Locobob's Interior Mod Thread

[Schrade]

Originally Posted by Locobob

There are actually 3 wires for accessory use tucked under the console. I am using two of them currently:
The pink/black is keyed hot - using to activate relay and also to power exhaust cut-outs
Black ground - ground for relay and maybe something else
Orange is always hot - currently not in use but could do a power socket on this, perhaps under the seat like the later C4's

I really need to make a new wiring diagram of all this and stick it in my FSM, already forgetting what is hooked up to what.

This is ALWAYS a good idea.

I told this to the counterman at the speed shop that did my electronic auto conversion - that I was going to de-compile the work, for that very reason.

He kept it a secret from the wrenches. THEIR work confirmed it ...

[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by Locobob

Just got off the phone with PAC - they don't make an extension harness but they did tell me the connectors are made by Molex. Sooooo looks like its either undo all my radio connections and redo them or try to source the Molex connectors and build my own extension harness - currently the wires at the head unit are twisted together into closed end connectors which resist pull-out but overlap a good deal of wire length, I could probably gain 3-4 inches by switching to butt connectors... but I kinda hate to use those as they are prone to pull-out.... hmmm

Bob,

Use shrink tubing over the butt connectors to keep them from pulling out. I haven't had any issue with the "bullet" type butt connectors. They fit really snug.
Takes a bit of a yank to pull them out.

[-=Jeff=-]

newark or digikey should have the molex connectors and pins

[Locobob]

Well I haven't made much progress in the last month or two - life gave me a couple of hard kicks to the nuts. I did get my dash trim stuff back from American Hydrocarbon and it looks super. Nice piano black like finish with a subtle carbon weave pattern, just what I was looking for.
Anyhow I've had some time to think about stuff and I've been thinking a lot about the seats. Currently I have base model seats out of a 94-96 with power tracks. I find them comfy and pretty supportive but the leather quality on them is pretty poor. I'm a bit of a weight nazi so I decided to see where they fall - bathroom scale so not super exact....

Power track only = 15lbs
Seat without track = 20lbs
Seat with power track = 35lbs

So I started thinking... how often do I really use the power seat adjustments... almost never... wonder how much weight I could save with manual tracks? Anyone know what a factory manual track weighs? Are they the same height? Perhaps I could gain a little headroom as an added bonus. Another idea I had was finding a low profile aftermarket track and modifying it to fit.
Also thought about going full aftermarket with something like the Recaro Pole Position... looks cool, very supportive, a tad lighter than factory... on the downside it is probably less comfortable for daily use, be harder to get in and out of, and I'd lose the back adjustment.

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by Locobob

Well I haven't made much progress in the last month or two - life gave me a couple of hard kicks to the nuts. ...snip....

Hang in Bob, we all get those times. It's a new year and we now have
the weather here in the NW to do car work.
Jump on it

[USAZR1]

I've been following this thread for awhile. Glad to see you back on it,Robert.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by Locobob

Well I haven't made much progress in the last month or two - life gave me a couple of hard kicks to the nuts. I did get my dash trim stuff back from American Hydrocarbon and it looks super. Nice piano black like finish with a subtle carbon weave pattern, just what I was looking for.
Anyhow I've had some time to think about stuff and I've been thinking a lot about the seats. Currently I have base model seats out of a 94-96 with power tracks. I find them comfy and pretty supportive but the leather quality on them is pretty poor. I'm a bit of a weight nazi so I decided to see where they fall - bathroom scale so not super exact....

Power track only = 15lbs
Seat without track = 20lbs
Seat with power track = 35lbs

So I started thinking... how often do I really use the power seat adjustments... almost never... wonder how much weight I could save with manual tracks? Anyone know what a factory manual track weighs? Are they the same height? Perhaps I could gain a little headroom as an added bonus. Another idea I had was finding a low profile aftermarket track and modifying it to fit.
Also thought about going full aftermarket with something like the Recaro Pole Position... looks cool, very supportive, a tad lighter than factory... on the downside it is probably less comfortable for daily use, be harder to get in and out of, and I'd lose the back adjustment.

Hey Robert,

I hope things look up for you in 2014 and glad to see your updates. I'm in the process of replacing seats myself and so far looking at Corbeau A4s (have harness bar/brackets), but still researching harnesses. I think you can find a lot of information on CF about the standard C4 manual/stuff. We have such a narrow area to work with in our cabin that makes it difficult. I'm heading to Tokyo Auto Salon tomorrow (SEMA of Japan) and will try out seats and measurements but mostly Bride and Recaro here (an expensive), but I'll see what other manufacturers show up. I think I still want the reclining option, but I know I can save some weight with a fixed seat. Best wishes!

[Pete]

Bob I have the OE slide tracks they don't weigh all that much maybe 3-4 lbs been a while since I did this, have not missed the power seats.
On the clearance I don't know since I'm not that tall and have the clear top.

At first I went with Corbeau seats but after I gutted my stock 1991 seats and installed factory sliders got rid of the switches and wires they came within a few lbs of the Corbeaus with the Corbeau tracks/slides so now I have the factory/sleeper look.

You mention the 1994-1996 seats weigh 20 lbs heck I might save a few more lbs by going to the newer seats.

Pete

Hey Dominic weigh your stock seat when you get a chance.

[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by Pete

Bob I have the OE slide tracks they don't weigh all that much maybe 3-4 lbs been a while since I did this, have not missed the power seats.
On the clearance I don't know since I'm not that tall and have the clear top.

At first I went with Corbeau seats but after I gutted my stock 1991 seats and installed factory sliders got rid of the switches and wires they came within a few lbs of the Corbeaus with the Corbeau tracks/slides so now I have the factory/sleeper look.

You mention the 1994-1996 seats weigh 20 lbs heck I might save a few more lbs by going to the newer seats.

Pete

Hey Dominic weigh your stock seat when you get a chance.

Pete,

I can do that tomorrow.

LB,

How about using an 84 seat?

[Locobob]

The Recaro Pole Positions are one of the lightest (streetable) seats at about 15lbs, also found some interesting options designed for the new Lotus cars which should fit since Lotus's are small. I believe the Pole Position is OEM for some of Porsche's more edgy 911's. The problem I see with most of these pseudo racing seats is that they tend to have extensive fixed side bolsters which are going to get worn quickly from getting in and out and they may be a little tight and get annoying for longer trips - also they tend to have somewhat thin padding.

So.... I think what I'm going to do here is stick with the seats I have, they are really comfy for long trips and they really don't have much of a weight penalty. I can have them re-covered in some fancier custom leather, add some harness slots, and maybe even add a little extra foam padding in some key areas for more support. For weight reduction I can switch to manual tracks which should save about 20lbs total. I also have a heated seat kit to install so if I ditch the power seat controls I can fab up some switch plates for the seat heaters and put them next to the FX3 controller.