Low Back Seat Shells, Impact Plastic with Yellow Covers Pair

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your off-road rig or street machine with the ultimate combination of durability and style. These Appletree Automotive low-back seat shells are engineered from high-impact plastic, offering a significant advantage over traditional fiberglass alternatives. Unlike brittle materials that can crack under the stress of frame flex or heavy landings in the dunes, these high-density plastic shells are designed to absorb energy and maintain their structural integrity. The low-back silhouette provides that iconic vintage look, perfect for Meyers Manx clones, sand rails, and classic Baja Bugs where a high-profile headrest would clutter the aesthetic or interfere with a roll cage. Sold as a pair, these seats provide a uniform, professional finish to your cockpit, ensuring both the driver and passenger enjoy the same level of support and vibration dampening during aggressive maneuvers.

The standout feature of this kit is the included high-contrast yellow and black seat covers. These aren''t just basic slip-ons; they are tailored to fit the contours of the high-impact shells perfectly, providing a cushioned layer that makes long days on the trail much more manageable. The vibrant yellow inserts offer a bold, custom look that screams performance and high visibility, making your vehicle stand out at the show or in the sand. Whether you are building a dedicated woods buggy, a beach cruiser, or a weekend warrior sand rail, these seats offer the perfect balance of lightweight construction and rugged longevity. When you choose Appletree, you are getting components tested by air-cooled enthusiasts who know exactly what it takes to survive the harsh environments of the VW off-road world.

FITMENT

These seat shells are designed for universal application within the air-cooled VW and kit car community. While they are a direct fit for many aftermarket seat frames, custom mounting is often required depending on your specific floor pan or chassis configuration. They are ideal for the following:

• Meyers Manx & Manx Clones: Fits perfectly within the narrow cockpit of traditional fiberglass buggy bodies.
• Sand Rails & Tube Chassis: Easily mounted to 1-1/2 inch or 1-1/4 inch tube seat sub-frames.
• VW Beetle (Baja Bug): A popular choice for weight reduction in off-road racing or street-legal Baja conversions.
• Berrien Buggy & EMPI Imp: Compatible with most standard short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase buggy frames.
• Custom Street Rods & Rat Rods: Provides a minimalist, industrial look for custom builds requiring a narrow seat profile.

SPECS

• Material: Heavy-duty, high-impact molded plastic (Polyethylene-based).
• Shell Color: Black.
• Cover Color: High-visibility Yellow with Black accents.
• Seat Width: 17-3/4 inches (Exterior dimension at widest point).
• Seat Height: 23 inches (From bottom of shell to top of backrest).
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (2 Shells and 2 Covers included).
• Weight: Approximately 9 lbs per shell (Lightweight for improved power-to-weight ratio).
• Cover Material: Weather-resistant vinyl/nylon blend designed for easy cleaning.

PRO TIPS

1. Secure Mounting with Load Distribution

When bolting these high-impact plastic shells to your seat tracks or frame, never use a standard small washer. Because the material is plastic, localized stress can cause the bolt to pull through during a heavy jolt. Always use large diameter fender washers or a reinforcing metal strap across the mounting holes on the underside of the seat. This distributes the load across a larger surface area of the plastic, ensuring the seat remains securely fastened to the vehicle even under the most demanding off-road conditions. For the ultimate setup, consider using a rubber isolator between the shell and the metal mount to further reduce vibration transfer.

2. Optimize for All-Weather Drainage

If you are running an open-top buggy or a sand rail, water accumulation is your enemy. While the covers are weather-resistant, water can still find its way between the cover and the shell. We highly recommend drilling two small 1/4-inch drainage holes at the lowest point of the seat shell "bucket" before installing the covers. This prevents "swamp seat" syndrome where water pools in the plastic shell and soaks the foam of your covers from the bottom up. This simple modification will significantly extend the life of your seat covers and keep your backside dry after a surprise rain shower or a deep water crossing.

3. UV Protection for Long-Term Vibrancy

Yellow is a fantastic, high-energy color, but it can be susceptible to fading if left in the direct desert sun for extended periods. To keep that "Appletree Yellow" looking brand new, treat your seat covers with a high-quality UV protectant spray specifically designed for marine-grade vinyl. Apply this once a month during the riding season. Not only does this prevent the yellow from turning dull, but it also keeps the vinyl supple, preventing the material from becoming brittle and cracking at the seams. It is a five-minute maintenance step that pays off in years of added aesthetic value for your VW build.