Cheapy racing seats?

[Warwick5s]

an ebay search for "racing seat" turns up some interesting sounding seats - Matrix Type X, Tenzo R, DAD, and R-1 - all going for around $350 for a pair, $100 shipped, no brackets.


anyone tried any of these seats? where would one get brackets for them? are there OEM alternatives that are similar for cheaper? i'm REALLY skinny (5'10" 135lbs with a 31" waist and no ass) so, if you've sat in one of these seats and liked it please say some indication of how big you are as well.


thanks &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/turn.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':turn:'>

[91s13coupe]

i bought the Dynamic Auto Design seats and had custom brakets made. I read somewhere that they are actually made by Sparco.!? If you put them and the Sparco Torino side by side they are almost identical. I like the seats though. they are extremely comfortable and are well bolstered in all the right places.

[240Degrees]

sweet. &nbsp;those DAD seats are the ones ive been wanting to get. &nbsp;Where did u get custom brackets made? &nbsp;Are the universal brackets that come with it good enough?

[Anubis]

i too wanted some DAD seats. They sound pretty good. Anyone know a distributor i can get them from (not Ebay). Thanks.

[240Degrees]

BTW i have the s13 mono form seats. &nbsp;how much more better do the DAD's feel?

[AKADriver]

Technically, these are sports seats, not racing seats - racing seats have less padding, don't recline, etc. &nbsp;Don't take this in a bad way, daily driving with an actual racing seat would be a pain in the ass (literally).

Now, in a seat like this - you do get what you pay for.

Matrix, Tenzo R, DAD, and R-1 are knockoff companies. &nbsp;They take someone else's seat (in this case, the Sparco Torino by the looks of it) and build a facsimile with cheaper materials. &nbsp;The frame will flex more, the cloth will grip less and wear out faster, the plastics will crack. &nbsp;The padding won't be as nice.

They'll work just fine if you just want the look, and something better than worn out stock seats, to use for a couple years. &nbsp;Don't expect a quality product though.

[adey]

I, for one, can't rationalize having a seat that says "dad" on it, or "tenzo R" on them. &nbsp;So I went the cheap route and bought a $170 Momo non-reclining bucket. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> &nbsp;I'm happy so far... but that's only because the bucket's been my desk chair. I don't know where to go to get the seat rails custom fit and have a bracket made so I can install it in my car! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

91s13coupe, where'd you get your brackets done, and how was fitment?

[Zenki_S14]

i'm a skinny guy myself, and for a long time i've been wanting the sparco sprints. &nbsp;it's non-reclinable but it should keep you in place pretty good. &nbsp;it's a simple design and it's the least expensive you can find from sparco. &nbsp;$220. &nbsp;http://www.sparcousa.com/seats_competition.asp

[HippoSleek]

You get what you pay for + you will spend hours there = test any seat before you buy it and only buy quality.

[91CRXsiR]

i've heard of the cheap seats not being able to support a normal person through an impact . so if you ever got rear ended.. oh man..

also the R1 seats are made by Hiper, i can get those seats pretty cheap wouldn't recomend it though.. its from the same ppl who brought us the HIPER white headlights.. cheapass things.

[Dousan_PG]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (91CRXsiR @ Dec. 04 2002,07:28)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">i've heard of the cheap seats not being able to support a normal person through an impact . so if you ever got rear ended.. oh man..</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Not true. you can pay 1000 for a bride and have the same problem. why? if the bride bucket is made out of fiberglass your side mount seat rails bolt into the fiberglass frame.

let's see (street use):

fiberglasss from held by rail that is bolted to chassis
rear end...chassis stops, seat rails stop, seat still moving forward, rips out of the fiberglass and you end up in the window. ouch.

why does bride still make seats like this? BECAUSE you are supposed to be bolted up into a racing harness, so even if the seat moves forward your body wont be (held in by harness), so you are limited. that's why they are "safe" for track use.

its about the DESIGN of the seat too.

that's why bottom mounts are generally safer (for street use), the seat rails is bolted into the frame of the seat (metal frame inside seat).

the fiberglass bolting is why JIC doesnt carry its reclineables in the USA. Sparcos are approved (FIA), they are designed differnet too i think.

East Bear is another i know that you bolt the rail into the fiberglass frame of the seat..not too safe for street use!

