Recaro Seats

What sort of vehicle?
We just got the Paratus. Usually designed to use existing belts etc.
Look at Stratos, good suspension seat.
John

Col,
My wife has a bad back as well, and we have found Recaro saets have stood up to many years of off road racing! and long distance touring.
When we first started looking into aftermarket seats around 10 years ago, we probobly looked at every brand, and bought Recaro N-Joys. As we are both tall, they suited our long legs. We found them excellent for travelling between Adelaide and Kalgoorlie in 1 hit. Not many people could comfortably sit in their couch, or in front of their computer for 24 hours, but we needed, and were able to so. You will find that with comfortable, orthopaedicly designed seats, driver fatigue is less of an issue as you sit in a more "correct" position.
The initial purchase price is minor, considered as a percentage of your vehicles purchase price, the purchase price of your lounge, and the number of hours you may spend in your car(s) over the long lifespan of the seats.
1 of our vehicles was involved in a high speed head on collision and the strength of the Recaro seat probably saved my wifes life, staying in shape despte the floor of the Landcruiser buckling.
We have fitted 4 pairs to 7 vehicles now, and would not fit anything else but Recaros!
Despite living in Adelaide, I dealt with Ideal Seat in Melbourne a few months ago, and cant praise them enough!!!!!!! I am sure they would be able to help you no matter where you were.
Ph (03)9555 7788
All the best,
Matt

Col,

Check out any 4WD shop they usually have after market seats and can have them fitted. The seat belts are not a problem

Wayne

When I had my GQ I fitted a KAB seat base under the existing GQ seat....just had to unbolt the existing side supports off the GQ's seat and the KAB suspension seat bolted straight on. Strewth I was disappointed when I bought the GU and found that this has a 0ne piece seat and I couldn't fit the suspension base.
I know KAB do make full seat replacements and boy, are they comfortable OR WHAT!?? ;-))
However, I have never got to that part of my "wish list" yet, so I've still got standard seats in the Patrol.

From memory the Recaro dealer in W,A. is ORE in Myaree, I have had a pair of recaro's in an 80 series and found them to be very good, the only problem I had was the raised part of the seat squab, (the bit you sit on) got in the way when you slid out of the car, would not be a problem in a lower vehicle as you step up and out, in a 4by you get out and down usually, they do make models with a flatish squab. The initial price is reasonably high but if you keep them and transfer them from vehicle to vehicle you will soon forget the price.

Cheers

Col

I feel i need to add that the "high sides" of the seat are there to hold your legs in the right position. 1 set of seats I had in a lifted ute did not have them and they were not as good on long trips. You will notice only the base model seats are like this. Entry and exit are a matter of techniqe, and after 1 day it will be second nature
regards
Matt

Thanks guys you have helped alot

Regards

Col

Hi Col

Just before you go out and buy expensive replacement seats. I have suffered from a very badly damaged back for 28 years after an accident. Went to a motor trimmer to get Recaro or similar seat fitted. He suggested that he could greatly improve the seats in the Bronco so that they would support the back for me. Since then I have had seats in the 80 series, two Nissans and now the Iveco altered with extra foam supports and better webbing fit which has allowed me to travel for many many Kilometres without discomfort. May be worth checking with the local motortrimmer. The last set were $120 each much cheaper that replacements.

Ray

My wife and I have the same problem with our backs.

We love off roading in the outback and now use Recaro and are very happy with them.

We started using Scheel seats in a MQ Nissan Patrol 20 years ago and they were also excelent.(all NSW ambulances were fitted with them)

I have used the same seats in 3 different cars and still have them in the shed. Would have continued using them if I could get bases. I don't know of an agent in Australia now.

I would say spending on good after market seats is the best thing we have done for back comfort and trip enjoyment.

Col ,

Go here to see a nice Recaro setup in a Troopie :

http://www.havewheelswilltravel.iinet.net.au/images/My%20Troopy/13.Recaro%20Seats.jpg

We bought a set of Scheels in 1980, 25 years, 6 different vehicles and many hundreds of k's of outback travel they are still going strong, the best money you will ever spend on your vehicle and your back will thank you forever.
As has been mentioned I don't think there is an Australian agent anymore but Recaro bases and frames fit with minor mods. They were also standard fitment in some RS2000 Escorts.
We have had them recushioned once and the original fabric is still good.
We actually have four of them in the Humvee and it was engineered for ADR compliance with them fitted.
Recaro's would be the next best that are available locally although some of their fabrics don't seem to stand up to long term use.