Datsun 280Z bucket seat guide
S30 chassis, 1975 to 1978
The 280Z spent three decades as the affordable Z-car. While 240Z values climbed, the 280Z sat at circuit car prices, and a lot of them got properly built: seats went in, cages went in, some got seam-welded and run at club level for years. That track history is reflected in what the suppliers catalogue today. Safety Devices list a full 6-point bolt-in roll cage specifically for the 280Z (the 260Z only gets a rear cage), and Custom Cages have a T45 bolt-in kit for it. The bracket situation is the same as the 260Z: two Planted Technology options depending on whether your rear tabs are angled or flat, and you have to look at the car to know which you need.
Before any of this: pull up the carpet and check the floor around the seat mounting points. Rust in that area is the standing S30 problem. The bracket bolts into the floor and the floor has to be solid. Get that confirmed first.
- Two Planted Technology brackets for the 280Z: SB145.1 for angled rear tabs and SB145 for flat rear tabs, both at 185.50 pounds per seat, covering mid-1974 to 1978
- You cannot tell from the year, the model, or the chassis number which bracket you need. Get the carpet up and look at the rear tabs before ordering
- Both brackets cover 291mm x 330mm (Cobra) and 345mm x 271mm (Sparco, OMP, Corbeau) patterns. Most aftermarket base mount seats from those brands work without adapters
- Sparco FIA steel side mount brackets at 75 pounds are the side mount route for competition shells
- Safety Devices list a 6-point bolt-in full roll cage for the 280Z at 747 pounds and a bolt-in rear cage at 447 pounds; Custom Cages have a T45 historic bolt-in kit at 1,625 pounds
- The Corbeau Sportsman at 390 pounds is eligible for the 280Z: genuine classic and vintage car
- UK 280Zs are North American imports. Check the floor, sills, and seat mounting area before ordering anything
Before you order
Two things to check before anything else. First, the floor. The S30 floor around the seat mounting points is the area rust goes first, along with the sills. Pull the carpet back and look at the floor where the original seat bolts are. The Planted bracket bolts directly into the floor. If the floor is not solid, sort that before spending on brackets or seats.
Second, the rear tabs. The 280Z uses the same two-bracket system as the 260Z: some cars have angled rear tabs, some have flat rear tabs, and Planted Technology list a separate bracket for each. The split runs across the production period with no clean year or chassis number break, so the only way to know which you have is to look at the tabs. Photograph them and send us the picture. We will confirm which bracket to order before anything ships.
Check the tabs before ordering a bracketPull the carpet back from the driver and passenger seat mounting areas, photograph the rear tabs, and contact us. If the tabs are angled, the bracket is SB145.1. If they are flat, it is SB145. A short photograph now avoids returning a heavy part.
The fitting kit
Planted Technology list two brackets for the 280Z, both at 185.50 pounds: SB145.1 for cars with angled rear tabs and SB145 for flat rear tabs. Both cover two bolt patterns: 291mm x 330mm (Cobra) and 345mm x 271mm (Sparco, OMP, Corbeau). Planted describe both as compatible with most aftermarket seats, and that is broadly accurate for the base mount seats on this page. Each bracket is priced per seat, so both seats means ordering twice.
For competition shells that mount from the side rather than the base, the Sparco FIA steel side mount brackets at 75 pounds go between the Planted bracket and the seat. This adds height to the seat position. If headroom is already tight in the car, the base mount route sits lower.
Add a sliding runner if you need fore-aft adjustment. The Endurance Motorsport kit at 34 pounds keeps the cost down. Cobra premium runners at 70 pounds come in 291mm or 405mm handle widths for a wider car or driver.
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Planted bracket, base mount seat
The direct route. The Planted bracket (SB145.1 or SB145 depending on your tab arrangement) bolts to the factory floor mounting points at 185.50 pounds. Both bracket versions cover the Sparco, OMP and Corbeau pattern and the Cobra pattern, so most base mount seats from those brands work without adapters.
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Planted bracket, side mount brackets, competition shell
The competition route. The Planted bracket goes to the floor, then Sparco FIA steel side mounts (75 pounds) go between the bracket and the seat. This is the route for fixed-back FIA shells. It sits higher, so if the roof is close, the base mount build keeps the seat lower.
