New Seats

Author
Discussion

mk1fan

Original Poster:

10,517 posts

225 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
quotequote all
Following the ill fated mk3 MX-5 attempt - nice seats just too high and I wasn't prepared to hack the frames to bits - I collected a set of Elise seats from a member of the Chim community last night.

Need to sort out some sub-bases but should have them fitted for Snetterton.

Ultimately they need a refurb, but they are tan leather at the moment so that's a bonus. The only other task is to fit heating elements before winter.

I'll post some pics later.

For Mike's benefit the sub-bases will contain mainly stainless.

Stwdv

273 posts

124 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
quotequote all
Hi
I am looking to fit Mk1 Mx seats when refurbed will I have the same problem as I cant try them at the moment as the body is off and hoisted up in the garage
Should I wait until I can trial fit before getting them refurbed ?

phillpot

17,115 posts

183 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
quotequote all



Stainless definitely won you some "Brownie points" but heating elements lost them again! smile

mk1fan

Original Poster:

10,517 posts

225 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
quotequote all
Heated seats are a must for the OH especially as I get the top off loads (if it ain't raining when we set off down with the roof). The Tour had perfect weather for her, British Autumn and Winter not so.

Stwdv,

Do you still have your old seats? If so measure the overall depth from the bottom of the base/mounts to the top of the seat section (where your bum goes not the overall hight). Then compare with the new ones. I think the mk1 MX-5 seats have lower frames than the later versions.

My issue was the steering wheel was touching my legs with the mk3 seats. I'm sure the bases could be lowered (as this is where all the height difference is) I just couldn't motivate myself to do it.

If you don't have your original seats let me know and I'll measure mine at the weekend (car and parts are at my OH's).

greymrj

3,316 posts

204 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
quotequote all
Not sure if it would be relevant to you but Car Builder Solutions do sell some seat runner assemblies. They do look interesting and I would have considered them had I not already completely rebuilt my seat bases.
Go to www.cbsonline.co.uk and go to page 242 (catalogue 25

Stwdv

273 posts

124 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
quotequote all
Mk1 thats very kind of you, no I don't have the original seats in fact I don't know what the seats are, all I know is they are too wide and its difficult to shut the doors
So your offer would be appreciated
Thanks

Stwdv

273 posts

124 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
quotequote all
Oh if anyone has a set of originals i would be very interested

S2Mike

3,065 posts

150 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
quotequote all
This topic may have some answers for you from a while back, if you need any measurements let me know.
I swopped from collapsed rusted through standard seats where a piece of hardboard had been wedged into the underside of the frame, so without any foam of substance it was like sitting on a park bench.
The Mx5 seats were a blinkin luxury and very supportive when "Drifting unexpectedly"
http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
.
ETA If you want the headrests and a bag of tensioning springs ?
I have saved them from mine ( Dark Brown vinyl or could be very dry leather )

Edited by S2Mike on Wednesday 16th July 13:45

mk1fan

Original Poster:

10,517 posts

225 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
quotequote all
To clarify;

My seats are from a mk3 MX-5. Techbotics fitted his mk3 seats without the issue I have with the steering wheel. Although I understand he is less padded than I.

Using the photo S2mike posted in the link above as a base line. The shoulder section of my seats sit higher than the upper seat belt mount. I think they are mk1 seats in S2mike's car.

The MX-5 seats are very comfortable - the mk3's have weatherproof fabric which is a nice touch - and imo more supportive than the original armchairs. That said, I do use Samy on the track so firmer, more supportive seats are 'my thing'.


S2Mike

3,065 posts

150 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
quotequote all
Sorry, didn't clarify they are Mk 1 Mx5 seats..

Alan Whitaker

2,054 posts

182 months

Saturday 19th July 2014
quotequote all
Hi all.
I tried a few, seats, I had Jag XJS and XJ6 both fit but were to high, both very comfortable but not right for me, I ended up with a pr of Lotus Esprit MK1,2 & 3 (£2 from ebay) seats for the workshop just something to sit on and drink my tea, never intended to fit them in the car. My other half came down to see where all her money was going and said how nice they were to sit in, , need a full refurbish so I tried them in the car and decided to use them.
I found the Jag seats ok but when you sat in them your knees were very close to the steering wheel and not a lot of side support.

Alan