Seat change

[tango123]

Just bought some MX 5 seats for the V8s ,changing the XJS ones previously fitted as they are tired and a bit wide .Anyone got MX5 seats installed, and if so any tips ?

[mk1fan]

I had mk3 MX-5 seats for a brief moment.

Overall, the seat was comfortable, the style suited the car (imho) and they were no heavier than the original items.

Fitting was easy. I removed the integrated seatbelt clip off the seat as the GRP floor is in no way strong enough for it to be used. My seats had pins and bolts at the front. The bolts were fitted through a cranked end of the seat base rail that nearly matched the profile of the GRP floor. The rear was just two bolts. It was a case of drilling new holes and fitting some s/s bolts and nuts. You may find some of the existing holes line up already, you may not. Bolts are easier to access than on the original items.

I got rid of them because my thighs touched the steering wheel which is uncomfortable to say the least. The sub frames can be adapted though. They're only mild steel so if you can weld....... I chose to refit the original seats.

I'm not sure what the sub frames are like on mk1 or mk2 MX-5 seats. They maybe different and lower. DamienS3 has them fitted to his S, only needed to drill a couple of holes and has no issues with the height (I think they ended up slightly higher).

I've now got a set of Elise seats fitted.

[S2Mike]

I fitted Mk2 MX 5 seats in my S2 easiest job I did on the S, all but one hole lined up to fit. The subframes are almost a perfect shape, compared to the floor. You do sit a little higher than the originals but beiing qiute short it was a bonus. I also fitted the shorter seat belt stalks out of a Fiat Punto, to avoid the buckle digging in my ribs.
.

.

First picture with shorter belts , second with original ones.
Good luck with your upgrade.

Edited by S2Mike on Monday 19th January 19:59

[Alan Whitaker]

Hi All
My Seat story or sarger.
I had a pr of XJS which I wanted to fit in my S and a nice fit they were, a bit high at the front, I could see there was about 2 1/2" between the floor and the centre outrigger support so out with the grinder and a bit of re glassing and floor was lower by 21/2" and the seat was 2 1/2" lower at the front. Not for the faint hearted but if you want you can lower the floor. Sadly after are working the chassis for a wider gearbox and a alteration to the tub and the seats were to wide. so ended up with a pr of Lotus Esprit seats which are a perfect fit.

Alan

[DamianS3]

Hello

I have some mk3 mx5 seats in my s3. A straight forward fit as already described. I didn't have knee issues but my head was closer to roof than I was happy with so Track V Road modded the driver sub frame gaining me an inch and a bit. Now they are perfect. I like the asymmetric nature of the bolsters (wider on outside) shows real thought in that they are made for a narrow car. IMHO much lighter than originals and way more supportive and comfortable; especially the head rest area. I will wire up heating elements soon but want to take the airbags out. Overall much superior engineering to originals.

Need to take more pictures.

Thanks

Damian S3

[tango123]

Thanks for all the replys, seats look good in S2 Mikes. I also have some new seatbelts to fit when i do the seat change . Was wondering if you picked up on the chassis outrigger for the termination of the belt ?.

[DamianS3]

I'm using the standard seatbelt mounts is bottom of B? Pillar top on same and on the transmission tunnel.

D

[tango123]

I was talking about the webbing part of the seatbelt it seems to be attached halfway down the inner sill , mine isnt

[phillpot]

tango123 said:

I was talking about the webbing part of the seatbelt it seems to be attached halfway down the inner sill , mine isnt

..... doesn't sound right, got a photo?

[S2Mike]

As Phillpot says that does sound like a strange set up.
I only changed the centre part of the belt mounted on the transmission tunnel. Tha Fiat part is compatible with the original fitment webbing part of the set up.

[Alan Whitaker]

Hi

I think he means the inertia belt reel?

Alan

[tango123]

Hi S2 Mike did you cut off the tangs on the mazda frames behind the front bolt holes or did you use them for location ?

[S2Mike]

Once I had bent the seat runner brackets for the flat floor fixing, then used some 3mm thick rubber strip I had lying around to take up the slack in the uneven floor, plus the thick pile carpet, the "tangs" were left in place but caused no issues.
ETA, The pegs could slot nicely into the original holes in the floor as they do line up then make new holes for the fixings.

Edited by S2Mike on Friday 20th February 13:35

Edited by S2Mike on Friday 20th February 13:50

[DamianS3]

Iirc on mine the locating pins on the mx5 seats dropped nicely into the origional bolt holes or at least I think they did.

Damian S3