Racetech low back seats rejected by certifier

[nitram]

Hi folks. I have an '88 Falcon ute that needs a new cert. I took the time to put bucket seats, after discussing with Racetech salespeople for a long time I decided on Racetech Low Back Vinyl seats, which they insisted have been certified in lots of road vehicles. I have the ute ready to go, booked time with a certifier, brought it over and without even doing an inspection the certifier told me straight up "you'll never get these seats certified".

His reasoning is that the high bolsters on the seats will prevent any kind of belt from working properly and they're simply not road legal. I have been on the phone with Racetech who have insisted that the seats are legal and they get the certified all the time. They even gave me the number of another certifier who they say has certified these seats. I gave him a call and he says he has never even heard of Racetech Low Back seats. I am not keen on booking him and spending $900 odd just to get rejected.

Is anyone able to tell me straight up, can these seats be certified for road use? And if not, what is my recourse with Racetech?

[Chris]

Feb 14, 2022 9:07:17 GMT 12 nitram said:

Hi folks. I have an '88 Falcon ute that needs a new cert. I took the time to put bucket seats, after discussing with Racetech salespeople for a long time I decided on Racetech Low Back Vinyl seats, which they insisted have been certified in lots of road vehicles. I have the ute ready to go, booked time with a certifier, brought it over and without even doing an inspection the certifier told me straight up "you'll never get these seats certified".

His reasoning is that the high bolsters on the seats will prevent any kind of belt from working properly and they're simply not road legal. I have been on the phone with Racetech who have insisted that the seats are legal and they get the certified all the time. They even gave me the number of another certifier who they say has certified these seats. I gave him a call and he says he has never even heard of Racetech Low Back seats. I am not keen on booking him and spending $900 odd just to get rejected.

Is anyone able to tell me straight up, can these seats be certified for road use? And if not, what is my recourse with Racetech?

Hi Nitram

Looking at Racetech's website, it says they are not compatible with harness belts, which could indicate they are not suitable for seatbelts either.



For a seat belt to work as a seatbelt should, it needs to lay over the hips of the seat occupant, if the belt rests over the top of the seat bolsters then a skinny or small seat occupant may "submarine" under the belt in an accident. Also, I noticed in the webpage title, it refers to them being a boat seat - racetech.co.nz/shop/seats/specialist/RT4000WLB-boat-seat - this might explain the intended use for them.

I would suggest a similar seat that Racetech produce would be more suitable - www.racetech.co.nz/shop/seats/specialist/RT1000LBHG-seat - as they have the holes in the bolsters to make them compatible with harnesses and seatbelts.

Hopefully that helps

Chris

[nitram]

Thanks Chris. I have been in contact with Racetech and they've kindly offered to modify these seats with slots for belts, so that's a great outcome.

[Chris]

Feb 15, 2022 8:08:08 GMT 12 nitram said:

Thanks Chris. I have been in contact with Racetech and they've kindly offered to modify these seats with slots for belts, so that's a great outcome.

No problems, Racetech rung me yesterday with a similar query.