All parts listed are specific to the 280Z or are universal parts that fit either Planted bracket. Confirm which bracket version your car needs before ordering.
- Planted Technology 280Z (1974.5-1978) angled rear tabs bracket, SB145.1, 185.50 pounds, covers 291mm x 330mm and 345mm x 271mm patterns, one per seat
- Planted Technology 280Z (1974.5-1978) flat rear tabs bracket, SB145, 185.50 pounds, same two patterns, one per seat
- Sparco FIA steel side mount brackets, part SS004902, 75.00 pounds, for side mount competition seats
- Endurance Motorsport sliding runner kit, 34.00 pounds, fore-aft adjustment
- Cobra premium sliding runners, 70.00 pounds, 291mm or 405mm handle width
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Tell us the tab type when you orderA photograph of the rear tabs before you order takes five minutes and confirms which bracket to list. We can then ship the right part first time.
Bucket seats
For a car that has spent time on circuits, the OMP Classic 1970s Revival at 260 pounds covers most situations: base mount (345mm x 271mm), all heights, all sizes, road and track rated, and the right aesthetic for a mid-seventies Japanese sports car. The Cobra Classic 40th Edition at 345 pounds and the Cobra GT3 Historic at 395 pounds are on the 291mm x 330mm Cobra holes in the Planted bracket and lean into the period competition look. Both are listed for drivers under six foot and a 32 to 36 inch waist.
The Cobra Roadster SS at 257.50 pounds and the Cobra Monaco Pro FIA at 235 pounds offer a similar look at slightly lower prices and cover all heights. The Sparco Sprint FIA at 210 pounds is the crossover option: base mount or side mount, all heights, 32 to 36 inch waist, FIA 8855-1999 rated. It works directly on the Planted bracket or with the Sparco side mounts for the competition build.
For the lowest outlay, the Auto Style Type Classic at 165 pounds is base mount, all heights, and all sizes. A practical choice if the budget is going elsewhere in the build.
One point worth repeating from the bracket listings: base mount Sparco, OMP and Corbeau seats share the 345mm x 271mm pattern, so a Planted bracket drilled to that pattern takes any of the three without adapters. The bracket also has the 291mm x 330mm Cobra holes. The choice between brands is open on a correctly fitted bracket.
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Our picks, not the whole listMatch the seat to how the car is built
The OMP Classic 1970s Revival at 260 pounds is the practical answer for most 280Z builds: base mount, all heights, road and track rated, and the period look is right for the car. For a competition build around the Planted bracket and Sparco side mounts, the Sparco Sprint FIA at 210 pounds is FIA rated, all heights, and works in both mounting configurations. If the car has a cage going in and the build is aimed at circuit use, tell Cameron the mounting route and what the regulations require. He will put together the right combination for the specific build.
Reclining seats
The 280Z does road miles alongside the track use, and a reclining seat makes that more tolerable. The Sparco R100 at 235 pounds covers all heights and all sizes on the 345mm x 271mm pattern. The Sparco GT Houndstooth at 568.42 pounds covers all heights and a slightly wider waist range. The Sparco R500 at 274.16 pounds is a practical mid-range option on the same pattern.
The Corbeau Sportsman at 390 pounds is designed for genuine classic and vintage cars and the 280Z qualifies. It fits both 291mm x 330mm and 345mm x 271mm holes in the Planted bracket, so it works with either bolt pattern. All heights, 32 to 38 inch waist. The Corbeau PSR pair at 465 pounds covers both seats in one order (around 232 pounds a side).
Cobra reclining seats run on the 291mm x 330mm Cobra pattern: the Le Mans at 515.83 pounds covers all heights and a 32 to 38 inch waist, the Misano Anniversary at 1,374.17 pounds covers the same range at the premium end. The Auto Style Type BS5 at 295 pounds is the budget option in this section, base mount, all heights, all sizes.
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Harnesses
The shoulder straps on a 280Z want mounting behind the seat at roughly shoulder height. There is nothing in the factory S30 bodywork at that point. A harness bar or a roll cage provides the correct mounting. The Safety Devices bolt-in rear cage at 447 pounds includes harness bar options and can be used on its own as the mounting solution. A full cage gives more mounting geometry options.
