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TMI Seat kits: Reviews, Pictures, Opinions

12K views 38 replies 11 participants last post by  thadude  
#1 ·
I've searched on this, but with photobucket getting rid of 3rd party hosting, pretty much all the pics are broken links now.


I currently have 99-04 GT F&R "leather" seats in my Fox. While it looks good, the rear seat cushion doesn't really sit properly, and the front seats leave a little to be desired in terms of support. I want to put a fox seat out back again so the kids can come along for a ride at some point.

I was debating a set of Corbeau GTS II's, with the matching rear seat setup, but am also considering grabbing a set of 87-89 GT front seats (with the 26" high back, vs the 24" of many other fox/sn95 seats) and recovering those with a set of black halo headrests i currently have on the SN95 seats.

This partocular color combo is of interest to me to try and add some color in my all-black interior
Image


Anyone have pics of TMI coverings? Doesn't necessarily need to be that particlar style but looking to see how they fit and how "tight" they are.

Height is a bit of concern to me, as i'm 6'1" and feel the SN95 seats are a tad high. From what i read, the TMI foams are firmer and will sit up about 1" or so more than the form fox foams.

Feedback/pics on the Corbeau GTS II's also would be appreciated. I'd love to go with a Recaro or Flofit seat...but i can't find any locally for sale.
 
#2 ·
Well you're in luck!

I've had GTS II's that I custom ordered. I've also installed a TMI setup.

GTS II's- I ordered them in black leather with black suede inserts. I also ordered them with the double locking sliders. They sat very high in comparison to OE seats. I did not have them do the 1" cut down on the seat. I wish I had. Do not skip that option. But overall when I was out the door as is, I spent 2200 bucks on the things. I regret it and wouldn't buy them again.

TMI- Not bad fitment. They depend on you stretching them a lottttt. I had an issue where I couldn't get the seat back to stay velcro'd into the foam on my S550. I sold it that way. But once I worked them, they looked good and were a "Wow" feature of the car.

I would suggest TMI, have the foams cut down at request, forget the flofit/recaros, and do something a bit more personalized.

My plan is to do the exact same thing you're doing but with Opal grey leather, Suede grey insert. Find a set of netted Halo head rests and Paint to Match them Opal. It will be more custom yet factory looking.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the feedback. I've asked a lot of questions and gotten similar responses about the corbeaus, and many said they regret the purchase in general.

I'm not looking to do any sort of racing, and do like the custom, yet OEM look of the TMI seats with additional bolster. Would love to see a set in a black interior car to really sell me on doing this.

My SN95 seats are in excellent condition, so i can sell them later and recoop some cost. I just need to find a pair of 87-89 GT seats
 
#4 ·
So, i jumped on a deal.

I was searching CJ pony parts to look at the various color and material combos, and noticed they had special clearance pricing on the set i actually wanted!

Full 85-86 hatchback set, black vinyl with dark red suede (same as above) WITH the pony logo....$550!

So i bought it. I'm happy I did because 30 mins later, i checked the site again and the offer was gone and pricing was back to $1100.

So hopefully i like it. I actually no NOT have front seat yet to use as donor frames, so i'll need to pick up a set. I do have a donor fox rear seat, so i can start with that. I already have a set of mint black Halo headrests, so i will be using those as well.

But assuming i can find a pair of decent front seats for cheap (just need the frame to be solid), i can probably sell my excellent condition SN95 front and rear seat and recoop most of the cost.
 
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#8 ·
you can restore all old PB pics with an add-on with chrome
While we're sharing advice... You can edit what you quote so you don't re-post the 6 extraneous paragraphs that have nothing to do with what you're replying to.
 
#7 ·
if they sold them half price, and still made a profit.....what are they really worth

I seat shopped for a while.......i think if you like the way the look, that is good, but don't plan to drive much, as they don't last.

I finally bucked up for recaros........worth every penny
 
#14 ·
Something about sending $1k off to an Asian country for some used seats I hope eventually show up and are authentic just doesn't sit well with me.

When I get a set, it will most likely need to be local. Spending that much cash on something used...i want to see it in person
 
#15 ·
I get that but the dude has zero negative reviews.

When/if you start looking the mkII VW GLI and GTI have great Recaro's and another option is searching UK ebay. Loads of cars over there came with Recaro's. The bottoms separate from the tops as well so shipping is easier than an OE mustang seat and an awkward box isn't needed.

They are glorious to sit in by the way, the mm recline is #### and the suspension seat bottom is cushy for long drives. I ordered wedge eng brackets that are 1" down and 3" back which is a YUGE improvement for anyone over 6' tall.
 
#17 ·
They are glorious to sit in by the way, the mm recline is #### and the suspension seat bottom is cushy for long drives. I ordered wedge eng brackets that are 1" down and 3" back which is a YUGE improvement for anyone over 6' tall.
Oh I'm sure they are awesome. I def plan to be on the lookout and perhaps I'll try to buy a set overseas when my engine is completed.

