Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: buzzer on Monday,May 09, 2016, 01:50:52 AM
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I have a set of TC (I think) seats that I thought I might use, but now plan to change them. But I came across an interesting fitment issue. I have a TCS and picked up these TC seats. They don't fit, the TCS has 17.5 inches between the seat rail centres and the seats I have are about 16.5 inches between the rail centres. I thought the seats in the TC & TCS are the same. Anyone come across this before? Are the seats I have out of an S2?
So on to the new seats for the TCS,as I have a roll cage fitted and am configuring it for race/road they need to be quite thin at the back to allow enough leg room. Anyone got any ideas on the one's to use
Dave
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That's very strange. I think the main difference between the S2 and TC seats is that there is an extra "panel" in the center. The TC seat has a bottom seat cushion and a back cushion but the S2 has an extra cushion between them. I think you can see the difference in the pictures I've attached.
I can't imaging there is any difference between the TC and TCS seats and I'd guess that an S2 seat was any wider or narrower than a TC seat but that wouldn't surprise me a great deal.
:ttiwwp:
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Yes pretty sure they are S2 seats I have looking at the pics. That would explain the difference. 2 seat squabs on the bottom and slightly narrower.
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were the S2 & TC seat backs at a different angle ? or is it the S1 that's different ? I have some inklings about a steeper rake on the early cars but I could easily be getting mixed up......
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Given that your car's shell was a special Dave, I wonder if they set the rail pitch differently for custom seats.
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S1 seats are cushions that fit into the mounded fibreglass. S2 and TC seats have different seat back angles
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I'll post some pics, the seats have steel fabricated frames, with a solid base. The seat cushions (2) are removable
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I am looking at a couple of seat type to use the the Europa. any views on what anyone has used?
Either a classic seat or a more racing type seat. considering that the car I am building is road/race spec.
Dave
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I would definitely go for the Sparco seat. Hopefully it wouldn't be too difficult to get in!
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Yes that's my thoughts, the only thing is the high sides. not sure if the missus will be able to make it tho.. >:D ???
I think they will fit better and still provide enough room inside. with the roll cage diagonal the passenger seat is compromised a bit so a thin back and the right angle are important.
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Hopefully you're both 5 foot nothing as otherwise there will be no room for your heads.
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Well I'm 5.10 so fit in quite ok. don't want to be any bigger in the Europa!!
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You won't fit in with a seat with that upright of a back.
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Well I'm 5.10 so fit in quite ok. don't want to be any bigger in the Europa!!
I can't argue with that. They say it was designed to fit Chunky. At 6' 1 1/2", I'm really glad I put a bubble in my roof!
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I was looking at the seat rake to see what would be best. I will look a bit closer at the options I think
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Elise S1 seats should work and be easy to get in and out of. Thin and light, very low subframe, ideal for a kit car I would think. It wouldn't surprise me if some kit car supplier isn't making something very, very similar.
The first shot shows the angle of the bulkhead which isn't too far off the Europa, then with the seats in place - the back follows the line of the lower bulkhead.
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Brian,
Cheers those Elise seats do look like they would work well. I'll do a bit more research I think. They do need to be thin and low, even if its a case of enabling easier adjustment
Dave
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Brian,
just looked on eBay there are loads of Elise seats. Hmm this has got be thinking, I think you are spot on they look like they will work really well.
Dave
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I know someone who offered me some Elise S1 seats. Currently in an MX5. Might be able to arrange a trial fit. I'll chase him up.
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A word of warning..... they are great for the first hour or so, after which you end up with a sore bum !
The cheapest plain cloth S1 seats were probably the best with good grip and better padding. After that, the early 111S (vvc engine model) seats had more padding, then the S2 became even better. S1 Exige seats would look good in a trackday car.
All are very, very light. I've not measured but probably half the weight of the normal Europa seat and the subframes are next to nothing. Passenger side non-adjustable.... less weight !
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Mike,
That would be great to get a trial fit.
Dave