Finally got around to trying this in my 1980 BJ42 daily driver, and figured it's worth a quick write up. Thanks to @Loober for selling me the chairs and bases - was great chatting last year.
I was concerned the suspension bases are much too tall for a late 40 series tub, but I figured it's worth a shot if it meant softening impacts while driving the crappy streets around here...
Deep cleaned the chairs and bases, mocked them up and took them for a good spin (~1 hour) before going through the trouble of seat bracket fabrication. Here are my thoughts from the experience:
If it isn't already clear from the pics, the whole setup is just way too high up for me (6'2") to ergonomically see out windshield (high up and far ahead along the road).
Pros:
I'm bummed these didn't work in my 40, but I'm excited to stick 'em into a different car down the road for sure. I'll hang onto them. I know there are folks who have had great results with BMW seats, so I'll check dimensions and mock fit before looking for a pair...if that works, @BreckenridgeCruiser can have my 70 series seats for his RHD
I was concerned the suspension bases are much too tall for a late 40 series tub, but I figured it's worth a shot if it meant softening impacts while driving the crappy streets around here...
Deep cleaned the chairs and bases, mocked them up and took them for a good spin (~1 hour) before going through the trouble of seat bracket fabrication. Here are my thoughts from the experience:
If it isn't already clear from the pics, the whole setup is just way too high up for me (6'2") to ergonomically see out windshield (high up and far ahead along the road).
Pros:
- more leg room and way better approach angle for the pedals eliminates fatigue for taller folk
- the air suspension seat bases dampen harsh impacts and pair nicely with my OME ~2.5" lift
- the 70 series chair is a great upgrade to my bench style seating
- true RHD arrangement of seats put the driver seat (with full adjustability) on the correct side for my 40 too
- If I bottom out the suspension base and lock it ("air ride" mode off), I can see a little better out the windshield
- suspension base footprint is too tall
- puts your legs way too close to stock steering wheel
- can't see safely out windshield (at my height, impossible to see traffic lights, distant cars without slouching down)
- naturally, egress/ingress is challenging
- while the air suspension dampens major bumps/jolts, it doesn't do much for average road roughness (small bumps and road imperfections)...and maybe even made things more annoyingly bouncy instead
I'm bummed these didn't work in my 40, but I'm excited to stick 'em into a different car down the road for sure. I'll hang onto them. I know there are folks who have had great results with BMW seats, so I'll check dimensions and mock fit before looking for a pair...if that works, @BreckenridgeCruiser can have my 70 series seats for his RHD
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