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Are these genuine Competition seats ?
- Thread starter Gnose
- Start date
richiep
Club Member
No.
That was nice and easy!
I had a pair of those at one point; the problem with them, and similar cheap Compe-style ones is that the seat bases are way too thick, meaning that if mounting in a Z you need to be under 6ft, otherwise you are hitting your head or banging your knees on the wheel.
The real Compe seats - or more accurate reproductions (which are now becoming more available at reasonable prices in Japan) - are quite different. The seat base is less well-stuffed and is more scooped out to get your bum lower. They are overall less bulky, without all the back and side padding. These pictured are repros, but are much closer to the real thing. Note the difference to the sides/back compared to what you pictured:
Another example, showing the seat base profile:
Here's some that JDM Car Parts in the US sell (similar can be had cheaper from Japan):
https://jdm-car-parts.com/products/datsun-competition-seat?variant=7711278853
That was nice and easy!
I had a pair of those at one point; the problem with them, and similar cheap Compe-style ones is that the seat bases are way too thick, meaning that if mounting in a Z you need to be under 6ft, otherwise you are hitting your head or banging your knees on the wheel.
The real Compe seats - or more accurate reproductions (which are now becoming more available at reasonable prices in Japan) - are quite different. The seat base is less well-stuffed and is more scooped out to get your bum lower. They are overall less bulky, without all the back and side padding. These pictured are repros, but are much closer to the real thing. Note the difference to the sides/back compared to what you pictured:
Another example, showing the seat base profile:
Here's some that JDM Car Parts in the US sell (similar can be had cheaper from Japan):
https://jdm-car-parts.com/products/datsun-competition-seat?variant=7711278853
Albrecht
Well-Known Forum User
For reference, here are some photos of genuine original Nissan 'U0175'/'Datsun Compe' seats:
Worth bearing in mind that this style of seat was in production from around 1969 (originally as a Nissan Sports Option item for the 510-series Bluebird) until the mid 1980s, so there are several different - but original - variations. NISMO even made a limited edition re-pop (in leather!) for their 10th anniversary celebrations in 1994.
One of the key features of the lower-end repros is that they have a tubular steel frame. Originals - and the better repros - are a single piece fibreglass moulding onto which the upholstery is attached.
Worth bearing in mind that this style of seat was in production from around 1969 (originally as a Nissan Sports Option item for the 510-series Bluebird) until the mid 1980s, so there are several different - but original - variations. NISMO even made a limited edition re-pop (in leather!) for their 10th anniversary celebrations in 1994.
One of the key features of the lower-end repros is that they have a tubular steel frame. Originals - and the better repros - are a single piece fibreglass moulding onto which the upholstery is attached.
Alphabettispaghetti
Club Member
Welcome to the rabbit hole.
It proved a nightmare for myself in finding seats, I basically bored and harassed Alan T to tears over it. As @richiep rightly says, there's some good versions in Japan, however even those have a few compromises.
I ended up having some made that were in the 'feel' of originals.
It proved a nightmare for myself in finding seats, I basically bored and harassed Alan T to tears over it. As @richiep rightly says, there's some good versions in Japan, however even those have a few compromises.
I ended up having some made that were in the 'feel' of originals.
Healey 12
Club Member
I am looking for a set of seats for my Z. Has anyone got experience of these ?
https://www.jdmdistro.com/shop/interior/seats/colin-project-classic-datsun-racing-seats/
https://www.jdmdistro.com/shop/interior/seats/colin-project-classic-datsun-racing-seats/
Alphabettispaghetti
Club Member
Get some pics of the back and bottom, also measurements. It’s the back where the details are really lost