the back into the frame to prevent rubbing on the body.)? Sorry for all the questions, but the details are minimal on the website.
Wow, I like those seats. I have been looking at high back seats for 6 months, and was never that impressed with any of them until know. At first I thought the price was per seat and I thought it was priced out of range for me. Then I realized it was per pair. You can get them heated, but I wonder if they would put ventilated/cooled seats in? Looks like they fit, but are they comfortable after a few hours? Do they have a steel frame, or fiberglass? Do the seats flex (i.e. do I have to mount the back into the frame to prevent rubbing on the body.)? Sorry for all the questions, but the details are minimal on the website.
Yeah man I was right there with you till I found these. No worries on the questions, happy to help. I paid 1500 just for the seats in 2020, their prices have gone up a bit. That was with shipping and with heat. Then another $780 for the rest of the interior (Trans tunnel cover, door cards, shifter and ebrake boot).
I asked about cooled, not and option and they didn't have a good perforated vinyl for me to do it later myself.
They are plenty comfortable no issues, normal for a fixed back seat. Prob not for 5 hours
The whole seat is fiberglass. I mounted mine to the floor only on a very slight riser with an small rake to it. The back does flex a little under hard cornering but nothing im concerned with. Not touching the body but even if it did the vinyl goes around the edge.
Michael aka @my_cobra_build on Instagram
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Base MK IV Roadster with several options. Body is Lamborghini Grigio Lynx w/ Audi Vesuvius Gray stripes. 25th Anniversary FFR wheels. Seats and interior by Intatrim.
Gen1 Coyote w/ Comp Cams & Cobrajet manifold. Tremec TKO 600 w/ a midshift kit. 2015 IRS w/ 3.73 Torsen diff. FFR Headers, Gas N Pipes, Power steering & power brakes.
It was great to see all the responses and options. I'm working on a Mark II and need to replace the original Factory 5 high back seats. I am also 6' 2" and 197lbs so I am interested to know what you decided to put in your Cobra.
It was great to see all the responses and options. I'm working on a Mark II and need to replace the original Factory 5 high back seats. I am also 6' 2" and 197lbs so I am interested to know what you decided to put in your Cobra.
I think I will go with the Ultrashield Rally Sport. I found a racing shop for Miatas in Dallas Fort Worth that has them in stock. I have a wedding to attend just after Christmas and will be driving through Dallas to get there. Was going to stop by and actually sit in one before I make a choice. Will keep you posted.
Ken
MK4 #10476, complete kit, Gen 3 Coyote, TKX with 0.68 overdrive, PS with cooler, IRS, 18" rims, dual rollbar, Carbon fiber dash,
Ordered 12/18/2021, Deliverd 9/24/2022, First Start 6/24/2023
I tried many of these seats in my MK3. I am 6'3, 250, and the only one that really got me comfortably looking through the windshield was the Kirkey, mounted on the floor with a spacer under the front to raise it up an inch or so. You can order the Kirkeys in a variety of widths for bigger drivers.
FFR 5385 MKIII. 302, 3-Link. All legal in MA 1/7/2012.
Yeah man I was right there with you till I found these. No worries on the questions, happy to help. I paid 1500 just for the seats in 2020, their prices have gone up a bit. That was with shipping and with heat. Then another $780 for the rest of the interior (Trans tunnel cover, door cards, shifter and ebrake boot).
I asked about cooled, not and option and they didn't have a good perforated vinyl for me to do it later myself.
They are plenty comfortable no issues, normal for a fixed back seat. Prob not for 5 hours
The whole seat is fiberglass. I mounted mine to the floor only on a very slight riser with an small rake to it. The back does flex a little under hard cornering but nothing im concerned with. Not touching the body but even if it did the vinyl goes around the edge.
Ordered my Stoneleigh seats this week - super pumped to see how they turn out. I'm doing a brown saddle leather on mine and got some extra hide for the door cards, shifter boot and E-brake handle boot. For mounting, any reason the Breeze seat mount kit wouldn't work? Seems to be similar to yours, as it creates a slight rake angle. I bought the Breeze kit before I bought the seats, but I won't receive them for about 6 weeks so just curious if you looked at the Breeze kit and ruled it out for the Stoneleigh seats for some reason?
Darryl [dbo_texas]
MKIV #9644 (build thread) (Index)
MK4 Complete Kit | Gen2 crate Coyote | Tremec T56, 3.55 IRS | power steering | hydroboost | dual roll bars | FFR carbon fiber dash | 18" Halibrands + Wilwoods | RT drop trunk kit & turn signal | front battery mount | saddle leather Intatrim Stoneleigh seats + interior accents
At 6-1 and 250 pounds, I’ve put over 87k on my Clubman’s without issues. Just a tweak with a rubber mallet and it’s good to go!
FFR 5136 Started as a donor...donor guages, engine, trans,etc. Now...TFS street intake,stage 1 cam, GT40p's,24# injectors and 80mm MAF,70mm TB,Z-spec t-5, and PSE Halibrand wrapped with Nitto 555 G2’s. My ever evolving dream car!!
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Originally Posted by Chopper
I also worry about fitting my legs fitting in the car. That is why I was hoping someone closer to the ArkLaMiss would have a high back seat to let me fit test
