GTS Classic Car Seats

tb912 · 09-30-2009, 03:29 PM

In GTS's line of seats, which ones (if any) are the most accurate to a real factory race bucket? does anyone know if they took their molds from a real seat?

When I look at some of them in comparison to pictures of real ones, I sometimes feel like they're a little bit off. I'm by no measure any sort of expert, but do any of you feel the same way about these seats?

ZAMIRZ · ZAMIRZ's Garage

You should look at the TRE RS, ST and SH seats if you want the most accurate reproduction of the factory bucket seats.

SandyI · 09-30-2009, 03:49 PM

If your intention is to buy identical seats for concours, you will need to find the originals. And pay the enormous $$$.

But GTS, Vintage Seats and TRE Motorsports in Burbank, build modern reproductions that are very close. Not exact but very close.

I have an ST drivers seat from TRE. Terrific quality, very comfortable and works well for the street with a 3-point belt and Time Trial events on the track with a 6-point harness.

island911 · 09-30-2009, 04:00 PM

I bet those are great. ...for those under 5' 2".

JFG · 09-30-2009, 04:02 PM

I have the ST seat from GTS. It is a great seat, you don't move. I know Stefan does not cut corners. Some of his seats are changed a little from the original mold because of practacality reasons. My seat for example is a copy of the original mold, I am 5'11" 160 lbs. and it is a snug fit, nice, but snug. So he does offer them with more room for people who need it. The ST seat weighs in at 12 lbs. The ST seat is one of the seats they recommend for track use, but it also depends on what period look you are going for, but the ST has the aggressive bolsters and like I said before, really holds you in place.

SandyI · 09-30-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by island911

I bet those are great. ...for those under 5' 2".

Not 5'2", but not for waistlines over 36".

Scooter · 09-30-2009, 04:13 PM

I have GTS ST seats in my car. Great seats and great quality. They are not reproduction seats. They are wider than the original ST seat and the bottom is not fiberglass. Stefan has added webbing to the bottom for more comfort. I've seen TRE's seats; they are very nice and more period correct. That said, you may want to contact Stefan to see if he can produce a full fiberglass period correct shell.

ZAMIRZ · ZAMIRZ's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxster03

this could get ugly

Not really.

GaryR · GaryR's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFG

I am 5'11" 160 lbs. and it is a snug fit, nice, but snug. So he does offer them with more room for people who need it.

5'11" 160 LBs and you say he makes seats with more room for those that need it? You sound pretty lanky to me, how about 6' and 200, which isn't all that obese? Would it be a wedge fit? And how do seats without cutouts work with 6 point harnesses, over the shoulder section of the seat? Is there a sub strap hole I don't see? Thanks.

tb912 · 09-30-2009, 08:47 PM

Well, I'm not into concours a this point, or necessarily racing for that matter, but If I were to spend $2000 on these seats (which I'm seriously considering) I'd just like to know what some experts think as far as accuracy of the lines, curves, and construction.

That's all.

So far, what I've drawn from this thread is that the TRE line is possibly more accurate than some of the GTS ones.. Not because of inaccurate designs (or molds) but because they wanted to accommodate a broader market?

For those of you who have actually seen/owned originals, Have you compared them side by side?

Maybe its just the 40+ year old upholstery/patina that makes the originals look different..

tb912 · 09-30-2009, 08:52 PM

By the way, I'm about 6' 150lb 34" waist. (skinnier than I look I suppose)

I should be able to fit in any of these? comfortably with regular, daily street driving?

signature65 · 09-30-2009, 09:08 PM

I have the Nurburgengen(sp) seats from GTS and Im 6,1 180 and fit perfectly.....NO COMPLAINTS and awesome quality. Pricey yes, worth it.....YES!!!

SandyI · 09-30-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tb912

Well, I'm not into concours a this point, or necessarily racing for that matter, but If I were to spend $2000 on these seats (which I'm seriously considering) I'd just like to know what some experts think as far as accuracy of the lines, curves, and construction.

That's all.

So far, what I've drawn from this thread is that the TRE line is possibly more accurate than some of the GTS ones.. Not because of inaccurate designs (or molds) but because they wanted to accommodate a broader market?

For those of you who have actually seen/owned originals, Have you compared them side by side?

Maybe its just the 40+ year old upholstery/patina that makes the originals look different..

Why don't you call Dave at TRE? He can answer all your questions better than anyone here because he's dealt with more early 911 than anyone else here. Check out the Tour De France 911 that TRE built featured in this months EXCELLENCE. Very impressive.

tb912 · 09-30-2009, 09:24 PM

Great idea. I actually followed that entire thread from the start. and you're totally right. AMAZING WORK. I think once I'm ready to commit to buying a set I'll give him a call and nitpick him for details.

tb912 · 09-30-2009, 09:50 PM

Ok. My theories on what looks wrong (to my untrained eye)
just comparing photo's, I think:

-The under-leg bolster is, for lack of a better word, pointier on the originals.

-The seat backs may be a bit wider on the originals

let me know if I'm just an idiot.

javadog · 10-01-2009, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tb912

let me know if I'm just an idiot.

Well....

Here's my take on the question. Most of us are not restoring an original period race car that might have used these. So, the question of originality is second to how well the seats work and, perhaps, how well they are made. IF the reproductions are more comfortable and look about the same, or if they are better made or finished in nicer materials, I'm happy. I have had some original vintage seats and they were nothing special, especially in terms of the materials used to cover them.

I have tried the GTS seats in person and the various models fit me differently. Having sat in them, I realize that it would have been impossible for me to pick the best seat (for me) by simply looking at the pictures and reading the specifications. What I ended up liking the best and what I originally thought I wanted were two different things.

JR

tb912 · 01:47 PM

I understand that point fully. But as far as MOST accurate, which ones do you think? I am not as concerned about most comfortable. I was just wondering if any reproduction is close to exact. That's all.

And I know I can't just tell from the pictures. That's why opinions from people who have been in contact with both (like yourself) would be appreciated. So thank you. Very good point though indeed.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 10-01-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog

I have tried the GTS seats in person and the various models fit me differently. Having sat in them, I realize that it would have been impossible for me to pick the best seat (for me) by simply looking at the pictures and reading the specifications. What I ended up liking the best and what I originally thought I wanted were two different things.

JR

I'm not sure if you are inclined to share, but I'd like to know your h/w specs and what fit, what didn't.

I'm 5'10", 33 inch waist, 180 lbs. I like the GTS ST seat, would also look at TRE's. Which seat fit your build and how?

i don't care about what looks most authentic, I want best fit, most comfortable.

teenerted1 · 10-01-2009, 02:01 PM

depends on the model you are interested in
i have LeMans for the passenger has a sub strap hole but no side holes. this is a reprocution of the 914 sport seat i believe. i used to run this as my driver in my teener. three point DOT over there.

my driver is a Sebring lower side bolsters than the ST. has the side wholes but for some odd reason i doesnt have the substrap hole. OK for me since i run a 4-point on my side. i dont do many DE's and 4point is still ok for autox here.

depends on what you are trying to reproduce. both TRE and GTS have several models to repoduce the different originals over the years. i have picked up both my GTS seats from the closest distibutor to me so i was at the mercy of his stock.

javadog · 10-01-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tb912

But as far as MOST accurate, which ones do you think?

Couldn't say, for two reasons. One, I wasn't looking at them with that in mind and it was 18 months ago. Second, Porsche used a variety of seats in their race and rally cars in the late 60's and early 70's. Some years, you could get two or three different seats. So, which of the original seats are you trying to replicate?

JR