[DarkRaptor42]

So by the explanation above if you had these seats in your car for street and wre hit head on you would fly out backwards on the recoil even if you had a harness? So what should someone looking for a seat buy then? Im lost and I need a new drivers seat. I think thats what Santas bringing me <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

[Dousan_PG]

depends on the seat's design. that's the huge factor

if its side mount to your fiberglass seat frame, then you run a higher risk then a bottom mount that bolts to the seat's frame (metal inside seat-the frame design of seat)

not backwards. you'd go forwards first, which would rip the seat off the fiberglass mounting points so you meet mr. windshield then back maybe meet mr sunroof or something...either way, bolting to fiberglass isnt really safe for street use at all.


dont waste your money on a cheap seat, get a good one and do it right the first time!!!

[jupiterl]

Did anyone ever tired the NEX non-reclin. seat ? Is there any good ?

It looks identical to the Recaro SPG. For $160 each + shipping, it is a really good deal.

[revat619]

Dynamic Auto Design (DAD) says that the frame of their seat (the sparco torino knock-off) is made of 100% solid steel.

So would these seats be safe for daily street driving considering the fact that they are bolted to a steel frame? (you know.....what dousan36 was talking about)

[xS1LV1Ax]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jupiterl @ Dec. 08 2002,4:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Did anyone ever tired the NEX non-reclin. seat ? Is there any good ?

It looks identical to the Recaro SPG. For $160 each + shipping, it is a really good deal.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I have tried the NEX seat......My friend has it in his CRX. &nbsp;I thought it was a pretty crappy seat. &nbsp;It is real flimsy and the padding is not all that. &nbsp;Actually there is very little padding in it at all. &nbsp;My friend's had it in his car for about a year now and the seams are breaking and the cloth is ripping. &nbsp;It looks cool in the car, but it real cheap quality.

[transient]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (dousan36 @ Dec. 04 2002,12:35)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">not backwards. you'd go forwards first, which would rip the seat off the fiberglass mounting points so you meet mr. windshield then back maybe meet mr sunroof or something...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Ok, am I the only one that is wondering about this? Unless you forgot, your seatbelts have no connection to your seat at all, so why exactly would you hit the windshield? I'm pretty sure the main problem is with being rear ended.

[240racer]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Dynamic Auto Design (DAD) says that the frame of their seat (the sparco torino knock-off) is made of 100% solid steel.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Steel can break too. &nbsp;It does all the time. &nbsp;
My friend got a pair of these DAD seats (I call them CNC because the graphic looks more like that then it does anything else.)
they are pretty comfortable and I was very surprised with the fabric. &nbsp;I thought it was really nice. &nbsp;We'll have to see how long it takes to wear out though. &nbsp;It's kind of a course weave that looks durable and sticky. &nbsp;the price is right too.

[onefast240]

Heres the deal on seats. You get what you pay for!!!! I had a set of low budget Corbeau seats in my 240 and for the first hour of a drive they were fine after that your ass would kill. That was a non adjustable steel tube fram seat. I have the sparco sprints in another one of my cars and they are not that bad. Again non adjusting steel tube seat. I know some one with the tenzo r's and they fade very quickly and are not very padded. As per steel VS fiberglass or Carbon/Kevlar. The glass and carbon seats are much safer but also alot more $$$ and less forgiving if you get a low end model. I know you want an inexpensive seat but trust me YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. &nbsp; Good luck!!!

[Dousan_PG]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (transient @ Dec. 08 2002,4:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (dousan36 @ Dec. 04 2002,12:35)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">not backwards. you'd go forwards first, which would rip the seat off the fiberglass mounting points so you meet mr. windshield then back maybe meet mr sunroof or something...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Ok, am I the only one that is wondering about this? Unless you forgot, your seatbelts have no connection to your seat at all, so why exactly would you hit the windshield? I'm pretty sure the main problem is with being rear ended.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
true in theory your seatbelt should hold you back, but if it doesnt the rear mounting point on the side rail will rip forwards andyou'll pivot on the front mounting point. it could happen, mayb enot be AS likely but still w/ stock seat belts you can move forward quite a lot still. the lapbelt should hold you bakc. either way, a racing harness would prevent such incdidents best, but illegal to run that on the streets

[onefast240]

The one thing I forgot was some seat manufactures. Sparco, OMP, and Recaro are some of the best seats in the world. If you want a good safe seat get one of these brands and make sure it has FIA approval.

[nissan_driver24]

I plan on getten the DAD seats cause they are cheaper yet look pretty good... so should i get those seats??? cause my stupid leather seats are ripped up like hell and they give me no support but pain in my back, they also don't keep me on the seat very well... i'm a small lil azn guy 5'4" 135lbs

[91s13coupe]

the d.a.d. seats are very comfortable. i have taken many 2 hour plus trips and no fatigue at all. as for the construction of the seat itself, top notch! i compared lots of seats to these and yes the momo. bride, and other "quality" seats really didnt impress me too much for the price difference. ive had my d.a.d. seats for about 4 months now i think and my car is a daily driver, and there is no sign of wear or anything else for that matter. these seats are fine if you want "the look" and comfort of a sport seat. no complaints at all. someone asked about the brackets? me and a buddy made them out of the factory mounting feet, and 1/2 inch square steel, all welded, very strong!

