Wedge Engineering sucks and doesn't do custom work like they say they do

[bitshftr]

Back in January, I received my Recaro Sport seats with Recaro sliders and Wedge Engineering brackets from my Recaro dealer. My first impression of the Wedge brackets was that they were kindof crude. But they do fit the mounting holes in the car, and the mounting holes for the Recaro seat lined up perfectly.

First problem: The Recaro Sport seats have a bulge in the buttom (where your butt goes) that descends below the level of the mounting plane. The Wedge brackets have crossmembers at the mounting plane, so while the brackets will bolt to the seats/sliders, you can't slide the seats bacause the "bulge" will hit the crossmembers. Wedge was informed of the seat model that the brackets were being ordered for. I had to install some half-inch spacers temporarily to install them.

Second problem: The Wedge brackets have the seatbelt anchor welded to them. This seatbelt anchor sits freakishly high (3 inches higher than stock) and too far forward when the seat is moved to an average fore-and-aft position. The seatbelt didn't even touch that side of my body at all when I put it on.

Third problem: The seatbelt anchors have pins and a mounting bolt that face toward the seat, and they are positioned as to touch the seat. If not for some very careful fitting and measuring, I could have easily slid my seat and cut my brand new leather on these.

So, I contacted Wedge Engineering (in California) and asked to have a second set customized to fix these problems. I wanted some 1-inch spacers added to raise the seat mounting plane above the crossmembers (solving problem #1), and I wanted the seatbelt anchor shortenned and flipped around (solving problems #2 and #3). I supplied drawings and measurements via fax (upon their request). Note that I was willing to pay for these customizations, and their website says they'll custom make any bracket you need.

After 2 days of not getting a call back about my fax, I called them again. They guy I talked to (I think his name was Wendell) said that his "guy won't touch it". WTF? I asked if the drawings were insufficient, or if there was some kind of engineering problem with my requests. The only answer I kept getting was "he won't touch it". Since when does the guy who does the work get to decide what he's gonna do and what he's not gonna do? Where's the boss upholding the mantra "we'll custom make any bracket"?

I ended up taking the brackets to Absolute Bodyworks (see my recommendation here (http://supraforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=539763)) to have the cutting and welding done, and I'm very pleased with the result.

But the bottom line is that Wedge Engineering's Supra/Recaro brackets won't work without modification, end up sitting lower than stock by about 1.25 inches, and they will not, in fact, do custom work. I do not recommend them.

I have read in SF that Bride MO brackets are a one piece solution that many are happy with, and that they work with Recaro seats.

Link to my Recaro Sport seat install thread: http://supraforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=528347

[KenHenderson]

Thank you for your excellent, well written, well documented review of your issues with Wedge Engineering. It seems from my readings on SF that it's a hit/miss proposition when dealing with Wedge Engineering. Unfortunately, it appears that you were definitely in the "miss" category. Do you believe Absolute Bodyworks would assist other Supra owners with the same, or similar, problems.

Bride MO brackets on my Sparco Milano Prestige seats (threw away the Sparco brackets). Worked perfectly and are highly recommended.

Ken.

[JamesN1830]

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with them. I have wedge brackets that fit perfectly with my bride seats. I will agree they were alittle crude to talk with.

[FastTurbo]

Had to use .5" spacers on my passenger seat bracket. I had wedges on my other car as well and I had to modify them also.

They suck.

[bitshftr]

Do you believe Absolute Bodyworks would assist other Supra owners with the same, or similar, problems.

I'm sure Robbie (the owner) would be glad to help. I had the advantage that I am local, so communication about the details was easy.

[ISIS]

I have Wedge brackets also, everything lined right up and had no issues. My Recaro Sportster seat height is identical to stock and slide perfect with Recaro sliders. The brackets are a very simple design, could be that it is just your particular seat construction that is creating the problem.

I had similar issue with the seat belt, if you end up using a harness then you can cut them off at the base.

I is my install pics of the brackets, sliders, and seats:
http://www.supraforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519323&page=3

Agreed they are not a billet masterpiece, but functionally they are fine...

[bitshftr]

My Recaro Sportster seat height is identical to stock and slide perfect with Recaro sliders. The brackets are a very simple design, could be that it is just your particular seat construction that is creating the problem.

The Recaro "Sportster" is an entirely different seat than the Recaro "Sport". The "Sport" has a bulge (right underneath your butt) that protrudes down below the mounting plane. I'm sure this is unique to the "Sport" and "Sport Topline" seats.

But Wedge was informed of the model of seat that I was getting, and their Supra/Recaro brackets are not suitable for these seats (the "Sport" seats) without modification. OK, fine...but my problem with Wedge is that they would not even discuss making a customization or adjustment to make them fit, even if I was willing to pay for it.

And the seatbelt anchor height is just rediculous (no racing harness here).

[Da BlaCkMoBiLe]

I have almost your exact setup. I too have the Recaro Sports with Wedge brackets and sliders. Atleast you were lucky enought to get the Recaro sliders. My sliders suck.

