ST Project update: Driver's quarters (Bielstein seats)

jpnovak · 05:07 AM

I just posted a thread showing the newly coated interior. This leads us forward in time to when I can start bolting this back on the car. One of the last things to go in is the interior and seats. I just got my seats.

I wanted something that looked period correct but did not want the price tag of RS replica seats. These fit the bill and cost about 700 Euro for the pair with brackets and options. It took about 2 months to special order these beauties. They are available here:

http://www.bielstein.com/BF-Sitze/NURBURGRING/nurburgring.html

My seats are a little bit different than the model 910. These are the model 950 which are 5 cm taller in the shoulder area. (hey I am 6'3", I needed the room) They were also made with a integral sub hole. The sub hole is between the seams and is not visible unless you stick your fingers through it.

First impressions show very high quality. The seamwork is near flawless. The materials include very high quality vinyl that feels much like leather. The centers are corduroy and should be long wearing. Overall the fit is great. I keep sitting in them in front of the TV.

Here you go.

Edit: Thanks Reiner for working with me on this order. I was truly a pleasure dealing with you.

724doorE · 09-08-2003, 10:35 AM

I Like those a lot, and will be atching to see how you like them once your driving around! Don't forget to post that info!!!

jpnovak · 09-08-2003, 10:52 AM

Don't worry I will not be able to contain my self or remove that perma-grin when this car gets on the road. Everyone will share my joy. If I finish by the end of October, I will be in for less than two years.

Best part about these seats is that they only weigh about 15 pounds each. That is just a guestimate and its still about 60 pounds/each lighter than my sport seats in the targa.

724doorE · 09-08-2003, 12:25 PM

How tight are they in the big butt area? Would I need to be a thin fella to sit comfortably?

jpnovak · 09-08-2003, 12:34 PM

I will take some measurements tonight.

Jamie

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

Hey Jamie, that is going to be awesome when complete. Don't know what color you've got in mind, but all white with the 'Porsche' script on the sides as in the top photo of your webpage would look very nice ...... -- Curt

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

Have you thought about these wheels, also???

jpnovak · 09-09-2003, 05:08 AM

Curt, I have thought many times of the minilites. I have emailed a few companies that make them. The problem is cost. They may have to wait. Besides, My car will sporting a set of 17" Lindsey racing fuchs sourced from, ta-da: non other than, BBI. Thanks Jack. Eventually, I will get some minilites. I think that 15x8 on all 4 corners would be great.

The color will be silver with the same script down the sides. There will also be a script along the bottom edge of the decklid and possibly the front bumper a la rsr's. I have also been collecting a small amount of period racing stickers, like the yellow block CIBIE, to go with the hood lights and complete the period look. I really can't wait. There is even a possiblility that it will be painted by the end of this month.

Luke Hudson · 09-09-2003, 05:24 AM

those seats look great, and a bargain too! I've been searching for ealry sports seats for some time now, but a set of those may be the answer!

Can i ask whow you have fitted them into the car? Are you using existing runners or something else?

jpnovak · 09-09-2003, 06:11 AM

I bought the sliders and mounts from the manuf. I have not assembled them but they are stout. I did notice that the side mounts have nice heavy nuts welded in place to mount the belts/harness. should simplify installation. Paul Thomas (p-thomas) has the same seats and said he had to fabricate his own mounts. the supplied did not fit his early car. I don't know yet. New mounts should not be too hard to fab if needed. An earlier post included a template.

jamie

Paul Thomas · 09-09-2003, 08:00 AM

Weird,
I posted on this thread last night and it isnt here. I was going to say that the only problem i have ever had with the Bielstein seats is that i would like more lateral support. I have changed my brackets once to tilt the seat back more and i will probably change them again this winter.

The supplied brackets are way to skinny for the early mounting points. Even if they weren't, the seat would be WAY too high. Jamie, you will need even lower ones, since you are taller than me. My design is pretty simple but again i may change it to add some stiffness. Since welding is addictive for me, i dont mind too much.

Paul

andyjboy · 09-27-2003, 03:12 PM

Luke, I have a pair of these seats if you want to have a close look at them.

See my original posting here on pelican:

RSL-Classic seats

Andy
'69 911E----->R

Luke Hudson · 09-28-2003, 11:49 PM

Thanks Andy,

I've been in touch with the factory and sadly it appears you can have any colour seat as long as it's black. My car has a tan interior and the cost to recover them in tan leather is pretty steep I'm looking at "vintage seats" in the US who, although also expensive can provide the seat in the correct colour.

If vintage seats fall through I'll be in touch!

Luke

rswannabe · 09:36 PM

You can now get the Bielstein seats in the US. Just today I receieved my Nurburgring 912 seats set up for 5 point harnesses. GTS (Gran Turismo Sportscars) are Bielstein's distributor and have stock on hand. Stefan Schleissing runs the operation and is very easy to work with.

A Nurburgring 912 (essentailly the same seat as jpnovak's, but 5cm shorter and vinyl with basket weave insert) weighs 17 lbs and costs $495. Add $38 for the slot for a submarine belt passthrough. I had mine in less than a week after ordering them. Stefan provides great service.

I have not installed them yet, but I do not anticipate any problems. Give Stefan a call at (702) 353-7175 or email him at GTSinLV@aol.com.