Autoform Roll Bar HELP!!!

RC Viper

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Today I had the Autoform roll bar installed in my 97 GTS. When I went to
pick the car up I discovered that the roll bar will not let my seat recline
back as far as it used to. The bar actually sits behind the outside edge of the seat. From looking at the position of the bar it appears that it is installed correctly. Is this "normal"? I am 6'3" so I need the seat all the way back on the rails and fully reclined (and touching the bulkhead) to drive the car. I was already considering buying a racing seat but from the looks of it this most likely will not help. The only way it could work is if the racing seat has a thinner back that would let me mount it further forward and still be able to position myself back in the seat. To make matters worse, I also need an extra large seat that is wider than normal!

HELP!!!!
 

MannyC

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OK, well I am also 6'3 and have the legs of a 6'5 guy, so I need my seat ALL DA WAY back, so I contacted Autoform and BTR about their roll bars. Here is a direct quote from Autoform:

"The leaning back of the seat is not effected. You may have to squeeze the side of the seat bolster past the bar but it will fit."

I ultimately did not like how the autoform bar crosses over in the middle and impedes your rear view, so I looked at the BTR system which has the straight up and down center portion like the rollbar on my RT/10 (which I like.) I asked Tom over at BTR about his rollbar and this is an exact quote:

"Your seat travel will not be affected by the roll bar, nor will headroom or any other functions be limited in any way. You can even use seat lowering kits without interference with the bar or its mounts."

So......... I am about to buy the BTR rollbar (heck, I have the BTR Nitrous kit), but now I am concerned, because autoform said the same thing (seat will go all the way back) and you are saying that you can't do so.

Anybody else able to comment on this? Shoot, I was about to place my order on Monday.

Manny
 

Tom Welch

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Manny,

I try not to get involved in these types of discussions, but I will make you this promise on this forum.

If my bar does not allow your FACTORY seat to travel all the way back, I will take the roll bar back for a full refund.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Tom
 
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RC Viper

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Tom

Do you think installing a race seat might solve the problem? I assume from your comment that the race seat may well make the problem worse?
 

Tom Welch

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Hello,

I have one customer using a Sparco Aluminum race seat and it does not interfere. I have seen other aftermarket "wide base" seats in non-roll bar equipped cars that look like they would possibly interfere. We designed the roll bar around the stock seat and included seat lowering brackets in our design.

Keep in mind that the Viper interior is "tight quarters". If you are exceptionally large (especially through the waist) and require an aftermarket seat, then chances are you are on your own with regards to finding a roll bar or most other devices to help "scoop" you in and out of the vehicle. Sorry if this sounds condecending, but this should be considered when initially purchasing the vehicle, and no aftermarket supplier can possibly be held liable for products produced that are combined with non-OEM standards.

Tom

BTW, I have several customers over 6'-4" with our roll bar and they have voiced no problems with interference or seat travel.
 

dancojax

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my wife has the Autoform rollbar, and it blocks the passenger seat from total recline (tough for me to ride with her).
Her Sparco race seat will go as far back it it would without the rollbar, but it is not an extremely wide seat (not wide enough for me.
 

mntngts99

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I'll jump in,and support Tom. I bought his Bar this year and The stock seat travel is not affected. I think his money back offer is pretty safe.
 
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RC Viper

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Thanks for the feedback. I already have a Northwinds 1" lowering kit in the car. Had to have that so I could wear a helmet. Even with the 1" drop my helmet still touches the left side of the roof. That's why I really wanted a roll bar. Not good when your head is the highest thing in the car and you are wearing 5 point belts.
 

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