As Ken stated many people have had alot of luck with the Bride sliders and brackets. Which i would recommend to most people. But i guess i'm kinda lucky since the seat is actually where i want it anyways and i dont care to move it forward or backwards any. And as for my passenger side one, its where i like it and i can careless if my passenger wants to move it up any. hahahahah.

[Moody]

I, for one, will vouch (against) the Wedge brackets... I will also say that the Sparco, Corbeau (or whomever makes them), and even the custom ones that I had done by a very reputable motorsports shop were all crap. I mean - complete SHIT. I can cut/move/bend almost anything, and all of these brackets were pathetic to the point where I literally sold them, or in one case - cut them up and used the flat metal for brackets for coolers, etc... on the car :lol:

The ONLY bracket system, and I say, "system", because of the way in which it has been constructed to work flawlessly, have been my Bride RO's that I use. They are DEAD ON, and PERFECT... I mean that in every sense of the word.

Go Bride, or go home. Honest answer!

[ISIS]

Do you have pics of the Bride brackets? Where did you pick them up from (PM me)?

I am never against upgrading.


I, for one, will vouch (against) the Wedge brackets... I will also say that the Sparco, Corbeau (or whomever makes them), and even the custom ones that I had done by a very reputable motorsports shop were all crap. I mean - complete SHIT. I can cut/move/bend almost anything, and all of these brackets were pathetic to the point where I literally sold them, or in one case - cut them up and used the flat metal for brackets for coolers, etc... on the car :lol:

The ONLY bracket system, and I say, "system", because of the way in which it has been constructed to work flawlessly, have been my Bride RO's that I use. They are DEAD ON, and PERFECT... I mean that in every sense of the word.

Go Bride, or go home. Honest answer!

[Moody]

Do you have pics of the Bride brackets? Where did you pick them up from (PM me)?

I am never against upgrading.

PM sent.

[kingerm]

^^^ Share buddy! I have Wedge brackets on my Recaro Sports as well. I feel they sit a little high but never bothered to do anything about it.

Thanks,

-E

[Moody]

E,

I PM'd Mike, but I will sum it up really quickly:

I bought my Bride brackets from a guy named Tuan (pronounced "Twan") at A-Spec Products in California. They are, hands down, the finest-fitting brackets that I've ever used/seen (and I've used custom, Sparco, Wedge, etc...) If someone would want a no-BS approach to fitting seats, with no sagging, no misalignment, and nothing to deal with as far as having to push, pull, or bend brackets in order to force the seats into place... then the Bride brackets are for you.

[KenHenderson]

I, for one, will vouch (against) the Wedge brackets... I will also say that the Sparco, Corbeau (or whomever makes them), and even the custom ones that I had done by a very reputable motorsports shop were all crap. I mean - complete SHIT. I can cut/move/bend almost anything, and all of these brackets were pathetic to the point where I literally sold them, or in one case - cut them up and used the flat metal for brackets for coolers, etc... on the car :lol:

The ONLY bracket system, and I say, "system", because of the way in which it has been constructed to work flawlessly, have been my Bride RO's that I use. They are DEAD ON, and PERFECT... I mean that in every sense of the word.

Go Bride, or go home. Honest answer!


E,

I PM'd Mike, but I will sum it up really quickly:

I bought my Bride brackets from a guy named Tuan (pronounced "Twan") at A-Spec Products in California. They are, hands down, the finest-fitting brackets that I've ever used/seen (and I've used custom, Sparco, Wedge, etc...) If someone would want a no-BS approach to fitting seats, with no sagging, no misalignment, and nothing to deal with as far as having to push, pull, or bend brackets in order to force the seats into place... then the Bride brackets are for you.

Truth.

Ken.

[FYRARMS]

a guy named Tuan (pronounced "Twan")
"Ooh, I like that name. Blaine and 'Toine give your post 3 snaps."

http://www.imageviper.com/displayimage/137572/0/antoineblaine.jpg

[supratter]

:lol:

[Moody]

Jesus Christ Dan... :lol: You bring the early 90's back like no other!

[Altezza576]

I too have Wedge Brackets on my Recaro Speed Seats, and they are horrible, but I need to sit in the car. I will modify them this summer to my liking. but I agree the seats are too low and you cant easily get to the bolts to attach the rails to bracket or bracket to floor.

Either way, I will alter the stupid seat belt part as mentioned by OP, and possibly raise the whole bracket a little.

OR..... just break down and buy the BRIDE MO brackets

[rmjdrift]

Does BRIDE make brackets for the MKIII, also will it only fit their seats?

[Moody]

Bride makes brackets for most cars... I have seen Bride seats and brackets in a MKIII. They will make them, but you'll have to wait. Bride does, indeed, make adapter sets for other seats, namely Recaro (but the flat plate will bolt any seat that is made, almost, to it). It looks like this:


MO ADAPTOR (A01NPO)
It is attached to the RO seat rail, to equip the old Bride reclining seats and some seats made from Sparco and Recaro.

MO OFFSET TYPE ADAPTOR (A08NPO)
It is used for N045MO, N049MO, and T052MO
MO OFFSET TYPE ADAPTOR (A09NPO)
It is used for N046MO, N050MO, and T051MO

http://www.tees-usa.com/accessories.html