356 Fibersteel GT seats

For those who couldn't care less how their 356 left the factory!
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HANS ABRAHAMS
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Tag: 63 356B

356 Fibersteel GT seats

#1 Post by HANS ABRAHAMS »

Hi guys,

Thought I might share a couple pics of the 356 GT seats in corduroy and red leather made by Russ Rodriguez at Fibersteel. Simply gorgeous seats and they are very comfortable. Russ is wonderful to deal with as many of the members of the Registry have previously indicated. Hope you like the seats.

Kindest regards,
Hans
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1955 Austin Healey 100-4
1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint 750B
1963 Porsche 356 T6B
1965 Lotus Cortina Mk-1
1966 Sunbeam Tiger MK-1A
1967 Volvo 123GT

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C J Murray
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#2 Post by C J Murray »

His seats are perfection! Even my fat butt doesn't make them flex and the foam is really comfortable. The only negative is that they are very heavy but I would still buy them again.
'57 Speedster
'59 Sunroof
'60 Devin D Porsche Race Car
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Craig Richter
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#3 Post by Craig Richter »

+10 on Russ and his seats!
 

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Matthew Devereux
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#4 Post by Matthew Devereux »

What are these made of? They look great. I'm debating getting a set from Russ versus buying some fiberglass shells and a foam and upholstery kit.
Matthew Devereux
'00 Boxster S
'58 356A coupe

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Craig Richter
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#5 Post by Craig Richter »

Fibersteel seats, despite the company name, are fiberglass. Very strong, with proper strong bottom seat rail mounts. Not dune buggy stuff. Russ makes his own moulded pads which are firm but quite comfortable for long trips, considering the type seat we're talking about. You're not going to find these at normal upholstery shops.
This has been mentioned before but is worth another shot: stock Speedster seats are a steel bucket but a wooden bottom hinge mount frame. After a few years the wood and glued joints deteriorate and can break in even a small accident and seriously hurt you.
 

Edwin Ek
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#6 Post by Edwin Ek »

Why are they so heavy if they are made of fiberglass?
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Tom Bridgers
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#7 Post by Tom Bridgers »

Fiberglass IS heavy when it's thick and the reason these don't flex.
1964 356 SC
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Ric Tiplady
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#8 Post by Ric Tiplady »

Hans: They are really nice!
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Edwin Ek
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#9 Post by Edwin Ek »

I have one for sale. Very lightly used, black vinyl with authentic German charcoal carpet. Came out of a Carrera 2 being returned to stock.

Edit: Seat is sold.
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Sean M Rooks
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#10 Post by Sean M Rooks »

I know this is a very old thread, but I just ordered a set of Fibersteel GT seats for my Coupe! Can't wait. Simple red vinyl with charcoal carpet backs. Added the seat heaters for comfort on chilly days.

Very excited, as the cost is significant and I am not wealthy. Been a couple of years coming!

Edwin Ek
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#11 Post by Edwin Ek »

Sean, congrats. That is exciting. Seat heaters sound like a great idea. How much was that option? How are they powered?
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Sean M Rooks
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#12 Post by Sean M Rooks »

Edwin I didn't even know Russ offered seat heaters until he mentioned it as an add-on. It was $200 additional. He told me today that he uses a 3 position toggle (off, low, hi) and mounts the switch to the seat bases somewhat hidden.

Apparently they'll work on 6 or 12 volt, the 6v just heats slower. I'm not yet sure how you'd wire them up. I think I'd want them powered with the key turned to ACC as I wouldn't want to leave them on by accident and drain the battery. Will post up my experience and photos when I get 'em!

Mark Erbesfield
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#13 Post by Mark Erbesfield »

I am considering Speedster style seats for my A. I was speaking w Stefan at GTS about his seats. He offers a seat that is similar in style but has a suspension strap system for comfort. I have a bad back and can't sit for long periods in hard bottomed seats. How are these Fibersteal seats as compared to a suspension type seat? I really like the look of a traditional Speedster seat. Has anyone gotten Speedster type seats from Stefan? They are close in appearance but not exact.
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Edwin Ek
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#14 Post by Edwin Ek »

I am 5' 10", and I find my real GT seat to be very comfortable. The Speedster seats I have sat in are not as comfortable.
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Charles H Jacobus
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Re: 356 Fibersteel GT seats

#15 Post by Charles H Jacobus »

HANS ABRAHAMS wrote:Hi guys,

Thought I might share a couple pics of the 356 GT seats in corduroy and red leather made by Russ Rodriguez at Fibersteel. Simply gorgeous seats and they are very comfortable. Russ is wonderful to deal with as many of the members of the Registry have previously indicated. Hope you like the seats.

Kindest regards,
Hans
Nice Hans, how much?

Chuck
Current:
2012 Silver 991
1995 Midnight blue 993
1965 Red 356C

Past:
Fond memories of 14 others (including a '63 Normal and a 61 S90) :)

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