Driving Position Drive Me Nuts - Trendline Probs

[simonf1973]

Hi.
Bought my first V6 earlier this week (PhII), and I'm really struggling to find a decent driving position.

The car has had aftermarket Recaro Trendlines fitted to it at some point, which, by the shape of the forward and backwards handle under the front, feel like they're on original subframes.

Problem is, I'm 6'2" with long legs and and I can't seem to find a way to lower the seats. I feel as though I am way to high.....That said, obviously as with all Clios, the steering wheel doesn't adjust for height very far either so I'm starting to think if even I could lower the seats, the steering wheel would be in the wrong place.

Any suggestions? Is it possible to do something with the steering wheel position? Should Trendlines height adjust?

Are the proper Renault Sport Trendlines any better?

Should I just chuck the towel in and try to find someone who wants to part with their original RenaulSport seats?

If I carry on like this for much longer I'm going to be the owner of the only V6 with a fitted beaded seat cover.

Cheers in advance.

 

[Steve-V6-D61]

Hi

You can't do to much to lower the mounting frame as the frame mounts on the transmission side are directly fitted to the floor, well the side of the transmission tunnel, all you could do is reduce the height to the seat mounting frame / sliders, the seat maybe mounted to high on these or its a been fitted to the wrong frame.

I am in Tonbridge Kent if you need a second opinion and I have a big hammer and a MIG welder.

Cheers

Steve

 

[k1ano]

I used some cobra subframes for some aftermarket momo seats once and these mounted very low with an excellent driving position - much lower than stock ...

Recaros do seem to mount fairly high on the recaro subframes only slightly lower than oem seats ...

I have it on good authority the steering column can be lowered without issues by spacing it down - not sure by how much though ...

Martin

 

[WONGY]

I have the same problem bought a set of nice Recaro Trendlines (ex Evo 8's) seats but frames seemed too high i.e. higher than the OEM seats, so am having to stoop to see out of the rear view mirror! And I'm only 5ft 9 so you must be worse off at 6ft 2?!

I got hold of a set of original recaro subframes to fit but the garage said their even higherthan the ones already fitted and wouldnt fit so checking it out with them tomorrow

I love the seats for sure but does feel like driving a double decker

Might try a specialist if the new frames arent lower to see if they can customise like Martin

 

[Brembov6]

How are you finding the V6 Simon?. I looked into this car quite a lot.

 

[jamier27]

Mine are far too high as well, but i bought mine with some old clio sport subframes welded on to the bottom of the seats. unfortunatley i didnt really think twice about the height they would sit at [smilie=icon_aaargh.gif] Putting up with them for now as i dont use the car much, but will be buying some recaro subframes at some point ....

 

[k1ano]

The depth of the recaro base is an issue as its quite deep, add to that the depth of the slider and you aren't left with much to play with regarding lowering the height from stock ... as said, this is partly because the subframe is flush with the floor of the car on the drivers side ...

The cobra frames are about as low as you can get ... other after market bucket seats have shallower seat bases so this helps ...

A low mounting position makes the vee feel like a go cart ...

Martin

 

[simonf1973]

Thanks very much for your help with this.

Seem like my er...."best" solution is to sell my Trendlines and get some OEMs from somewhere.

At least then I can alter the height downwards and you'd think (but then again it is a Renault!) that whatever position the seat lets you get into, the steering wheel position would compliment it.

There's no doubting the Trendlines are more comfortable than the Renault seats for me, but a good 30% at least of driving satisfaction (not to mention safety) is probably achieved through a proper driving position.

Another thing I've noticed through having the seat too high for me is that the steering wheel feels like it's huuuuuge!

 

[simonf1973]

Or....would an alternative be to find some Renaulsport Trendlines? Do these adjust for height?
Actually I guess they are a bit like The Holy Grail.

Would other Renaultsport seats fit without too much modification? Do they adjust for height?
Those from the Meganes for example? Or the 4 cylinder Clio2s perhaps?

 

[rigster]

I have a pair of original seats if anyone is interested.

Only 17,000 miles on them. Wear going with the mileage. Minimal, and thats being critical.

Matt

 

[simonf1973]

How much do you want for them Matt?