Oyaji_Jon
Roll Me Over
Reged: 11/01/01
Posts: 3269
Loc: Pebble Beach, CA
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Re: Oyaji's '87 FJ60
02/12/11 02:59 AM
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Bottom Line Up Front: Don@FC Fab is a metal master, and if you want to REALLY improve your rig, properly install your seats!
Anyone who knows Don, or has seen his work, knows that I've stated the obvious, but If you want to know why I'm posting about it, read on about my seat bracket...
One word on the impact of a seemingly insignificant modification...un-freaking-believable!
A little history:
When I bought my FJ60, I thought the seats were the most uncomfortable that I'd encountered in a rig during my 5 hour drive home from the purchase. I have long legs, so I had some "risers" bent at a sheet metal shop and installed them between the factory sliders and my Hunsaker Synkro seats. While I was instantly satisfied by the chair-like seating position, I didn't like the flat seat profile. I also didn't like the fact that my head was in the headliner or the fact that I had to crane my neck down to see stoplights.
Enter my visit to Valley Hybrids to get an un-named hippie to do some work on my junk. I interrupted Don while he was busy at work on the Crop Duster to talk about the art he was making on the thing. I explained that I was interested in his making me a seat frame that would:
1) bolt to the existing mount points in the 60
2) have a tilted base for my seating comfort
3) accommodate 5 point harnesses
4) accommodate my beloved Tuffy console
Well, the below pictures are what Don came up with, and the 2.5 hour drive home allowed me to discover that it is EXACTLY what this rig needed. It rounded out the package, and I can't wait until the next time I get to drive it.
My first impressions:
I was previously disappointed in my OME springs because I felt there was too much roll when taking long curves at highway speeds. Boy, was my disappointment misplaced! Some things happened when Don and I installed this bracket. Don mentioned that it may reinforce the body, and he couldn't have been more right. I was able to hold speed through corners, on the way home, that I always felt real uncomfortable with before tonight.
Sitting IN a seat is completely different than sitting ON a seat. I previously stated that I "loved" these seats. What I felt before pales in comparison to how I feel about them now. When a seat is sturdily mounted with the base at the proper angle, it keeps you planted and ergonomically correct. Now I know why real sports cars mount the seats the way they do!
If any of you have the opportunity to take on this upgrade to your rig, do it! I would put proper seating right up there with proper headlights with regard to drivability. Thanks for enduring my rambling, now here are some pics.
--------------------
73
-Jon
KJ6GVM
As seen on Expedition with TX plates: VEGETARIAN - An old Indian word for poor hunter
Grampa's Trooper
1974 FJ40
1987 FJ60
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