Recaro Resource Guide - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

a2coupe2a · 04-24-2011, 03:13 PM

Accidentally posted this in the history section when i meant to post here.. but that aside here you go...

RECARO RESOURCE GUIDE

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I have been noticing a large amount of recaro questions lately and figured i would post this to help people out. Hopefully we can sticky this or have it placed in the faq's. Here is some basic Recaro knowledge, hopefully you guys will appreciate it. I will update this thread as i have the time, still have ALOT to add.

Each Recaro has a basic model number such as A8, LS, SRD. The first 2 letters stand for the back of the seat. The last digit stands for the base of the seat. For example an LX will stand for the back of the seat with its trademark pointy triangular bolsters but an LX-A will be the same back mounted to a flat base. Here is an example of a 3rd gen LX (top picture) and a 3rd gen LX-A (bottom)

Most of the common recaro seats can be traced through 3 generations, each with their own specific details and differences. For example the first generation LS (also known as the idealseat) has the trademark large rolling upper bolsters but the lower bolsters are very large and the slope is very close to the back of the lower frame. The later generations have a very similar back at first glance but the lower bolster foam is much smaller with the slope of the bolster midway back on the frame as seen here.

The construction of the early recaros was very primitive compared to the later generations. Honestly the biggest improvement i have found through the generations is the advancement in the construction of the seats. The gen 1/2 seats are fairly difficult to assemble where as the later 3rd and 4th generations are about as simple as you can imagine.

How to spot a FAKE

Its not always easy to spot a fake but there are a few simple steps you can follow to increase your chances of purchasing a genuine recaro. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for..

- Is the 'RECARO' lettered correctly? If the letters are spaced from eachother? Is the lettering crooked? If it generally looks off chances are you are not dealing with a genuine recaro.

- What style diaphragm does the seat use? You will only find 3 style of supports on genuine recaro seats. The first design was a support strap. They were made of a nylon style material and each seat would have had around 3 of them going horizontally across the base attaching with a U style hook. The second generation used a support diaphragm. It was a single support made with 1-2 large rubber pcs bonded to a burlap style material and attached using a dowel and hook method on each side of the support. The newest recaro seats use a molded plastic but that is pretty self explanatory. Here are a few examples..

gen 1 straps (New jjcustominterior strap on top, original in middle)

gen 2 diaphragm

FAKE speed as found on ebay (you can also see the material is hog ringed onto the frame, something recaro hasnt done since the 70's.) Honestly there are about 100 things i could pick apart on these seats to show they are fake but this is the easiest to spot. They dont always look like this but this is the most obvious to spot.

a2coupe2a · 04-24-2011, 03:14 PM

Here is another speed that at first glance looked 100% legit short of some "off" recaro stitching but once i removed the insert found this..

That should do it for now, i will update more as i have the time.. If you have any request or questions feel free to message me

Seats

Model C (classic c / orthopad)

(Est. $400 - $2500 depending on specific model / options / condition)

Available as an aftermarket seat dealer option on various european cars. Featuring 8 way adjustable bolsters, heated inserts, power air controlled lumbar support, and speakers in the headrest the Model c was Recaros top of the line and most expensive seat offered in the late 70's and through the 80's. Variations of this seat were optional in e30 bmw's (6k dealer option) Mercedes 190 cosworths, Audi URQuattors (non power), Various Porches, and a few other vehicles that escape me at this time. Variations of this seat are still available from recaro as the Ortho line.

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LS (idealseat)

(est. $300-$1500 depending on specific model and condition)

The LS is one of the most popular seats Recaro made through the late 70's/80's/90's. Variations of the LS were found in but not limited to cars made by Ferrari, BMW, Alfa, Volkswagen, Porsche, Ford, and more.. They are most commonly found in mk2 volkswagens and Alfa Romeo milano verdes.

a2coupe2a · 04-24-2011, 03:15 PM

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Speed / SRD

(est. $300-2000+ depending on model and condition)

By far the most copied Recaro of all time. Be very cautious when buying these seats as prob 80% of the seats on the market are fake chinese replicas. I would not feel safe putting the replicas in a car as the build quality and materials used are fairly poor. The Recaro speed is prob. the most well known Recaro as it has been available since the 80's and is still in production to this day. They have came in everything from e30 bmw's to Toyota supras along with hondas, nissans, fords, and so on..

Also here is an easy way to tell the difference between a speed and an srd. Take a close look at the curves of the upper bolster foam.. The SRD has a larger more triangular "shoulder" foam where the speed is smaller and more smooth. Also you can see the speed has a larger headrest section.

speed

srd..

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LX/SE/Specialist

(est. $300-$1500 depending on specific model and condition)

The recaro LX is one of the oldest recaro variations available along with the LS. The Recaro lx still has a variation in production to this day(specialist). It is commonly found in early to late 80's cars such as the TransAm, Mustang, 300zx, and various other models. The Gen 1 lx has the larger lower bolsters but maintains the same triangular back that is the trademark of the LX.

