Driver Seat Modification

[EVJoe]

So since I bought my car I have had some issues finding comfort in the drivers seat mainly due to the lack of the 10 way adjustment, and after some reading it looks like I'm not the only one. Anyway I'm 6'6" and my legs are constantly getting tired from no support at the front of the seat. I wanted some better angle to the front so I took a look at the seat and seen the front mounts were a simple stamped steel piece with a little geometry to them. I pulled one and got to drawing it in cad. I then water jet cut some new ones that are a little longer, and thicker since they are not stamped now. The seat still works as it should and the front is now about 1 1/4" higher than before and I absolutely love it. I was thinking about making some modifications to those brackets to add the front power adjustment but if the 2024's are going to have that then I will wait for a wreck and buy a drivers seat and swap the track.attached are a few pics of the modification. The picture of the new bracket was before I tapped the hole.

Sponsored

 

[smhenn]

What a great mod! Would it affect how the seat performs in a crash? I would have loved this on my '21 Premium, my new '23 GTPE has great seats though.

 

[User100723]

If I remember correctly, 2024 models have identical seating setup, only difference is the GT seats might be phased out in favor of the now-standard GTPE seats.

Personally I prefer the GT seats over the GTPE seats due to more flexibility with the detachable headrest, so I’ve been looking into whether I could simply swap the GT seats into the GTPE trim once I upgrade. Alas, unless you’re getting it from a wreck, you basically have to build the entire seat yourself as it seems Ford only sells them in individual parts. And they’re not exactly cheap when you factor in the hours you’ll be pouring into assembling and mounting the whole thing yourself. Bummer.

 

[PKrasAshland]

So since I bought my car I have had some issues finding comfort in the drivers seat mainly due to the lack of the 10 way adjustment, and after some reading it looks like I'm not the only one. Anyway I'm 6'6" and my legs are constantly getting tired from no support at the front of the seat. I wanted some better angle to the front so I took a look at the seat and seen the front mounts were a simple stamped steel piece with a little geometry to them. I pulled one and got to drawing it in cad. I then water jet cut some new ones that are a little longer, and thicker since they are not stamped now. The seat still works as it should and the front is now about 1 1/4" higher than before and I absolutely love it. I was thinking about making some modifications to those brackets to add the front power adjustment but if the 2024's are going to have that then I will wait for a wreck and buy a drivers seat and swap the track.attached are a few pics of the modification. The picture of the new bracket was before I tapped the hole.

I am also 6’6”. I need to crouch down to see the rear view mirror. Not ideal! Did you/do you also have this problem? When you adjusted your seat, didn’t it make it worse?

 

[351wpwr]

Gonna make those available to the public?

 

[Jtbuster]

So since I bought my car I have had some issues finding comfort in the drivers seat mainly due to the lack of the 10 way adjustment, and after some reading it looks like I'm not the only one. Anyway I'm 6'6" and my legs are constantly getting tired from no support at the front of the seat. I wanted some better angle to the front so I took a look at the seat and seen the front mounts were a simple stamped steel piece with a little geometry to them. I pulled one and got to drawing it in cad. I then water jet cut some new ones that are a little longer, and thicker since they are not stamped now. The seat still works as it should and the front is now about 1 1/4" higher than before and I absolutely love it. I was thinking about making some modifications to those brackets to add the front power adjustment but if the 2024's are going to have that then I will wait for a wreck and buy a drivers seat and swap the track.attached are a few pics of the modification. The picture of the new bracket was before I tapped the hole.

What is the crash safety? The metal looks weaker.

 

[EVJoe]

To answer some questions above.

The seat still adjusts normally except the front is higher, I have a video display rear view mirror with a rear window mounted camera and I don't have any issues with seeing the mirror.

The factory part is made from 1/8" stamped steel with a few ribs for strength, this part is 1/4" solid steel so I believe that they are plenty strong, I have not nor do I plan to run an FEA (Finite element analysis )on them as I wouldn't have the data needed to compare the factory parts to these.

