Lotus Elan Central

by **chris.t** » Sat 13.05.2006, 11:07

Has anyone come up with a viable alternative to the Elan seats. I actually like the original seats but the bolstering to the right part of the seat has collapsed and can be a bit uncomfortable on long journeys. I know that you can get them refurbed which is probably the line i will take but thought that if there was a good alternative say recaro out there i should consider it.

by **Paul.P** » Sat 13.05.2006, 13:01

Chris, Taffy has fitted some aftermarket seats, & thay look nice to, not sure which ones though, might be worth dropping him a line ?

by **Monty** » Sat 13.05.2006, 13:04

IIRC someone fitted Elise seats, which would be great if u do track days

by **Enright** » Sat 13.05.2006, 13:17

Just swap the seat cushions between driver's and passenger's side and see the difference.

by **chris.t** » Sat 13.05.2006, 18:38

Enright13 wrote:Just swap the seat cushions between driver's and passenger's side and see the difference.

is that an easy enough job to do neil?

oh and is taffy his forum name before i embarass myself?

by **muley** » Sat 13.05.2006, 19:08

chris.t wrote:
Enright13 wrote:Just swap the seat cushions between driver's and passenger's side and see the difference.

is that an easy enough job to do neil?

oh and is taffy his forum name before i embarass myself?

Chris,

I don't think your mechanic would find it a hard job :wink:

The seats aren't handed, so all or any bit can be swapped - the entire seat if you like (once the runners are removed)

Jim

by **Enright** » Sat 13.05.2006, 19:31

chris.t wrote:
Enright13 wrote:Just swap the seat cushions between driver's and passenger's side and see the difference.

is that an easy enough job to do neil?

Have a look here and here, and have a look from the Upgrades link at the top of the page (just under the LEC banner) for Doug's write-up on installing seat heaters.

It's an afternoon's work but you can do it with a few basic hand tools, and the difference is massive.

by **Paul.P** » Sat 13.05.2006, 20:21

Yes Chris, Taffy is his forum name, he's from Leicester.

by **Dave Eds** » Sat 13.05.2006, 23:41

Paul.P wrote:Yes Chris, Taffy is his forum name, he's from Leicester.

but we wont hold that against him :lol:

by **Doug** » Sun 14.05.2006, 05:07

it's fair work to swap them all around. sit in the other one and BE SURE it's worth doing first!

simple tools, lots of swearing, and about 4X longer than you'd think to do it.

just get some nicer seats instead :wink:

by **Nige** » Tue 16.05.2006, 08:48

I like the look of the Cobra Misano see Here and Here no idea if they would fit and are still a road seat as they still recline rather than a track seat . I find most fixed back seats are too upright for my liking and if you angle them back your legs are then in the wrong place.

by **TheBard** » Wed 17.05.2006, 03:39

I'd never thought about the seats before, but having just seen what Sparco have on offer via...
http://www.sparcousa.com/seats_street.asp
I've now added another item to the long term wish list.

Ah, the joys of ownership

by **chris.t** » Wed 17.05.2006, 18:40

I like them but the cost is incredible

by **taffy** » Wed 17.05.2006, 19:38

Hi, Yes this is Taffy from Leicester!

I changed the seats on my Elan because I wanted somthing with better support, I looked around and came across the seats I fitted. Basically they were only £100 for the pair (+vat) They are made by Cosmic. They have adjustable backs and fit (Just). I drove the car to the last meeting which was about 70 miles each way and found the comfort and support very good.
They are for sale in MACRO and are available in Red and Black or Blue and Black. (You can find them on the Macro web site) They have just brought some in in Vinyl. They are easy to fit once I show you what you need. If you want more info just let me know. There is a picture of them on the web site.
Regards
NigelE

by **dans** » Wed 17.05.2006, 23:52

Hi Taffy,

What is MACRO??
What is their website?

Thanks,
Dan

by **taffy** » Thu 18.05.2006, 08:52

MACRO is a trade centre, you can apply for a card if you are self employed or run your own business. You will find their web site on google and the seats are listed her http://www.makro.co.uk/ie/mmail/Makroma ... N=30099586
I dont know if this will access the site or not. If you are employed you may still be able to 'borrow' a card from someone since it is not a cedit card it just allows you access.
I will try and mail you a photograph of the latest page.
NigelE

by **taffy** » Thu 18.05.2006, 08:55

Dan
I have tried that link and it works,

You need to open the non food brochure on the right and work through the pages.
If you have any problems let me know.

by **chris.t** » Thu 18.05.2006, 17:57

ok i think i know the way i shall be going. Having looked at the seats that you guys have linked to i am now convinced that i want to keep the car 'looking' as near standard as possible. I must admit that the seats shown in the links look great especially for track work but thats not where ido most of my driving.

Swopping seats round etc sounds like robbing Peter to pay Paul and therefore a full refurb of the drivers seat is what i think i shall go for.

Now i have leather with the NMY stripes. The stripes have worn quite noticably on the drivers side. If a refurb were done could they match the colour of the stripes or would i have to get both seats done. The passenger seat is not worn at all (poor old johnny no mates) but the colour may have changed since new (i think i'm answering my own question here). Oh yeah and there's the door cards as well. anyways any light you can throw on the subject wold be greatfully received

by **muley** » Thu 18.05.2006, 19:17

chris.t wrote:ok i think i know the way i shall be going. Having looked at the seats that you guys have linked to i am now convinced that i want to keep the car 'looking' as near standard as possible. I must admit that the seats shown in the links look great especially for track work but thats not where ido most of my driving.

Swopping seats round etc sounds like robbing Peter to pay Paul and therefore a full refurb of the drivers seat is what i think i shall go for.

Now i have leather with the NMY stripes. The stripes have worn quite noticably on the drivers side. If a refurb were done could they match the colour of the stripes or would i have to get both seats done. The passenger seat is not worn at all (poor old johnny no mates) but the colour may have changed since new (i think i'm answering my own question here). Oh yeah and there's the door cards as well. anyways any light you can throw on the subject wold be greatfully received

Chris,

It sounds to me as though you are talking yourself into a complete interior retrim. What I would do it speak to Stevie(shag) because the quality of his interior is excellent - although not everyone likes the colours. Or you could get your seats and door cards done at Hethel through a Lotus dealer, considering the quality I don't think it's that expensive - although I am an eccentric millionaire :wink:

Cheers

Jim

p.s. Otherwise I'll swap your seats at the H+C in a few days time - 30 minute job - Tops.

by **Rambo** » Fri 19.05.2006, 00:30

Why not buy this car Chris ? http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5146 Remove the lovely leather clad seats, door cards, carpets etc and fit to you NMY. Then put your used seats in the grey car and give it to Daphne as an early Xmas present ? You know it makes sense

Mark

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