Another member of the LX/LS/etc family that's often seen, the SE. These were Recaro's "budget" sport seat in the late '90s and early '00s, they also had a decent period-correct look for '70s and '80s cars since they were mostly based on the LX.

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a2coupe2a · 04-24-2011, 03:15 PM

A8 (gen 1/2)

(est. $600-$3k depending on specific gen, condition, and trim)

The A8 is by far one of the most highly desired recaros available at this time. They are one of the first recaro sport seats to feature a new frame design for passenger vehicles. There were 2 variations of the A8 to be released and they were available as factory options in a select group of exotics. The majority of A8's you will find are of the aftermarket variety.

Gen 1

Gen 2

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General Info

mounting pattern

a2coupe2a · 04-24-2011, 03:16 PM

available headrest options
*Netted*

*Standard Solid*

*Wrap around*

\

*Wrap around w/speakers*

Seat Dimensions

a2coupe2a · 04-24-2011, 03:17 PM

a2coupe2a · 04-24-2011, 03:18 PM

Brochures / Ads

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Audi

a2coupe2a · 04-24-2011, 03:18 PM

Volkswagen (mk2)

Here you can see that VW offered the Model C, LX, and LS as optional seats for the mk2's in europe.

Ads

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If you have any questions or need anything feel free to write me here or shoot me an email - Ron@JJcustominterior.com

I still have a ton to add, hopefully this will come up useful for you guys.

KITT1983 · 04-24-2011, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2coupe2a

Brochures / Ads

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Audi

now where can I get this seat

a2coupe2a · 04-24-2011, 08:47 PM

We have 2 sets, might be willing to part with one. Otherwise they pop up on ebay every now and then. That being said you should be ready to pay 1-2k for a nice set. They are pretty ridiculously expensive.

KITT1983 · 06-11-2011, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2coupe2a

We have 2 sets, might be willing to part with one. Otherwise they pop up on ebay every now and then. That being said you should be ready to pay 1-2k for a nice set. They are pretty ridiculously expensive.

got any photos ?

DBLTKE · 08-22-2011, 08:54 PM

Awesome post. I saw your other one on VWvortex. Any chance you can expand a little more on the Trans Am Recaros? They're obviously very hard to come by, whereas I see LS's everywhere all the time. Do the Trans Am LX's have different seat rails from the standard seats? Is there anything preventing one from using LS's in a third gen f-body?

t-top havoc · 08-22-2011, 10:34 PM

WOW!!

Thanks for the tips on helping spot fakes!!

The first pic looks great!!

GPSkinzhut · 08-24-2011, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBLTKE

Awesome post. I saw your other one on VWvortex. Any chance you can expand a little more on the Trans Am Recaros? They're obviously very hard to come by, whereas I see LS's everywhere all the time. Do the Trans Am LX's have different seat rails from the standard seats? Is there anything preventing one from using LS's in a third gen f-body?

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but looks like the T/A rails use an adapter on the factory mounts/sliders. Not real clear from these pics but it's black piece that's bolted on top. Looks like it could be a piece of cake to fab too.

LS's fit nice in the 3rd gen and hug you like a glove. Much more comfortable than the '97 T/A seats I had in there but sit a little bit higher.

a2coupe2a · 09-03-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KITT1983

got any photos ?

I can snap some for you if you are still interested

a2coupe2a · 09-03-2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBLTKE

Awesome post. I saw your other one on VWvortex. Any chance you can expand a little more on the Trans Am Recaros? They're obviously very hard to come by, whereas I see LS's everywhere all the time. Do the Trans Am LX's have different seat rails from the standard seats? Is there anything preventing one from using LS's in a third gen f-body?

The transam recaro is a generation 3 lx hybrid. They used the lx frame and foam but a unique insert. The bases are pictured above. I actually have a set here that are up for grabs and ready to be recovered. We also have new lower bolster foam for the lx's and ls's gen 3 or newer (like the transam and later foxbody mustang seats)

a2coupe2a · 09-03-2011, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPSkinzhut

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but looks like the T/A rails use an adapter on the factory mounts/sliders. Not real clear from these pics but it's black piece that's bolted on top. Looks like it could be a piece of cake to fab too.

LS's fit nice in the 3rd gen and hug you like a glove. Much more comfortable than the '97 T/A seats I had in there but sit a little bit higher.

Im happy you like them, i think they look great in your car. I also sourced a back seat if you want us to recover them as well. Oh and thanks for posting pics

a2coupe2a · 09-03-2011, 04:40 PM

Side note i still have a ton to add to this thread and ill try to get to it sooner then later.

Bullydawg · 09-03-2011, 05:20 PM

Awesome info! My subaru here in Japan has a set of Red Recaro SR* series that I plan on bringing back to the US for my Formula.

