Re: Do Stockers need correct year seats?
 

I know I'm far from the most positive person when comes to bracket racing and racing in general these days. It's incidents like this that make me that way. Racing has gone away from being fun with things like this. Most that know me, know I raced to simply have a good time. I raced to get away from work. Then to come to the track, listen to the bitching over something that has no effect on the outcome of a race, crazy. I'd hate to know my life was so boring that I had to be obsessed with someone else's car. Much less a car that isn't in their class. There wasn't a SINGLE K/CM in our division last year or this year as far as I know. If there was I'm sure it would outrun me as I was usually .4-.5 under the index.

I imagine it was the same person that complained we didn't have a cage in the car. Nothing like being at piedmont last year with the tech guy coming over asking if we had a cage in the car. It's a stationwagon with 500 window's with bars running everywhere. I didn't know ray charles was racing stock last year.

Oh well, is what it is. I'll make sure to bring the grill out for the rod/piston party. Going to be fun!

Re: Do Stockers need correct year seats?
 

Travis has it correct, and i agree. There is no need for more loosening of the rules in stock eliminator.

Re: Do Stockers need correct year seats?
 

The rule book says "MUST HAVE FULL FACTORY TYPE UPHOLSTERY" it say nothing about being correct per year and make. This is why I called NHRA and asked. I was told that my assumption was correct but NHRA prefers to have seats of the same manufacturer. We are gong to build another Monte Carlo and it currently has a bench seat. I was concerned for safety reasons and due to my size. I think I can find alot more to complain about than a guy having a different seat in his car. So long as I make weight who cares what seat I or anyone else is running as long is is factory type. If they have the same option to run a different seat which according to NHRA they do, it is their option. If they choose not to do so and it gives me an advantage then so be it. Don't like it change it.

Re: Do Stockers need correct year seats?
 

[QUOTE=Mike McCandless;

Oh well, is what it is. I'll make sure to bring the grill out for the rod/piston party. Going to be fun![/QUOTE]

Whats the point.......I thought IHRA had changed the piston and rod rule in the last year or so to read that only the visable top of the piston had to be correct? There are several that have moved ring packs, lite pistons and pins not to mention lite rods with toyota rod bearing sizes on the cranks AND dont forget diguised ported heads. Its not just the crate motored cares either. Besides bucket seats in a car that only came with a bench seat looks like another bracket car. Stock has been "DUMBED" down enough like Travis said.

Re: Do Stockers need correct year seats?
 

Floyd,
That wording has been the same in the rulebook for at least 20 years(word for word), we have never been allowed to change seats in that time

You did the right thing by asking nhra, my suggestion is that you get it in writing, because you will be disappointed if another nhra person makes you change them.

Can't you just put some monte buckets in there ? I thought you could get a bench or buckets in most Monte's

Generally keep 2 things in mind

1. not every tech person is going to be correct every time

2. look at the rulebook as a general thing, if they were specific on everything it would be 100 times bigger, generally if other seats were allowed it would read something like"any seat allowed from same manufacturer" but again be carefull, get it in writing.

I am trying to keep you from a potential problem down the road

both of my stockers would be better cars with lighter seats, i could use the wt reduction to my advantage, but until i see it allowed i ain't changing them.

Re: Do Stockers need correct year seats?
 

I think Travis spelled this out pretty well.
No one at NHRA wants to nit pick what kind of seats you have.
However , a 4 dr seat in a 2 dr car, or buckets seats in a station wagon is pushing the envelope too far for Stock (as in "Stock appearing)
If Mopar had a rare bucket seat option in the 60's, then those are the exact type of seat one should be able to run, complete with factory floor brackets ,..and documentation.
Otherwise, notch the bench seat frame and have it upholstered that way, or build a shifter mount that moves it up and back over the seat ,within reach.
It's as simple as that.. In fact,...Next question?

Re: Do Stockers need correct year seats?
 

You are correct, Dave. My brother had two Montes. One had buckets, the other has a bench.

Re: Do Stockers need correct year seats?
 

Bostrom is still in business selling seats. Early Camaro and Mustang seats can be found on e-Bay. While they are probably expensive, those who have unlimited dollars to spend on their racecars do not care about price. They would only care about getting class advantage over their competitors if the seat rule were to be opened up.

Then there are those who wonder why a lot of racers will not race on the other side even if a race is within close driving distance. This discussion of "just use any OEM seat" is a prime example of why there are not many crossovers. A large majority of Stock racers seem to prefer to race where the rules are at least kept in check.

Travis

(Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by me on this forum are exactly that, my opinions.)

Re: Do Stockers need correct year seats?
 

seats Yes---Gas cap No

Re: Do Stockers need correct year seats?
 

Well if we are going to argue over correct year seats then we should also argue over changing actual year model of car to benefit using a different combo, using metric transmissions, fuel cells, 2 steps, hoods that were not available on a paticular model, shifters, wheel diameter and type, brakes, removable steering wheels, any alteration of the dash or interior including removing the factory radio and speakers, data recorders, aftermarket fuel injection systems, aftermarket computers, ignition systems, cam specs, head specs, rods, pistons, aftermarket rear ends, gear size and the list goes on and on. Yes the Monte came with buckets but I prefer the mid 80's style Camaro seats with the higher back. If we want one rule then we need them all. How about the car you race must have had the same engine and trans combo you run now. Not available with but actually came with. Again, I don't see any harm in changing seats from the same manufacturer so long as I am still legal in weight.