why doesn't anyone make one of these seats?

don911 · don911's Garage

GTS makes repro seats but no body is making this seat, that I know of. I think the picture is from a Ruf yellowbird. Don't know if it's a ruf seat or not.

Anyone know if this seat is available as a repro?

Paul Thomas · 01-31-2007, 06:30 AM

That is a factory (or reproduction) "lollipop" seat that came in lots of factory race cars in the late 70's early 80's. Most noteable to me in the 934-935's although i have seen a pair in a 924 GTS. Gunnar Racing makes those seats for customer cars, i dont know if they sell them separately or not.

www.gunnarracing.com

Paul

GeorgeK · 01-31-2007, 07:39 AM

DP in Germany makes them. At bend over prices.

Elombard · 01-31-2007, 07:54 AM

I dont think the factory Lollipos had the Shoulder support I think it was all in the side?

You could replicate that pretty easy with a modern hard shell seat and have a cover made that looked like that....I guess it would not be that accurate.

don911 · don911's Garage

It would be a simple seat to make in FRP. That's why I'm surprised that places like GTS that make repro early sports seats have not replicated this one.

GeorgeK · 01-31-2007, 10:47 AM

To reproduce it correctly is no small task. It is made of 2 shells bonded together.
And, the original one is kind of.... *very* unconfortable. Backaches are guaranteed with the weird curve of the back, and the shoulders are not held well at all, holding your hips but not your shoulders. Mid-back pain, anyone?

Paul Thomas · 01-31-2007, 11:19 AM

Here's a side view of the repro lollipop that Gunnar makes. Thsi one is in the "Ratt" car that they built. Like George said, it is a 2 piece seat. You can see the step by step process on Gunnars website.

PT

Zeke · 01-31-2007, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by don911
It would be a simple seat to make in FRP. That's why I'm surprised that places like GTS that make repro early sports seats have not replicated this one.

That's because GTS seats are steel framed, not FRP. You're thinking of Vintage Seats and I haven't heard much about him lately.

Erik Mckenna · 01-31-2007, 02:40 PM

I have sat in that type seat before in a 924 GTS ClubSport.. They are not all that comfy like GeorgeK says... They look very cool! but not a seat I'd want to sit in all day.

KTL · 01-31-2007, 04:31 PM

Ultrashield makes seats that somewhat resemble the lollipops

http://www.ultrashieldrace.com/thumbs.php?cat=Road+Race+Seats&PHPSESSID=3f7348a818daa920f98bd776cc85606b

GTSinLV · 02-02-2007, 02:41 PM

Hi All,
I hear the calling...I have a guy in Germany who is making these seats but so far I am more focused on the classic cars...but maybe a 934/935 is not that far from a classic...maybe I should change my vision.....thanks for the input

GTSinLV · 01-30-2010, 06:28 PM

Hi All,
I heard the calling....
We offer 2 versions, one like the OEM all fiberglass and one that fits all other drivers....with more comfort,a bit wider and available with colored gel coat .THese are 2 layer seats like the originals with additional supports for better comfort.We will also offer the Trips device if there should be a problem with the PCA and the proper guidance for all seat belts.

Geronimo '74 · 12:23 AM

Wow, those look REALLY nice!!!

How good a repica is it? Has mold been made from the original seat?

What would a seat like that cost?? Can I get them in europe as well? (import taxes are a bit much at times.)

GTSinLV · 01-31-2010, 06:52 AM

Hi Geronimo,
Thank you for your post.
Well it took us nearly 2 years to develop them after a few set backs and promises that were not coming through....when you look at them we tried to make the headrest more even than the original eas to level the shoulders and to make both sides nearly the same contour.THey also fit our hard seat belt covers in the sides,which is different from the original.Total width is 590mm,height is 960mm and the narrowest in the inside is 435mm, which gives us now room for decent foam and padding so that you can drive these even on long trips.The can be mounted from the sides,and 2 different bottom applications to make installation easier.
We are the only manufacturer of these Lollipop"Endurance" and we ship from here directly.I know the EU is high tax land and you pay according to the invoice.
Prices due to the high labor to make and upholster the price starts at $ 1395 .
Currently we make a lollipop OEM with the "Gregg"plaid,I will post these pictures while we are working on them.

jac1976 · 01-31-2010, 07:13 AM

I'm always impressed by the time, money and effort people on this board put forth to reproduce parts for these cars, as exemplified by the reproduction of this "lollipop" seat. However, I would hope that function trumps form when it comes to a racing seat. I don't race myself, but I would rather be comfortable than have a unique vintage seat that looks the part. In addition to those helping source the seat, two posters have at least a modicum of first-hand experience with the seat and report it is not comfortable. Moreover, the way they describe the seat and its lack of support might also call into question it's utility as a safety device.

jac1976 · 01-31-2010, 07:21 AM

Just want to clarify that I was speaking of the original "lollipop" seat and not any reproductions as GTS typically improves upon the original through extensive R&D. I don't want anyone to take what I said as a personal affront, but rather an observation that we often sacrifice function for form when seeking out that unique period-correct part.

GTSinLV · 01-31-2010, 07:36 AM

Hello Jac,
I agree, we try to make seats that look like the originals but give you more comfort and support as the OEM gave you.I have a 34 pant size and in the OEM style...well not my size to drive in it a long stint...That's why we came up with the Lollipop"Endurance" -which is wider,a bit higher and you sit lower in the seat and on duralastic belts to give that missing comfort. Safety is always a issue and we try to make it as best as we can,and these seats are stiffer than the originals.....however when you get a truck or a lamp post side ways to your doorstep.......The original we just restore has these typical spyder cracks,like so many stressed old fiberglass seats,that's why porsche gave it's drivers always new seats after a few seasons....

jac1976 · 01-31-2010, 07:48 AM

Stefan,
I've always been impressed with your work and need to swing by the showroom. What are your hours? Thanks.

GeorgeK · 01-31-2010, 07:50 AM

First of all, one can only admire and command the effort put into these seats. They certainly look great and add quite some flair to any period car.

Now we need someone to pony up the dough and be a tester for the long term confort. I have sat in an original such seat for qute a few hours, and I considered being sedated before getting out of it, such was the middle- to upper-back pain.

I guess you "massaged" the general shape of the backrest besides the obvious width issue?

GTSinLV · 01-31-2010, 08:02 AM

Hi Jac,
Every one is welcomed to stop by and have a chat.....Normally between 8:30 and 5:00 +/- ,as I always work in the office to answer all emails and than drive into the shop near South Congress in Austin.But if you come from out of town, just call me and I'll be there on a Saturday,Sunday or in the Evenings.
Gruezi George,
Thank you for the note.
We took care of the bottom,the width and the design of the seat.If you shape the foam in the back the right way than you have lumbar support that you don't have with the originals as they bow to the back and not to support the spine.We also offer adjustable lumbar supports for further comfort.And with the spine not being hammered by the hit's from the road,but cushioned by the duralastic belts I think you have a comfortable seat with the shape of the original.The same treatment we did to the ST seat and now we sell more than ever,due to the added comfort and height on those seats.
We also will have a 3rd seat of this treatment coming up in the next few weeks.