Discussion
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.
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.
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.
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First picture with shorter belts , second with original ones.
Good luck with your upgrade.
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First picture with shorter belts , second with original ones.
Good luck with your upgrade.
Edited by S2Mike on Monday 19th January 19:59
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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