But it doesn't have to be !

Seating is about the last thing on an off-roaders mind when there's a new whiz bang suspension mod to try, or that engine rebuild you have been mulling over for the past 3 YEARS. Somehow, seats always get put on that often added to, but seldom purchased "list of things I need".

It's really too bad. Oh sure, I say that now after installing new Beard "Super Seats" in the ORC Rail, but for a long time, I was one of you. Who are "You" exactly ? Well "You" are those men and women who come in after a long day of hard core off-roading, and every muscle in your body aches from the torture bestowed upon you by "stock" or (Oh the HORROR ! ) Fiberglass seating. Rather than fully enjoying the beautiful scenery or the challenge of a hard trail, you spent the day fighting your harnesses and getting back into a "comfortable" position, after a good bump put your "gluteus maximus" into firm and solid contact with "floorboardis hardus". Right now, a lot of you are wincing in pain, as you remember the last time it happened to you.

The main factor for putting off the purchase of a good set of seats has always been price. Seats like Beard Super/Ultra Seats, Mastercraft, Taylor, Recaro and others are by no means inexpensive. However, weigh the cost of good seating, vs. what poor seats cost you. Above, I jokingly referred to "bottoming" out. If it happens hard enough, you could easily compress or even shatter vertebrae in your spine. In less extreme examples, Desert running and rock crawling bounce you around, and wear you out quickly, lessening the enjoyment of the sport. Think about it and then ask yourself "Is it worth it" ?

The Beard Super Seats are one of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. The lumbar and lateral support are outstanding, and when mounted with the framework level, put your body in an excellent position for performance driving or riding. With a lap belt only, you are very securely placed. With a 4 or 5 point harness, you are basically immobilized. I have driven and ridden in several Beard equipped vehicles, including Carlos Iribe's 5-1600 VW and to put it bluntly, "you aren't going anywhere". I had heard one Beard owner comment that the seats were akin to having a couple inches of additional suspension travel. I have no reason to disagree. When you see the number of SCORE / Fud ect. racers, using the Beard's It' obvious that they work as advertized.

The Beards use a "suspension" design, with multiply layered foam (of varying density), hung on a Tube steel frame. The framework is structural in design, MIG welded, and will last indefinitely. The covers are available in a variety of colors , patterns, and materials. For those who want that "something different", Many quality auto upholstery shops carry templates for the Super and Ultra's , and can build whatever you want, without the "custom" fitting costs. Beard's choice of US Naugihyde or nylon is thick, high quality and stiched extremely well. Like the frame, you can expect years of service, even under rougher treatment.

Sizing is optional . Aside from the standard Street Super and Ultra sizes, there is "x-tra tall" and "x-tra wide", to fit larger users. Beard also manufactures (on site by the way), A child size seat for kids, an a Bench seat . Still not satisfied ? Since they build everything on site, Beard can custom manufacture a seat custom fit for your purpose and application. 3 wide ? No problem. Contact Beard directly for pricing.

Ah Yes...pricing. As it turns out, it's really not as bad as you may think ! At $169 - $199 avg. retail, they may well be within your grasp. Several mail order companys advertize the Beards, but take into account shipping charges. Although the seats are extremely light, you may be better served by buying from a local supplier.

Installation is dependant upon the vehicle. For the ORC Rail, 2 pieces (per seat) of 1in. angle iron were welded to the cars tube chassis, and holes diilled in alignment with the 4 tabs Beard welds to the bottom of the seat's frame. Grade 8 hardware is recommended, but not included.

Overall, we are very happy with the Beard Super seats. Our control of the car has been enhanced, and the comfort is worlds above our old fiberglass implements of torture.

The Beards are truly money well spent.

Beard Seats
714-774-9444
www.BeardSeats.com