KITT1983 · 09-03-2011, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2coupe2a

I can snap some for you if you are still interested

sure but i just want to see what they look like

Pete's 89 GTA · 10-02-2011, 10:42 AM

can you restore foam and bolsters on a 84 15th T/A? here is a pic of damage. thanks!

KITT1983 · 10-02-2011, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete's 89 GTA

can you restore foam and bolsters on a 84 15th T/A? here is a pic of damage. thanks!

Yes, you can fix it. I did the same area on my 1983 Daytona 500. But the leather on my seat was only cracked. A good upholstery shop can fix it and it cost me $300

try http://ssnake-oyl.com/ for the seatbelt buckles.

a2coupe2a · 10-02-2011, 06:39 PM

We can make a whole new set of jackets from a synthetic for around 400 so paying 300 just to fix the one bolster cover would be steep.

Yes we can fix the foam, we also have new lower bolster foam..
www.jjcustominterior.com

KITT1983 · 10-02-2011, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2coupe2a

We can make a whole new set of jackets from a synthetic for around 400 so paying 300 just to fix the one bolster cover would be steep.

Yes we can fix the foam, we also have new lower bolster foam..
www.jjcustominterior.com

that was to replace the leather and some foam and straps

a2coupe2a · 10-02-2011, 07:55 PM

I guess it depends how bad the foam was. I know we sell new strap kits (both seats) for 45 shipped and new covers (both seats) for 400. But regardless if you had a decent amount of foam damage that would make sense.

KITT1983 · 10-02-2011, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2coupe2a

I guess it depends how bad the foam was. I know we sell new strap kits (both seats) for 45 shipped and new covers (both seats) for 400. But regardless if you had a decent amount of foam damage that would make sense.

do you have any seat parts for 1982 -1984 PMD seats though

a2coupe2a · 10-02-2011, 09:23 PM

pmd?

KITT1983 · 10-03-2011, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2coupe2a

pmd?

Pete's 89 GTA · 10-03-2011, 07:11 AM

A2Coupe what would it cost for that bolster damage and foam from the pic above? in matching lt sand grey leather? Also do you have the **** for the side of the recaro?
Also can you re dye the shift **** lt sand grey?

one92rs · 10-03-2011, 06:05 PM

now that is a lot of darn nice information.

a2coupe2a · 10-04-2011, 04:11 PM

Ahh, pmd seats are not recaros so we dont carry parts for them. I was speaking of the seats he posted which are recaro lx's.

KITT1983 · 10-04-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2coupe2a

Ahh, pmd seats are not recaros so we dont carry parts for them. I was speaking of the seats he posted which are recaro lx's.

I have the same recaro seats as Pete's 89 GTA in my 1983 Daytona 500 Edition and I thouight you carried various other seats than just recaros. Do you have a power seat track the recaro lxs?

82tarecaro · 10-04-2011, 07:51 PM

A2coupe2a - I think if you figured out a way to have the original material reproduced for the Recaros - you would definitely get some business. I need a set for my 1982 Recaros, but my seats aren't in terrible shape. I don't want to run the risk of cannibalizing the seat for material, and then the repro material doesn't look right. Is there any way of getting a swatch of material? Do you have any of the material that you removed from the seats you are looking to sell? If you have a way of having the material made, I am in for a set of covers.

SWTWCGTA · 10-04-2011, 10:27 PM

What are the chances of reproducing the fabric for the 15th Anniversary Recaro seats?

Pete's 89 GTA · 10-05-2011, 08:01 PM

well i found the cloth

Its pricey! But its available!

82tarecaro · 10-05-2011, 08:40 PM

That's awesome! I still haven't had any luck with the 1982 Parella cloth. I have been looking on and off for a few years.

a2coupe2a · 10-07-2011, 04:55 PM

Im assuming you found the fabric through sms?

82tarecaro · 10-07-2011, 05:03 PM

Not sure if he found that fabric from SMS, but I tried them, and they sent me everything but the correct fabric. For a company that claims they have their finger on the pulse of auto upholstery, they sure are clueless with Thirdgens.

Pete's 89 GTA · 10-07-2011, 05:07 PM

yes sms has it. thats their sample pic, i sent them a closeup pic of the cloth, they matched it!

Pete's 89 GTA · 10-07-2011, 05:07 PM

A2Coupe what would it cost for that bolster damage and foam from the pic above? in matching lt sand grey leather? Also do you have the **** for the side of the recaro?
Also can you re dye the shift **** lt sand grey?

J0hn_J0hn08 · 10-07-2011, 06:23 PM

lots of good info here man, thanks for posting.

DBLTKE · 01-27-2012, 02:39 AM

Where can one source the adapters for the rails? I'm getting a pair of LS's from a '91 GTI and would like to be able to install them in my Camaro as soon as possible.