My other concern is I have not found my factory seats to be all that comfortable. The back sort of hunches my shoulders. Extra foam may be the answer but then how well would the new covers fit? Then to get a local shop involved and the price goes up.
So, I pulled the trigger and bought Corbeau Sport Seats in Tan with a fabric center. Sitting them on the floor rails and the fit is tight left/right and a bit higher than factory (the mentioned thread warns of this). Some pictures for comparison:
I decided to eliminate the slider rails to keep the height as low as possible. Basically to sit the new seat pan directly on the rail (less the thickness of the plate). I would drill the plate so that the seat fits me and the operation of the pedals is comfortable for me (how often do we mess with this anyway?). I bought new pan head machine screws, studs, and nuts. The thread for the seats is the same as the mounts, 8mmx 1.25. I used Simpson Strong Ties plates to fashion a new bracket.:
The Corbeau seat bottom has numerous built-in mounting points. I used a set that are basically rectangular and 12in x 13 in. I used studs in the seat bottom instead of the supplied Allen head bolts. This way the studs drop through the holes in the plate. Tightening a nut was hard enough, pushing a bolt up into the seat bottom would be near impossible
The finished look:
What is the verdict? I sat my hardtop on the car and the top of my head barely clears, more if I lean the back a bit more than usual. I am just 6' 0". I think the rag top will provide me more clearance. I will try to get that re-installed soon for verification
I DO like the driving position better. My elbow over the door position is more comfortable, the steering wheel alignment/angle is also better IMO. I don't feel like I have to reach for the wheel as much with the leg throw being the same. The seats are very supportive and comfortable, not a tight fit, and not hard to get in to.
I want these.