In that scenario, I'd just sell off my oem fronts and recover the recaros to match the rears as I actually like that concept.

My rear seat gets zero use, but I don't want a delete. so matching front/rear is important to me.
 
#19 ·
I have the gray/black suede cobra style TMI kit in my fox. They took a lot of forearm strength to install and stretch, but they turned out well. I did the kit with new foam up front and full back covers and I was pleased with the end result. I can email you some pics if you send me your address if you want to see them. If you bought them already, then your path is chosen, I think you'll be pleased!
 
#20 ·
If you're still on the fence regarding the eBay recaros that Thadude linked, I've gotta say they are very nice. I ordered the exact same set from that seller, and they just showed up today (2 month shipping wait). I was also skeptical about buying from overseas, but the wait was worth it. Honestly some of the nicest upholstery work I've seen. High quality materials and very comfortable to sit in (seat on dining room floor). These are used authentic recaro seats with new upholstery. I've got some wedge engineering brackets and recaro sliders on order, but I expect these to be awesome once in the car. They also should match the black tweed rear seat I've got very well too.

Just figured I'd give you my feedback incase you decided to go that route.
 
#22 ·
So just to update, i never installed the kit. It showed up, but the color was....well off. Compare to the photo in the first post, vs these, and you be the judge. I complained to CJ that the color didn't match what they advertised but it went nowhere. Either way i sent them back, and had to pay to do so. So i ended up losing out on my expenses for shipping ($90) as well as the cost of my donor rear seat ($75) and misc tools (hog rings, hog ring pliers) and a rear hatch carpet setup ($100ish) to get the carpet for the seat backs.

I might do the Corbeau rear seat kit since i have a seat and the tools, but as for the fronts...well lets just say i'm reconsidering recaro's from the overseas vendor.

Overall, i thought the quality of the kit was excellent. The vinyl didn't feel cheap at all. In hindsight, if i had bought black, or gray, i would have installed it. I'm not sure i'd do this again. At full retail ($1200ish) i feel like i'd rather put that towards recaros
 

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#24 ·
That's pink!!

I am thinking about new black cloth for my '93 GT seats. I just converted the interior over to black from opal grey. The black donor seat fabric is so-so condition. Will work for a now, but should be redone before too long.

Have heard mixed reviews on TMI. Going to check out that Distinctive Industries company.
 
#25 ·
That's pink!!
Pretty much. It changed between pink and violet depending on the lighting. It looks nothing like the promotional photo at all. There was no way i was putting pink seats in my car. I did like the build quality and feel of the foam. Had it actually matched the color in the original photo, it would be in my car right now.

CJ actually sent me the wrong kit the first time around. They sent me seat covers for a 60's Mustang that was in a mislabeled box. Had to go out of my way to ship those back, wait 6 weeks, and then got this one. When i called up, the rep basically said they are aware the color doesn't match. Kinda makes sense as to why i got the kit for 50% off retail. It's a shame because i liked the kit, but the entire ordeal has left a bad taste in my mouth and i actually don't want to deal with CJ anymore.

In hindsight, i should have ordered some sample swatches from TMI. I've since gone ahead and done that for a few other color setups i'm interested in, but like i said...not sure if i'll go that route anymore.
 
#27 ·
I should have updated on the recaros sooner. Everything including the wedge brackets went together flawlessly. Although I haven't driven the car since installing them, I honestly couldn't be happier. One of my top three mods for sure. Anyway here are the pics.. Let me know if you'd like anymore.
 

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#33 ·
Thank you sir. I'll probably research what i like, save a little $$$ and buy a pair. 2 month wait you say? I almost need to buy now then so i can have them installed by summer.
 
#35 ·
Yeah, almost two months exactly. I bought off eBay at the beginning of October, and they showed up the beginning of December. Surprisingly no shipping hassle at all. The eBay seller also has a website and facebook page, MCK recaro seats. I'm sure they do custom orders as well. There's also a really good thread on saleen club of america called "3 decades of recaro seats". Its got some good info about different seat bracket options and recaro models for our cars.

Those look great brotha, they fit the cars style perfectly! Enjoy


For those asking about the position; when I bought my wedge brackets many moons ago I ordered the optinal version which they said were 3" back and 1" down. At 6'5" (36" inseam) I can wear a helmet in my no sunroof '93 without issue.

Recaro's are the 1st thing I do to any foxbody I buy now, it is a totally different driving experience.
Thanks man, I can't wait to get back behind the wheel. It's gonna be a long winter for sure.
 
#36 ·
#38 ·
I actually already have those in my watch list. i like em...just trying to decide if I like them that much. Was kinda hoping for halo style headrests