From: Lancair Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Mark Steitle
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 6:37 PM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Re: ES/IV seats (Honda CRX Seats)

Tim,

I used Honda CRV seats in my ES.  But I think it resulted in less headroom than the stock seats, but then you can recline them back a few notches to regain what you've lost in seat height.  Also, there is nothing special about the CRV seats, almost any small car seat would probably work as you'll have to narrow them anyway.  The seat pan is stamped sheet metal and was the most difficult to narrow.  I cut out a 2" strip right down the center line and TIG welded the two halves back together.  I used the 2" strip as a doubler and made spot welds down both sides of the seam.  You'll also have to cut down the seat springs to account for the narrower seat pan.

The seat back was easier to narrow as it is a tube frame design.  I cut 2" from the bottom tube, and then on the upper tube cut 1" on each side of the headrest mount.  I used a smaller tube to slip inside the joints and TIG welded it back together.  If it sounds like there is a lot of welding involved in doing this, you're right.    

The CRV seats have lots of heavy adjustment mechanisms that I removed, but you'll need to do some more welding for new mounting brackets.  I used some aftermarket slides which gave me an extra 2" of seat travel.  

Once welded, I painted everything and took them to the upholstery shop, along with the old cushions and had them narrow the cushions and reupholster everything. 

I am very happy with the end result.  And yes, they are very comfortable.  One added bonus is that the seats both recline which makes it possible to work under the panel without removing the seats. 

Mark S.

On Wed, Oct 29, 2008 at 7:09 PM, <zoelt@sio.midco.net> wrote:

I'd like to know more about the CRX seat application as well.
I need more head room (5'11") and reclining would be awesome.
Thanks,
Tim
N524JG