2nd gen Recaros

[WS6]

Ok guys I'm on the hunt for new seats. I'm really interested in finding a pair of the Recaros that came in 2nd gen Fbodies and maybe 3rd gens. I have no idea the Recaro model though if that will help with the search. I'm also not dead set on those seats. I just like the style and think it would be cool to have old school Recaro seats in my TA. Not only that but I know the 2nd gen Recaros will fit my TA. Feel free talk me into a different design if you can do so using reason and dollars :) I'm all about saving money. What I want though is fully manual seats with good adjustments. What I'm concerned about is finding replacement parts like the foam or hardware parts if necessary. How available are those parts for these seats? Anyone have a source for the seats or should I just scan ebay and craigslist?

Thanks

[Chadman27]

Goodluck, I searched ebay for years for 81 Recaro seats from the special edition cars... no luck. You never know what will pop up though!

I've seen similar "looking" Recaros with the open net headrest, but they were all over seas and I could never track down a PN. Doesn't appear to be offered in the US product line last time I looked.

[Chadman27]

Here is a less than stellar set w/ door panes for $2,000. Probably would need new padding and material. Maybe the guy would be cool and sell the seats by themselves... something tells he would charge a lot since the asking price is 2K for all that...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/81-Trans-am-Recaro-seats-set-with-door-panels-full-set-very-nice-/271302428904?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f2ae288e8&vxp=mtr

[WS6]

well, damn. I had no idea they were going for so much. Ok then, how about finding parts for Recaros that are similar in design and age? I know I've seen similar ones for only a few hundred for the pair. They were simply listed as Recaros and not 2nd Gen specific.

Thanks Chad

[rickpaw]

Try looking for ones that came on early or mid 80s Mustangs. I think they were on GTA models? I've seen them on craigslist a few times for $400-$500. They were gone fast though.

[WS6]

Thanks for the suggestion. Are parts readily available for them too?

[srh3trinity]

I am interested too. Being tall and owning a second gen narrows seat choices. Old VWs and BMWs had Recaros too. They probably didn't have many models back then. You would need to make sure you could unbolt any brackets.

[83hurstguy]

I have a set of 1983 Trans Am Recaros I may put in my G-body some day but they need a full resto. They aren't worth $2k or whatever that ebay ad is asking, not even close. Parts are available but it's far and few between. They are considered the "LX" model seat. Mustangs from 79-82 (or something around there) had them as an option as well.

They have been getting attention lately, and now the foam is available reproduction very affordably. Some of the parts are common to VW or BMW seats, and those are available as well. I know I found a source for the strap supports on the bottom (or diaphragms). The hardest part will be custom seat covers.

Here are some links for parts:
http://www.2002parts.com/bmw/recaro-seat-parts.html

http://www.mustanginteriorparts.com/product/43-73809.html

https://www.foxresto.com/products/view/1862/1979_82_Recaro_Seat_Foam

[WS6]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm definitely open to suggestions on Recaro models to consider. They don't have to be from a 2nd gen but it's that style that I like. Being "vintage" is just something I'm interested in versus finding new model seats, especially since I want manual seats and not fancy full power seats. I'll start hunting for info on LX model seats as well. I know JJ's Interiors does a lot of Recaro stuff. I also know he's busy so I thought I ask here first before bothering him simply for information.

Thanks

[Zspoiler]

I would check online for your local dealer ship.And also the seats are the same but the mounts are differant

[CKreations]

If I'm thinking of the right seats, the Cobra Le Mans is similar and available brand new. http://www.cobraseats.com/LeMans

Also, again if I'm thinking of he right seats, they came in some volkswagens and BMWs. I got my set off of Craigslist after a while of trolling.

[WS6]

Those are similar, yes. The webbed head rests that came on the GM and Ford seats would be cool but not a requirement.

Thanks guys

[CKreations]

Ahhh. You're a webbed headrest kind of guy. Can't help you on that one. I prefer the full headrest, and have never seen an aftermarket option for that.

[Jetfixr320]

A buddy of mine has a set of the early 80's Mustang Recarro's. The netting was removed from the headrest. He may be interested in selling them.
PM me if your interested. They were in good condition the last time I saw them.

We are located in Indy

[hifi875]

those are my favorite seats!!

[Chadman27]

You could always go the route I ended up taking with a Recaro off the current product line. I'm assuming most purist/old school guys will think they are "tunerish" but I don't feel bad about it since the 81's had factory Recaros... I'm thinking .001% of the population at car shows will "get it", but whatever, the car is made the way I want - not for someone else :moon:. Besides, with autocrossing and track events, they should hold you seated much more snuggly.

Here is a pick from a test fit when install cage bars.

84203

[Jetfixr320]

I will talk to my buddy about the Mustang Recaro's.

He put a set of Dodge Neon SRT4 seats in his 66 Cuda. I liked them so much I found a set for my 65 Falcon. Even my 70 year old Dad thinks that they are comfortable. :)
The Neon seats are just hard to find and people are pretty proud of them.

[WS6]

thanks jetfixr, PM me what your friend says.

I like the modern recaros too. I'm just wanting a old school feel/look.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the help and info

[Chadman27]

Cool :twothumbs Keep us informed how it all turns out!

[WS6]

Will do. It might be a while though.

[4MuscleMachines]

Try Mustang SVO seats (1980's). They're Recaros. I changed the headrest on mine to mesh.

[WS6]

I'll keep them in mind. How hard was the change over to a mesh headrest? Thanks.

[4MuscleMachines]

Just pull out and push in. Easy.

[WS6]

awesome. That's what I was hoping you'd say.

[WS6]

huge thanks to Steve/jetfixr320. I ended up buying the Mustang Recaros his friend had. Steve was excellent to deal with and really took care in packing the seats up well for shipping. So, I now have the seats I was looking for.

[Chadman27]

Glad it all worked, you gotta show us some pics when you get them fit up!

[WS6]

That might be a while but we will see. I doubt I'll get them recovered any time soon either. I think I'll just wait til I'm ready to do the whole interior at one time.

[Chadman27]

Whenever is good! I haven't posted on my build thread in a year plus, despite getting work done. So I can't hold the wait against you, lol.

[WS6]

Thanks Chad. I'll post updates one day I hope.

[CKreations]

You could always go the route I ended up taking with a Recaro off the current product line. I'm assuming most purist/old school guys will think they are "tunerish" but I don't feel bad about it since the 81's had factory Recaros... I'm thinking .001% of the population at car shows will "get it", but whatever, the car is made the way I want - not for someone else :moon:. Besides, with autocrossing and track events, they should hold you seated much more snuggly.

Here is a pick from a test fit when install cage bars.

84203

That passenger seat looks about an inch and a half from the roof, like most fixed headrest aftermarket seats.

[Chadman27]

Combination of the angle of the photo, the angle of the seat, and the fact that it isn't bolted in (just sitting on the floor pan). The driver side is a little more telling... Once the cage was in it was actually under the upper bar maybe 4 to 6 inches below the roof, I can't quite remember.