Hi -

I just picked up a set of Corbeau A4's from Mike at TPS (TPSMak on the forum). I optd for the shaved bases and double locking sliders. I did not get the lumbar option, as I never use it.

I did a lot of research and just thought I'd share what I did to prep my Corbeau A4's for install. My car is currently in the shop getting some mods, so I won't be able to actually install them for another week or two, but figured I'd get ahead of the game so when the car comes home I can just bolt them right in.

I can tell you that the quality is more than I expected. The leather appears to be a real nice quality (much better than stock!) , and sitting in them I can definitely tell it's going to be a whole new experience driving the car. They just wrap you like a glove. (I'm 6'3" and about 210lbs...and they feel like they "just fit").
I'm hoping the wings at the top of the backrest do not interfere with my shoulders and make the feeling uncomfortable. But as of right now, sitting in them on my basement floor, they feel darn nice!


Here's what they arrived in. The box is not nearly as big as I thought it would be:



They were packed very well! It literally took about 10+ minutes per seat to get all the wrapping off:





Seat Tracks:



Additional Items Purchased:

(32) Metric M8 Flat Washers (Will use 16 of these per seat) (from Home Depot)



(8) Metric M8 Lock Washers (Will use 4 of these per seat) (from Home Depot). I optd to use lock washers instead of blue locktite in case I need to make further washer adjustments.



(2) Carabiners in Black (from Amazon. My Home Depot did not have black in stock)



Now I did mount the driver's seat on the passengers rail and vice versa.
These pics are pretty much self explanatory. You'll see where I added eight flat washers to each of the front mounting points. After the eight washers and one lock washer, there was still enough thread on the Allen bolt to go into the seat and tighten securely. Again using a 6mm Allen wrench.





And since the recliner lever will be near the Tunnel...I picked up this tip from forum member "Toque" (Thanks Toque!)

Take the hook off the Carabiner and add a second key ring:










And added a nice coat of Griot's Leather Care and just waiting for the car to come home:

 

The only pic showing up is the last one. They're looking good, though.. I need to find somebody with them locally so I can see how they feel.

 

I was the same way. Overjoyed at the feel and look of the A4's in my Electron Blue 02. Then i installed them. Right wing on shoulder area absolutely the most annoying feeling ever----especially shifting. My 6ft wife said same. I put stockers back in and sold them next day. Never gonna change again. Also couldnt get telescopong steering after i installed-another huge annoyance. So i bought a GTR also. Seats fit great! Oh well.

 

You beat me too it! Fixed now.

 

Those really look nice but I'd sure hate to lose the electric memory features of the oem seats/mounts.

 

Only my drivers seat is power and I do not have any memory options. So not a big deal to me loosing the drivers seat power. If I had the other options (steering wheel, etc.) I'd prob think twice.

 

Exactly my thought! "How is this going to feel shifting?"
I guess time will tell.

Thanks for the warning!

 

Excellent write up !!!!

I can't take credit for the idea, but I sure did like it. I'm glad you liked the idea too. It works as you will soon find out !


I don't have any issues shifting. I'm 6 ft, 215lbs.

Enjoy the new seats ! Your going to love how you feel hitting a sharp turn... You feel so much more connected with the car...

Toque

 

Looking forward to the rest of the install. I will be doing these seats along with other interior upgrades.

 

Thanks Toque! And I really hope you're right!


Yes I plan on documenting the rest of the install. Hopefully it'll be sometime next week.

Trust me...these seats are night and day compared to stockers. You'll love them! I just can't wait to install them and test these puppies out.

 

You installed the washers between the seat and the frame. Do you also plan to install some washers between the seat frame and floor ? I installed washers in both locations. Total lift was about 3/4" or just a pinch more.

Another thing that I did that you may be interested in. When you remove the factory seats and install any aftermarket seat your going to be left with a bare spot around the seat frame feet (no carpet spot). The little plastic seat frame feet covers will not fit aftermarket seat frames. I got the following carpet from Walmart and its just about the closest color match you could find.

Walmart product # 15524364 (Can't beat the $9 cost... )

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Remington-...Black/15524364


Look at the first pic below. I have the Walmart Carpet payed on top of the factory carpet. You can barely even see it cause its such a good match..

 

Yes I'm going to add two (per front stud) of either 3/8" or 5/8" washers. I bought both just in case.

Already bought the carpet as well. Can you tell I'm anxious?

But now I have a question...you layed the carpet "on top" of the factory carpet?

I thought I read (don't remember who's thread) that you cut (4) 6" pieces, and then I assumed you fit it underneath the stock carpet, with a hole in the center to lay over the mounting stud.

Did you just cut a piece to the size of the area where it's missing?

And I'm assuming you put the washers down before the new carpet so they're hidden?

 

Just studied your pic a little closer. Couldn't even tell the Walmart carpet was laying there. Looks great!!!

I did notice the washers as well.

Thanks again for everything Toque!

 

It was hard to see huh... It really is a close match to the factory carpet.

The first pic is the square piece I cut out. I made a small hole in it for the floor bolt. I put my washers over the bolt first, then laid the carpet over the bolt. I then tucked the Walmart carpet under the factory carpet. All you can see is the bolt sticking up, and the bare floor spots are gone...

Hope that makes sense !

Toque

 

Yea I love mine too, they are super easy to install, hardest thing for me was unhooking the power connections under the seats and I kinda broke one of the plastic pieces...
I only wish the seats were a little narrower and that they didnt rub on the outside edge.

 

I'm glad you like your seats! IMO, there is no better upgrade for a Corvette than replacing the stock seats... putting in a seat of A4s really help you concentrate on driving instead of trying since they hold you snugly in place while driving

 

I don't understand why you would pay extra (it is extra, right?) for the shaved seat option and then raise them back up with washers????

And, on the seat back lever... how do you keep the new strap from falling down between the seat and console? seems like it would be just as hard to grab the strap as the lever? (maybe a photo would help here, don't know)

 

Clever idea on that strap

 

These are done to accomplish the same thing, reclaiming your stock headroom back. When I installed my FX1-Pros I needed to do both so my helmet would comfortably clear the headliner.



BTW- Raising the front of the seat with washers (or side mount brackets like I used) effectively lowers the back of the seat increasing the headroom.

 

Not sure I follow the logic fully. Raising the front,,, raises the front and, in a solid race seat would give the result of reclining, which could give more headroom. These seats already recline so propping up the front isn't necessary.

Could it be to keep you from sliding forward during braking, without a full 5pt harness?

To be clear, I love these seats, but this is serious coin to drop and then find out the quirks later.