I can offer these if there is enough interest, I would have to figure out a cost, and I also need to make a shorter set that will give a smaller amount of lift, install them and take a measurement. Then probably have 2 different options to offer. I personally like it where its at now, but in every vehicle I owned with a 10 way seat the front was always all the way up and back was all the way down.

I'm not trying to be a prick here, and I was reluctant to even post this modification as someone is always concerned for my safety, but I don't know about any changes in crash safety with these nor do I care, I'm an engineer, and I have fabricated many a thing in my day and never had an issue in my 40+ years on earth. I am more comfortable and that's all that matters to me. Thank you for being concerned, if this or any modification makes you uncomfortable or concerned for your own safety then please do not do it.

 

[User100723]

To answer some questions above.

The seat still adjusts normally except the front is higher, I have a video display rear view mirror with a rear window mounted camera and I don't have any issues with seeing the mirror.

You swapped out the original mirror for a digital? Love to see that setup!

 

[azerik]

Count me in for a set my broken tailbone would thank you. Bonus if you can get it powder coated if that even matter. I have access to machines as well, but it’s 165 miles away from me so I won’t be making any..

 

[Mach-Lee]

To answer some questions above.

The seat still adjusts normally except the front is higher, I have a video display rear view mirror with a rear window mounted camera and I don't have any issues with seeing the mirror.

The factory part is made from 1/8" stamped steel with a few ribs for strength, this part is 1/4" solid steel so I believe that they are plenty strong, I have not nor do I plan to run an FEA (Finite element analysis )on them as I wouldn't have the data needed to compare the factory parts to these.

I can offer these if there is enough interest, I would have to figure out a cost, and I also need to make a shorter set that will give a smaller amount of lift, install them and take a measurement. Then probably have 2 different options to offer. I personally like it where its at now, but in every vehicle I owned with a 10 way seat the front was always all the way up and back was all the way down.

I'm not trying to be a prick here, and I was reluctant to even post this modification as someone is always concerned for my safety, but I don't know about any changes in crash safety with these nor do I care, I'm an engineer, and I have fabricated many a thing in my day and never had an issue in my 40+ years on earth. I am more comfortable and that's all that matters to me. Thank you for being concerned, if this or any modification makes you uncomfortable or concerned for your own safety then please do not do it.

If they're thicker is there still enough thread engagement on the nuts?

Flat plate vs. stamped could affect the rigidity in certain directions, but twice as thick should hopefully be rigid enough.

I think a lot of tall people would be interested in these if you offer them. An intermediate option would be great too.

 

[EVJoe]

If they're thicker is there still enough thread engagement on the nuts?

Flat plate vs. stamped could affect the rigidity in certain directions, but twice as thick should hopefully be rigid enough.

I think a lot of tall people would be interested in these if you offer them. An intermediate option would be great too.

You are correct they may not have the same lateral strength without the ribs especially with the additional length, but double the thickness should help get close. As far as thread engagement, I measured the stamped part and it was .275 then subtract the fillet lead in from the stamping process and that leaves right at .25" thread engagement. I am going to try and get a second shorter set complete, installed and measured this week or next. If someone wanted even thicker I can go up to .375" mild steel or I can also make them from .250" 4130 Chromoly steel as well.

 

[azerik]

Moly, and we find longer (probably shouldered bolts)?

 

[Norcolboulder]

Thank you . I will be happy to buy a pair for my GTPE drivers seat. One aspect of my GTPE is a lack of a tilt seat. All of my recent vehicles including my existing legacy Ford Flex have 12 way seats. Does anyone have any alternatives or upgrade path to enhance our GTPE seats to allow tilt capabilities? And evidently a 2024 GTPE seat does not have tilt capabilities ?

 

[Ryan]

100% interested and so appreciate the post. Messaged.

 

[Norcolboulder]

100% interested and so appreciate the post. Messaged.

Still looking for
2025 owners of a GT - do 12 way seats exist finally in a Mach e?
And any photos of the drivers seat
Including the side controls


thank you in advance

then if suitable acquire same seat and if possible install into a 23 GTPE

Sponsored