COMPILED - 80 Series Seat Swap Thread

[Box Rocket]

Debating between seats from the following as I have an opportunity to pick them up this/next weekend depending on which I choose for my 1997 FzJ80 "Black Onyx" exterior, "Oak" interior rig. For context, I'm 6'0" and 280 lbs...

I've been scouring this thread for months and love what everyone has done...would like to hear from people who have these same seats as I'm trying to make a decision as all of them popped on my radar for really inexpensive prices. I'm leaning to the Audi seats..

In preference:

Audi A4s (Light grey / tan(ish)
Solara (cloth, matching "Oak")
VW Jetta (Black)
Subaru WRX (grey)

Thoughts?

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I believe the A4 seat and the VW seat are essentially the same seat (same frame perhaps?) with some small variation in the seat cushion. I have two sets of the VW seats in two of my trucks (my 80 and a minitruck) and I think they are great seats and so much more comfortable than the originals! The WRX seats are indeed comfortable but I think they look out of place in an 80 if you're trying to keep a somewhat "factory" look to your interior. Also, from the pics it seems like the WRX seats have the most wear (threadbare piping etc).

 

[Spdstr280Z]

Thanks! I see you're in BC. My wife and I were hiking near Kaslo, BC last weekend - taking advantage of the phenomenal Fall weather up there!

Anyone else have one? Thanks.

I do, but I'm a long way from Idaho...

Jason

 

[mudgudgeon]

I have Audi A4 S-Line seats. They are a little narrow in the seat base for my big boned frame. But otherwise, have lots of adjustment and are great.
They also have an extension slide on the seat base. Great for those with long legs. Makes a huge difference to comfort and back support on a long drive.

I believe the comment above about Audi and VW seats being basically the same, (they share a lot of parts) but there is different versions for different spec vehicles, so not all equal.

Unless WRX seats are vastly superior to other Subaru seats, I'd pass. Any Subaru I've even been in, the seats strike me as flimsy, cheaply made, cheaply upholstered, and definitely not suited to a tall/large framed person

 

[Box Rocket]

I have Audi A4 S-Line seats. They are a little narrow in the seat base for my big boned frame. But otherwise, have lots of adjustment and are great.
They also have an extension slide on the seat base. Great for those with long legs. Makes a huge difference to comfort and back support on a long drive.

I believe the comment above about Audi and VW seats being basically the same, (they share a lot of parts) but there is different versions for different spec vehicles, so not all equal.

Unless WRX seats are vastly superior to other Subaru seats, I'd pass. Any Subaru I've even been in, the seats strike me as flimsy, cheaply made, cheaply upholstered, and definitely not suited to a tall/large framed person

WRX STI seats are definitely better than other Subaru seats. Comperable to some Recaros. However, as a true "sport" seat they have fairly large bolsters and can be tight/uncomfortable for larger bodies.

 

[OffRoadScott]

WRX STI seats are definitely better than other Subaru seats. Comperable to some Recaros. However, as a true "sport" seat they have fairly large bolsters and can be tight/uncomfortable for larger bodies.

They are Recaros if I remember correctly.

Or JDM Integra Type R seats, they are in fact Recaro seats.

 

[Box Rocket]

They are Recaros if I remember correctly.

Or JDM Integra Type R seats, they are in fact Recaro seats.

Yeah I couldn't remember if they were actually made by Recaro or not but knew they were comperable.

 

[NorthWA]

1994 cloth LC seats into a 1996. Exact match up. No mods needed.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

1994 cloth LC seats into a 1996. Exact match up. No mods needed.

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Looking good! Where did you find these great condition used seats?!

 

[NorthWA]

Looking good! Where did you find these great condition used seats?!

A junk yard in Sacramento. The back of one of them is damaged and there are a few small tears here and there that you can’t see in the photos. They aren’t perfect but great condition.

 

[theBink]

Hi everyone, I really like the look of these Recaro seats (both the seat and the head rest). Is this a known style or something that I can get for my 80 series? ideally in another color way as well

 

[napir]

Hi everyone, I really like the look of these Recaro seats (both the seat and the head rest). Is this a known style or something that I can get for my 80 series? ideally in another color way as well

If you're looking for new, it's the Classic line. If used, it could be an LX or LS of some sort, take a look at this guide. Lots of the parts are interchangeable in that generation of seats and they sold them for a long time, so you can mix and match things to your desire. I have LXs in my 911 and they're fantastic.

The bases were pretty much universal for all these, and any of the universal adapters (eg. Planted) for Land Cruiser should fit them.

 

[alia176]

If you're looking for new, it's the Classic line. If used, it could be an LX or LS of some sort, take a look at this guide. Lots of the parts are interchangeable in that generation of seats and they sold them for a long time, so you can mix and match things to your desire. I have LXs in my 911 and they're fantastic.

The bases were pretty much universal for all these, and any of the universal adapters (eg. Planted) for Land Cruiser should fit them.

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This is great info, thank you.

 

[alia176]

Saw this while perusing FB marketplace and was wondering of the legitimacy of this ad.

 

[alia176]

This outfit seem to have a lots of Subaru seats if that's what you're looking for, in El Paso, TX.

 

[haganLX45096]

Anyone ever throw some HHR seats in their 80 series? They look to be on the same level of the PT Cruiser but haven't seen anything on here.

 

[thatcabledude]

Haha y’all are wild with some of these seat swaps.

 

[alia176]

Anyone ever throw some HHR seats in their 80 series? They look to be on the same level of the PT Cruiser but haven't seen anything on here.

Curious, are these seats particularly comfortable / ergonomic and supportive?

 

[haganLX45096]

Curious, are these seats particularly comfortable / ergonomic and supportive?

have to be just as good as a pt cruiser and def better than all new motors (all are bad) for the existing seats in front as well as new covers.

 

[GDA62/100]

Recaro Expert M on the driver's side and Specialist M for the passenger. I fabricated brackets similar to the Planted ones. Pretty simple to install and amazing for the twisty mountain roads around here. Head and leg room are a little better than factory.

 

[booradley]

So I guess it’s time to do something (ha).

I’d like to simply yank these and install OEM manual seats. All I need is the frame (and maybe the foam). I have a good upholsterer that can do the rest. Local junkyard searches no good, all power (and rough).

Does Toyota still have manual seat frames? I’m having a difficult time running down part numbers.

Thanks,

Edit: nope, no more manual seat frames. Junkyard or something else.