High back seats?

hotrodman76 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 11:01 AM

Looking for info on putting high backed seats on my Shell Valley Cobra. I know it is not a "Stock" look, but I have good reasons.

My last ride (1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero) was rearended (totalled) at quite a high rate of speed by a new F-150, and with only the bench seat and no headrests I came out with some pretty bad neck and back injuries.

So, I would like to put race style seats in my Cobra, with either an adjustable headrest, or a full height back.

I seached around on here, but have not seen any other Cobras with this. Dana at Shell Valley said it is possible, but I would like to see some photos of it actually done, and any stories on how to do it, reccomendations etc. Thanks in advance!

Roger Cormier · #2 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 11:25 AM

I know exactly what you mean (29 years ago I broke my neck) and have the same thing in mind. Because the seat area is narrow you are limited in width of 18" if I remember right? There are couple choices like the Kirbey, and a vintage style ( manufacturers of the "cobra" label) with a removable headrest. They may not be "original" but SAFER. FFR offers the choice.

hotrodman76 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 12:07 PM

Thanks for the reply, at least I am not the only one thinking this way! You are correct on the 18" of room, so that will limit what I can put in there. Will take a look at the seats mentioned.

mickmate · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 12:14 PM

I believe that's a Kirkey you're looking for take your pick http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...s/?Ns=Rank|Asc They are nice seats.

jdean · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 03:36 PM

Mazda Miata seats may fit...they are high back and comfortable.

mickmate · #6 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 06:30 PM

Also worth a look is https://www.europaspares.com/SEATS/

ratsnst1 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 08:22 PM

I put these in my car there the factory five racing seats, I thought they were way to big so I cut them down, and while I re covered them I put the heated seat elements inside love it on a cold day or night, and they give great back support.my pic are in my gallery.

Clois Harlan · #8 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 07:02 AM

I run a pair of Ultra Road Race Seats in my Cobra. Check out my gallery for pictures.

Clois Harlan · #9 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 07:10 AM

hotrodman76 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 07:59 AM

There are some great ideas there, I like the look of those Ultra Road Race seats. Looks like there are more options that I would have ever thought!
I bet those heated seats are really nice in the cooler months! If money was no object I would get some Subaru seats with heat and side airbags. But of course that would complicate things quite a bit, and I am after simplicity.
Thanks guys!

rattlesnakepete · #11 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 08:40 AM

Hotrod,

I felt the same way when I first got my Cobra. I tried a couple of different seats and most would not fit, interferring with the top of the door. I paid for some return shipping to Summit but it was worth it.

I finally settled on the Kirkey 10 deg. layback intermediate. This is a really good seat for track days and makes me feel much safer on the road. Personally I like the looks of it. If you are mostly driving on public roads for periods of time longer then 30 to 60 minutes then these will likely prove to be uncomfortable to you though.

Another nice feature is they are inexpensive compared to some of the fancy stuff so you could get some experience with highbacks before dropping the big bucks.

bobcowan · #12 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 06:08 PM

I have a pair of Sube Clubman seats in my car. They fit the cockpit well. They're very comfortable on a long drive. They hold me in well at the track. When I built the car, I had no plans for the track. But I got them for exactly the reasons you stated.

hotrodman76 · #13 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009, 06:00 AM

bob,

Those might be exactly what I am looking for! Comfort is a big thing as well. I looked at the dimensions and it looks like they will fit in the SV perfectly. Thanks all for the suggestions and photos!

bandito · #14 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010, 12:27 PM

contact Griff at www.prpseats.com they can and will make any seat for you, covered in any material. I just had one covered in Ostrich skin for a customer...it turned out great.

Eric

rustyBob · #15 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010, 05:19 PM

Mike just cut down an old pair of lawn chairs and put them in there and you'll be fine...

ratsnst1 · #16 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010, 07:47 PM

Hey hot rod, those factory 5 seats are what I have, I just trimmed mine down, a little too bulky for me , but very comfortable, I mounted a breeze automotive brackets under neath to tilt the seat back, they lean way too far forward, Sube moter sports is where I bought my seats, alot cheaper than factory 5, same seat different logo.