I think we all can sympathize with ya Seth. It's that same deal in my uncles 48 F-1. It had a 3rd row seat in it and he wanted an original, so we found 1 and we re-did it completely, all new everything so the only original part is the frame. And while he says he likes it, I HATE IT! It puts me to close to the wheel and it won't go any further back. I was actually thinking of gutting the back and going with a thinner foam that was more dense but thinner, but that would maybe gain us between 3/8 to 1/2 inch. A lot of work for little gain. The problem with the seat that was in it was it was to narrow so 2 guys sat shoulder to shoulder but you both barely had your butt in full contact. Sheesh!! But it was so thin, it gave you more space to the wheel. And the original has terribly soft springs so you sink into the seat, you don't ride on this seat. Sorry - not much help. Just my experience.