On the belts: the Schroth Profi 3×2 at 370.01 pounds and the TRS Magnum 6 Point Superlite at 245 pounds are both FIA 8853-2016 and HANS compatible. The TRS Magnum 4 Point at 205 pounds is the older FIA 8854-1998 standard: check the regulations before using that one in competition. The Takata Drift II at 229 pounds and Drift III at 270 pounds are road and trackday belts, not FIA rated. The TRS Clubman options at 80 and 100 pounds are the cheapest entry point and are not HANS compatible.
On historic events: FIA harnesses carry an expiry date that ends their competition life whether worn or not. On a car of this era at historic events, check whether the series accepts a current FIA belt or requires something period-correct.
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Our recommendationsSort the mounting point before the belt
The Safety Devices rear cage at 447 pounds or the bolt-in full cage at 747 pounds are both the right way to get a shoulder mount in a 280Z. Without one, a standalone harness bar is the cleaner option. If you have the cage already, the TRS Magnum 6 Point Superlite at 245 pounds is the cheapest current FIA belt on this page. The Schroth Profi 3x2 at 370 pounds is the better belt if the build warrants it. Tell us whether it is track days, competition, or road use and whether a HANS device is in the plan.
Roll cages
Three cages are listed for the 280Z. Safety Devices offer two bolt-in options: a full 6-point roll cage at 747 pounds and a bolt-in rear cage at 447 pounds. Both carry FIA and MSA approvals. The full cage is the one the 260Z does not have: if the car is being built for competition or the plan includes front and rear protection, the 280Z has a specific listing for it. The rear cage works on its own as a harness mounting point.
Custom Cages list a T45 bolt-in historic kit at 1,625 pounds. T45 is the stronger tube material (as against mild steel or CDS), laser-profiled and CNC mandrel-bent to fit the 280Z specifically. It carries FIA and MSUK approval. Custom Cages describe it as suited to circuit racing, time attack, drifting, hillclimbs, sprints, and track days.
A note on the Safety Devices product names: both are labelled “280Z (S130)” which is a likely naming error. S130 is the 280ZX chassis (1978-1983), not the S30. The products are published, available, and listed specifically for the 280Z. Contact us if you want clarification before ordering.
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What fits what
Both Planted brackets (SB145 and SB145.1) cover the same two bolt patterns: 291mm x 330mm (Cobra) and 345mm x 271mm (Sparco, OMP, Corbeau). Seats on either pattern bolt to either bracket version. Confirm which bracket version your car needs before ordering.
| Seat | Mounting | Approval | Driver height | Waist | Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bucket seats | |||||
| OMP Classic 1970s Revival | Base mount | Road and track | All heights | All sizes | 345mm x 271mm |
| Sparco Sprint FIA | Base or side mount | FIA 8855-1999 | All heights | 32in to 36in | Not published |
| Cobra Monaco Pro FIA | Base or side mount | FIA 8855-1999 | Under 6ft | 32in to 36in | Not published |
| Cobra Classic 40th Edition | Base mount | Road and track | Under 6ft | 32in to 36in | 291mm x 330mm |
| Cobra GT3 Historic | Base mount | Road and track | Under 6ft | 32in to 36in | 291mm x 330mm |
| Cobra Roadster SS | Base mount | Road and track | All heights | 32in to 36in | 291mm x 330mm |
| Auto Style Type Classic | Base mount | Road and track | All heights | All sizes | Not published |
| Reclining seats | |||||
| Corbeau Sportsman | Base mount | Road and track | All heights | 32in to 38in | 291mm x 330mm or 345mm x 271mm |
| Corbeau PSR, pair | Base mount | Road and track | All heights | 32in to 38in | 291mm x 330mm or 345mm x 271mm |
| Sparco R100 | Base mount | Road and track | All heights | All sizes | 345mm x 271mm |
| Sparco GT Houndstooth Edition | Base mount | Road and track | All heights | 32in to 38in | 345mm x 271mm |
| Sparco R500 | Base mount | Road and track | All heights | All sizes | Not published |
| Auto Style Type BS5 | Base mount | Road and track | All heights | All sizes | Not published |
| Cobra Le Mans | Base mount | Road and track | All heights | 32in to 38in | 291mm x 330mm |
| Cobra Misano Anniversary | Base mount | Road and track | All heights | 32in to 38in | 291mm x 330mm |
Common questions
Which bracket do I need for a Datsun 280Z?
