Fixed Back Vs Reclining Seats

[Hermit]

Hey all, just wondering if most people fit reclining or fixed back racing seats to their locost?

I know one of the risks with a reclining seat is the pivot lock can break in an accident. Not so much of an issue from a rear hit in a locost as there is not really anywhere for the seat to go (unless you built the chassis too long and its sitting very far foward)

Other benefit of a fixed back is weight savings.

Im also assuming most would not fit sliders to their seats and would have them solid bolted in.

[KB58]

"In general", Locosts are so small and cramped that there's little to no room between the seats and the bulkhead. I think it was on factory Lotus Sevens that the seat back pad was permanently attached to the bulkhead. For that reason, even if the seat reclines, the feature can't be used to any advantage - unless your car is built to add inches back there.

[Lonnie-S]

It's just my opinion, but I think adjustability (sliders and seatback) are highly desirable in a street car. With a race car, fixed would be better for safety, but your ergonomic attributes will have to be established with care.

I'm building a street car and have sliders for the driver's side already incorporated. In my final seat design, the seatback will be adjustable too. On long drives in my regular vehicles, I change my seating position several times for comfort during a trip.

Cheers,

[boblewis]

Thanks for sharing .

[MiguelAdderiy]

Hey all, just wondering if most people fit reclining or fixed back racing seats to their locost?

I know one of the risks with a reclining seat is the pivot lock can break in an accident. Not so much of an issue from a rear hit in a locost as there is not really anywhere for the seat to go (unless you built the chassis too long and its sitting very far foward)

Other benefit of a fixed back is weight savings.

Im also assuming most would not fit sliders to their seats and would have them solid bolted in.

Most Locost builders prefer fixed-back racing seats for their lightweight design and added safety, as there’s no risk of pivot locks failing in an accident. Reclining seats are less common but may appeal to those prioritizing adjustability or comfort for dual-use cars. Sliders are typically avoided to save weight and reduce potential failure points, with solid bolting being the preferred method for securing seats. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities for safety, weight savings, and adjustability in your build.

[davew]

I retro-fitted sliders to my seat, the sliders lasted about 10 seconds! Just losing the 1 1/4" in clearance to the steering wheel make it a real PITA to get in and out of the vehicle. I would mockup the higher seat position before adding sliders. In the end I went with a new pedal box design which gave me several locations for all three pedals.

[tibimakai]

I have some MX5 ND seats and 12.5" steering wheel, that has some tilt function(very small though) and I fit very well, in a 442E chassis.
The seat even has airbags and Bose speakers

[mikep]

It might be worth trying some padding without a seat (so fixed back). I tried bomber seats, realized I didn't need the slider and then realized I didn't need the seats at all so I added lightness. The rake of the back panel was fine, as was the pedal and steering position. Book chassis, 3" foam back, 4" foam bottom, on plywood covered in outdoor black vinyl, bolted to the chassis. Only the one 6' driver so no adjustment needed. Perhaps not the safest with no headrest but it's only for pleasure driving.

[KB58]

I've built two cars and neither had adjustable seats. Would it have been nice? Maybe for future buyers, but because the seat was mounted in the perfect position for me, there was no need for adjustment. As others have said, in a typical Locost, there's usually zero space for adjustment anyway.