Re: Spider sport seats

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@domain.elided>]

Hi Paul:

I'm just guessing, but is your '87 a Graduate?  The Veloce and Quad 
Spider's have much-improved seats, in all regards.  There are actually side 
bolsters on the seat backs and bottoms, and there's even some lumbar and 
thigh support.  Not exactly BMW M3 seats, and the leather is a bit 
slippery, but I like them.  My '87 has them, and I also use a set in my '74 
Spider (which has allowed me to install OEM 3-point belts in that 
car).  The big advantage to using OEM seats is that they will bolt in 
easily, from any year to any other.

Sparco makes some good seats, that aren't super-expensive, but some models 
(i.e. the comfortable ones) can be too wide, especially for the right side 
of a Spider, which is a few inches narrower than the left.  Most 
aftermarket seats, due to both the seat itself and the adapters required to 
bolt them to the floor, are higher, too, which can cause your thighs to 
interfere with the steering wheel.  You also have to beware of interference 
between the convertible frame and the top-outside corners of the seat 
backs.  Watch how close the frame comes to the belt guides, even with the 
stock seats, next time you raise or lower the top.  Finally, make sure your 
seatbelts will work properly.  The receiver end of the belt, on the 
transmission tunnel, can be too short for seats with large bolsters, and 
you need a guide to keep the shoulder belt from sliding off your 
shoulder.  There is much to consider.

http://www.sportscar-parts.com/sparcoseatsize.htm

Regards,

Dean
'74 & '87 Spider's



At 08:16 PM 1/24/2003, you wrote:

> Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 19:00:44 -0500
> From: "Paul  Misencik" <paul@domain.elided>
> Subject: Spider sport seats
>
> Has anyone fit aftermarket sport seats to a Spider?  Mine's an '87, and I'd
> like to get some additional lateral support, because right now I'm cornering
> with one elbow jammed against the door panel, etc.
>
> The caveat is that I'm 6'1", 215lbs., so it has to be a good solution for a
> big fat guy like me...
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Paul Misencik
> P. Roman Media
> Huntersville, NC  28078
> email: paul@domain.elided
> www.paoloroman.com
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