There are two Planted Technology brackets for the 280Z: SB145.1 at 185.50 pounds for cars with angled rear tabs, and SB145 at 185.50 pounds for flat rear tabs. You cannot determine which you need from the year, the model, or the chassis number. Pull the carpet from the seat mounting area, photograph the rear tabs, and contact us before ordering.
How do I know if my 280Z has angled or flat rear tabs?
Get the carpet up from the driver and passenger seat mounting areas and look at the rear tabs the original seat bolts to. Angled tabs point upward. Flat tabs lie level. Send us a photograph and we will confirm before anything ships.
What bolt patterns do the Planted brackets cover?
Both 280Z bracket versions cover 291mm x 330mm (Cobra pattern) and 345mm x 271mm (Sparco, OMP and Corbeau pattern). Most base mount seats from those brands fit without adapters. Recaro sub-frames are Recaro-specific and will not interchange with the Sparco side mount brackets listed for this car.
Can I fit a side mount competition seat to a 280Z?
Yes. The Planted bracket goes to the floor as normal, and a pair of Sparco FIA steel side mount brackets at 75 pounds goes between the bracket and the seat. This is the route for fixed-back FIA shells. It adds height, so if the roof is close, the base mount route keeps the seat position lower.
Does the Corbeau Sportsman fit a 280Z?
Yes. The Sportsman is designed for genuine classic and vintage cars and the 280Z qualifies. It is listed for both 291mm x 330mm and 345mm x 271mm, so it fits either set of holes in the Planted bracket. All heights, 32 to 38 inch waist, 390 pounds.
What roll cages are available for a 280Z?
Three: a Safety Devices full 6-point bolt-in cage at 747 pounds, a Safety Devices bolt-in rear cage at 447 pounds, and a Custom Cages T45 historic bolt-in kit at 1,625 pounds. Safety Devices carry FIA and MSA approvals; Custom Cages carry FIA and MSUK approvals.
Why do the Safety Devices cage products say S130?
S130 is the chassis designation for the 280ZX (1978-1983), not the 280Z. The 280Z is an S30, the same platform as the 240Z and 260Z. The “(S130)” label in the Safety Devices product names appears to be a naming error. The products are published and available for the 280Z. Contact us if you want to confirm before ordering.
Where do the harness shoulder straps mount on a 280Z?
Behind the seat at roughly shoulder height. The factory S30 bodywork has nothing at that point. A harness bar or roll cage provides the correct mounting. The Safety Devices bolt-in rear cage at 447 pounds comes with harness bar options and can be used on its own. A full cage gives more mounting geometry options.
Is the 280Z bracket the same as the 260Z bracket?
Yes. The Planted SB145 and SB145.1 brackets cover mid-1974 to 1978, which takes in both the 260Z and 280Z production periods. The products are the same. The cage options are different: Safety Devices list a full 6-point cage for the 280Z that is not available for the 260Z.
Should I check the floor before fitting brackets?
Yes. Rust around the seat mounting area is common on all S30 cars. Pull the carpet and look before ordering. This applies whether the car is a 240Z, 260Z or 280Z. The bracket bolts into the floor and the floor needs to be solid.
Can I fit a Recaro Classic Pole Position to a 280Z?
No Recaro-specific frame is listed for the 280Z in the catalogue. The Recaro Classic Pole Position is a side mount seat, and Recaro sub-frames are brand-specific. They will not interchange with the Sparco FIA steel side mount brackets listed for this car. Contact us if you want to explore this further.
More help
The 240Z and 260Z guides cover the earlier S30 variants (1969 to mid-1974 and mid-1974 to 1978) and are worth reading alongside this one. The cage situation differs: the 240Z has more Safety Devices options including USA spec variants, and the 260Z has only a rear cage available from Safety Devices. For any fitment question on a specific 280Z, give us the chassis year, the tab type if you have identified it, and what the car is being built for.
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