[transient]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (dousan36 @ Dec. 09 2002,1:16)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (transient @ Dec. 08 2002,4:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (dousan36 @ Dec. 04 2002,12:35)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">not backwards. you'd go forwards first, which would rip the seat off the fiberglass mounting points so you meet mr. windshield then back maybe meet mr sunroof or something...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Ok, am I the only one that is wondering about this? Unless you forgot, your seatbelts have no connection to your seat at all, so why exactly would you hit the windshield? I'm pretty sure the main problem is with being rear ended.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
true in theory your seatbelt should hold you back, but if it doesnt the rear mounting point on the side rail will rip forwards andyou'll pivot on the front mounting point. it could happen, mayb enot be AS likely but still w/ stock seat belts you can move forward quite a lot still. the lapbelt should hold you bakc. either way, a racing harness would prevent such incdidents best, but illegal to run that on the streets</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I still don't understand what you're saying here. Your seat doesn't hold you from going forwards, period. That means if your seatbelt doesn't do the job, then nothing will no matter what. That's why there are some pretty strict regulations on seatbelt production. Also, stock seatbelts will hold you tighter than you think. They tend to lock up pretty quickly and not let you go very far at all.

As far as 4-points not being street-legal, I'm not so sure on that, because as i've pointed out before, there have been cars that came with factory four points. I'm pretty sure that one of the Vipers had them. The main thing is, you have to have some sort of roll-cage as well.

[Nerfdude]

actually, those tenzo rally seats look pretty comfy... maybe i could remove the tenzo badge &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/whatsthat.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':whatthe:'>

[Dousan_PG]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (transient @ Dec. 11 2002,10:22)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (dousan36 @ Dec. 09 2002,1:16)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (transient @ Dec. 08 2002,4:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (dousan36 @ Dec. 04 2002,12:35)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">not backwards. you'd go forwards first, which would rip the seat off the fiberglass mounting points so you meet mr. windshield then back maybe meet mr sunroof or something...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Ok, am I the only one that is wondering about this? Unless you forgot, your seatbelts have no connection to your seat at all, so why exactly would you hit the windshield? I'm pretty sure the main problem is with being rear ended.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
true in theory your seatbelt should hold you back, but if it doesnt the rear mounting point on the side rail will rip forwards andyou'll pivot on the front mounting point. it could happen, mayb enot be AS likely but still w/ stock seat belts you can move forward quite a lot still. the lapbelt should hold you bakc. either way, a racing harness would prevent such incdidents best, but illegal to run that on the streets</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I still don't understand what you're saying here. Your seat doesn't hold you from going forwards, period. That means if your seatbelt doesn't do the job, then nothing will no matter what. That's why there are some pretty strict regulations on seatbelt production. Also, stock seatbelts will hold you tighter than you think. They tend to lock up pretty quickly and not let you go very far at all.

As far as 4-points not being street-legal, I'm not so sure on that, because as i've pointed out before, there have been cars that came with factory four points. I'm pretty sure that one of the Vipers had them. The main thing is, you have to have some sort of roll-cage as well.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
i never said in those quotes the SEAT holds you back!
where please show me i said

stock seatbelts suck
have you been to the track with them? i hate mine. always getting looes an i have to constally pull them down harder. maybe ineed a harness as well (i will when i get my seat).
i never said the SEAT holds you back, please please show me wear i did because your getting REALLY annoying. and by track i dont mean autox i mean lap time: on a track. autox is not the same as heavy track use, where you are constaly out there for hour after hour. not 1 minute runs.

harness are illegal on the street .YES they are. so are roll cages. now, roll BARS, some are DOT legal (miata guys are prime example).
as for the viper, i have no idea. but if they are convertible, i can see them having a rear roll BAR connected to a harness which i could very well likely seeing being street legal. its not roll CAGE. its roll BAR. totally different. cages should go to front compartment. roll bars are behind the front cabin seats (front 2 seats). miatas are common to have such. that's a safety issue. roll cages, have yo touched one? because they are super hard. hit your noggin on that when you get in an accident and suffer a concussion if not more.

please stop wasting time. i never said the SEAT should hold you back. if i did, show me where you have my apologies, as i have been mistaken.