help needed with custom seats- modify original seats?

[brads70]

I'm wanting to autocross my car more as I found a club locally. One of my problems is the stock seats. Not so good in the support department!  I've spent months looking at other cars for idea's . I REALLY like the look of BMW "Vader "seats.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=bmw+vader+seats&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=YhUvUr7BFc_q2wXFx4HIDA&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=711

But..... as nice as they look I don't think they would look right in an E-Body , not to mention I think they are too high in the "bum to floor" area?

So.... my latest idea is to take a stock set of seats and modify them , adding bolsters in the sides of the seat and back area, then modify a set of legendary  original style seats covers for the added bolsters? Thinking this would look sort of stock or as close to it as possible?
Anyone on here have real upholstery experience?  I'm thinking I would weld wire/rods and /or make steel plates to be covered with foam?
There is a pair of stock 73-74 seats real close and cheap to experiment with?

Thoughts? 

[7212Mopar]

 I think better seat belts also needed. I would use an aftermarket seat for auto cross and change back to stock seat for other occasions. Only four bolts.

[dutch]

I think twisted fish did use his Original seats and shaped new foam to create something different.  I remeber seeing someone who used bmw e36 vert seats in an e-body... I have been thinking 1980`s Porsche 911 seats myself.  Haven`t had the chance to test fit those though.

[Katfish]

I know this is vague, but I thought I saw on Moparts where someone was taking original seats and adding the side supports that are so badly needed.
Suggest you contact Legendary, from some reason I think they might be involved.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Brad,

  I'm just not sure how you would modify Legendary seat covers. Unless you know someone that could add a little extra vinyl in the bolster area.   

I'm sure the seam won't be obvious, so I like your idea so far.

I know of people installing new Challenger seats in an old Challenger, and it requires modifying the floor pan because the seats are too tall. Don't go there.   

[brads70]

Brad,

  I'm just not sure how you would modify Legendary seat covers. Unless you know someone that could add a little extra vinyl in the bolster area.   

I'm sure the seam won't be obvious, so I like your idea so far.

I know of people installing new Challenger seats in an old Challenger, and it requires modifying the floor pan because the seats are too tall. Don't go there.   

Easy Mike stretching fluid!    No I figure on have an automotive upholsterer redo the side parts. No worries...I'm not cutting up my floor.   Sticking with my personal rule of bolt on parts only, nothing that can't be easily undone!

I know this is vague, but I thought I saw on Moparts where someone was taking original seats and adding the side supports that are so badly needed.
Suggest you contact Legendary, from some reason I think they might be involved.

Thanks I'll investigate that! 

[MOPAR FANATIC]

Brad,

  I'm just not sure how you would modify Legendary seat covers. Unless you know someone that could add a little extra vinyl in the bolster area.   

I'm sure the seam won't be obvious, so I like your idea so far.

I know of people installing new Challenger seats in an old Challenger, and it requires modifying the floor pan because the seats are too tall. Don't go there.   

MIKE,that was gonna be my sugestion,putting in the new chally seats without even thinking about the height problem 

they sure are comfortable though,i love mine especially the lumbar adjustment on the drivers side. sure is nice for guys like me with bad backs. 

good luck whatever you put in there brad. 

[brads70]

I know this is vague, but I thought I saw on Moparts where someone was taking original seats and adding the side supports that are so badly needed.
Suggest you contact Legendary, from some reason I think they might be involved.

Found this over on Moparts?
http://www.legendaryautointeriors.com/public/files/Chrysler%20Rallye.pdf

[Katfish]

That was probably it, too bad it doesn't mention e/body seats.
I bet they can't be far behind, seems like a simple concept; add seat seat foam / structure for the lateral support.

[Mopar Mitch]

A concern with the factory stock seats, other than poor lateral support, is that they are heavy.  I'd favor to suggest getting aftermarket seats... look at the discount suppliers (JCWhitney... that's where i got mine... imitation Recaros... not bad quality, great lateral support, and reduced weight by ~40% than stock).

For autocross, you want reduced weight anywhere possible... resulting in combined overall weight = faster times.
 

[Katfish]

How much does your car weigh?

[Mopar Mitch]

In my "street" trim weight (with 6pack, 15x8 rims & BFG tires 255-60, 275-60, Recaro-type seats, and ~1/3 tank gas) = 3250 (w/o drvr).

In "autocross race-competition" trim (LD340/750 Holley, 16x10 rims & Hoosier A6 275-45-16 tires, lt-wt racing buckets, and ~1/4 tank gas... and misc vinyl-magnetic decals) = 3150 (w/o drvr).   52 front/48 rear% weight distribution

[mopar jack]

I saw some Mazda Miata seats at a swap meet and thought they were E- body seats. Heard they are popular for auto crossing.

[brads70]

I'm going tonight to look at a nice pair of 350Z seats tonight.....

[Katfish]

Check this, says its a direct bolt in

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=7849077&an=0&page=0#Post7849077