Low Back Seat Shells, Impact Plastic, Pair

OVERVIEW

When you''re building a dedicated sand rail, a classic dune buggy, or a lightweight Baja Bug, the foundation of your interior starts with a reliable set of seats. These Low Back Seat Shells from Appletree Automotive are engineered from high-impact plastic, providing a superior alternative to traditional fiberglass options that can often crack or splinter under the stress of off-road vibration. The low-back design captures that iconic 1960s and 70s vintage aesthetic, making them the perfect choice for Meyers Manx clones, rail jobs, and street-legal kit cars where a minimalist profile is desired. Unlike heavy stock Volkswagen seats, these shells offer significant weight savings, which is crucial for maximizing the power-to-weight ratio of your air-cooled powerplant.

Sold as a matched pair, these seat shells are designed to provide a consistent look and feel for both the driver and passenger. The high-impact plastic material is naturally resistant to the elements, meaning they won''t rot if they get caught in a rainstorm or covered in mud during a weekend at the dunes. While they are rugged enough to be used as-is for a raw, utilitarian look, they serve as the perfect frame for custom snap-on covers and foam inserts. Their compact 17-3/4 inch width ensures they fit comfortably in the narrow cockpits of most air-cooled VW-based projects without interfering with the shifter or the handbrake assembly. Whether you''re restoring a classic or starting a fresh tube-chassis build, these shells offer the durability and classic styling every VW enthusiast demands.

FITMENT

These seat shells are universal in nature but are most commonly utilized in the following air-cooled Volkswagen and custom applications:

• VW Beetle (All Years): Requires custom seat tracks or floor-mounted brackets.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Ideal for lightweight street builds.
• VW Thing (Type 181): A rugged choice for open-top trekking.
• Dune Buggies: Perfect for Meyers Manx, EMPI Imp, Berrien, and other fiberglass bodies.
• Sand Rails: Fits most tube-chassis frames including Chenowth and Berrien styles.
• Baja Bugs: Excellent for stripped-out, weight-conscious desert racers.
• Kit Cars: Compatible with various Bradley GT, Sterling, and other VW-based kit bodies.

SPECS

• Material: High-Impact Molded Plastic (Enhanced durability over fiberglass).
• Seat Style: Classic Low-Back Bucket.
• Overall Width: 17-3/4 Inches.
• Overall Height: 23 Inches.
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (2 Shells included).
• Finish: Textured Black.
• Mounting: Universal (Requires drilling for specific bracket applications).
• Weight: Approximately 6.1 lbs per pair (Ultra-lightweight construction).

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Mounting and Reinforcement: When installing these high-impact plastic shells, it is vital to use large "fender washers" or a steel backing plate on the underside of the seat where the bolts pass through. Because plastic can flex under high G-loads or off-road impacts, spreading the load across a wider surface area prevents the mounting bolts from pulling through the shell. Always ensure your seat brackets are securely fastened to the chassis or floor pans before hitting the trails.

2. Upholstery and Comfort Upgrades: While these shells are ready for use, most builders prefer to add a layer of comfort. We recommend using high-density closed-cell foam and a dedicated slip-on or snap-on seat cover. Since these shells are a standard size, many aftermarket VW seat covers designed for "plastic buckets" will fit perfectly. For a professional look, you can install snap-studs directly into the plastic perimeter of the shell to keep your covers tight and secure during high-speed runs.

3. Drilling and Customization: If you need to drill holes for mounting or for harness pass-throughs, always use a sharp wood bit or a specialized plastic drill bit at a medium speed. High-speed drilling can melt the plastic rather than cutting it, leading to messy holes. If you are running a 4-point or 5-point harness, ensure the lap belts are mounted to the chassis and not just the plastic shell, as the shell is designed for positioning and comfort, not as a primary structural safety restraint.