Low Cost Fixed Seat Project - BiMarco

[kach22i]

I did it my way, might not be your way.

Problem(s): Original leather seats worn out, cracked leather.

Solution/Goal: Replace with light weight seats that won't cost a small fortune.

Enter the BiMarco Cobra-3's from Poland (Non-FIA but they have FIA models), takes a couple of months to get here, but a pair including shipping is around $600.

They have yet to be fitted into car, will update in about 3-weeks, car is in storage and cannot get to it until then.

I got the bottom mount version, figure I can fabricate something cheaper and lighter than the side brackets that can be ordered.

Bimarco Cobra 2 Racing Bucket Seat with leather enhancements
https://www.ebay.com/itm/182165743023?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=182165743023&targetid=1069703720851&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9016859&poi=&campaignid=11612590686&mkgroupid=115886443569&rlsatarget=pla-1069703720851&abcId=9300457&merchantid=115345789&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpNr4-6HJ7wIVEtvACh1U2wzmEAQYASABEgLvXfD_BwE

Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper - Firm - 1 Inch - Twin Size (GOLS Certified Organic)
https://www.amazon.com/Green-Natural-Latex-Mattress-Topper/dp/B00UYGA4KQ

E280 Black and White Hounds Tooth Upholstery Grade Fabric by The Yard
https://www.amazon.com/Black-White-Hounds-Upholstery-Fabric/dp/B00BU506R6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=E280+Black+And+White&qid=1613923729&sr=8-2

FOAMULAR 150 1 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. R-5 Scored Square Edge Rigid Foam Board Insulation Sheathing
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Corning-FOAMULAR-150-1-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-R-5-Scored-Square-Edge-Rigid-Foam-Board-Insulation-Sheathing-20WE/207179253

3M Super 77 Multipurpose Permanent Spray Adhesive Glue, Paper, Cardboard, Fabric, Plastic, Metal, Wood, Net Wt 16.75 oz
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Multipurpose-Permanent-Adhesive-Cardboard/dp/B0000AZ735

HANFINEE 3/4 Inch Width Sew on Hook and Loop Tape, Non-Adhesive Sticky Back Nylon Fabric Fastener Interlocking Tape for Sewing Crafts DIY,Clothes,Shoes (Black,37ft)
https://www.amazon.com/Non-Adhesive-Sticky-Fastener-Interlocking-Clothes/dp/B088LXWJBN/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Hanfinee&qid=1616684174&sr=8-2

Rubber Cement for Velcro to fabric attachment
Pliobond Adhesive - Bottle w/Brush Top -- 3oz 88.7mL
https://www.bluerailhobbies.com/products/100-255-49101?variant=31392951599163&cmp_id=12602705458&adg_id=118614519574&kwd=&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIydWpyKvJ7wIVUdbACh1GVwNcEAkYBiAB EgKLvvD_BwE

The negative things I've read about these seats is the fit and finish may not be up to main brand standards. However I am more than pleased with the quality, better than any photos I have found including those from the company it's self.

The other thing I saw was in a video from the UK, the reviewer didn't like the bump up under the knees, found it annoying on longer drives, but overall comfortable.

Because I'm wide boned at hips/ribs plus short and stocky I modified these seats to fit me, by raising my seat bottom 1-inch with rigid insulation, getting my shoulders up to height despite my short torso.

I also went with natural Latex foam rubber in lieu of memory foam for better breathing and less heat and moisture build-up.

$600 + $250 = $850 still only 1/4 to 1/3 the cost of anything else of this quality (non-China).

I did have a false start with a tapered seat bottom (blue foam), live and learn - seat geometry is a curious thing. I'm sure to have at least one more false start when I attempt installation, par for the course.

There have been only 2-3 other BiMarco seats installations in the forum over the years. One was an Expert II, no longer available, another Cobra II side mount.

Mine are Cobra III with Cobra II graphics (got the upgrade at no additional cost), one of the queer things you have to accept with this company, they use what they have - but you can also custom order graphic logos or go no logo.










Below, the bottoms I did not use - oops (lost a day).


Nothing wrong with the stock seats other than my hard to fit body type on the very fringe of the 95 percentile demanded custom fitting. Plus I wanted a unique to me look, kind of vintage but not literal or going too far back in time for a 1977.

I did look at many fabrics, even considering custom ordering something Escher inspired (lizards/reptiles), Pasha, and the $140 a yard Porsche Pepita of course, but I ordered 3-yards so I could do the back seats plus other trim/projects. And ordering that much fabric I had to find something cheap (church pew fabric cheap). I may make some pillows for the living room couch if I have extra, maybe Targa top lining, the sky's the limit.

NOTE: Very Comfortable, will road test to see if "too bouncy" but I don't expect it to be.

Oh, and my wife backed out at the last minute on doing any sewing, so these are caveman level skill set.

If you can wrap up a Christmas present or make box corners on a bed mattress you can probably handle this.

EDIT-1:

The stock seat is 20.5 lbs, with heavier latex foam rubber cushions and heavier hounds-tooth cloth now at 22.5 lbs. A gain of 2lbs, but the comfort increase is well worth it.