Seat suggestions

[Russwhitehouse]

I'm considering new seats for the Healey as the current ones are not the most comfortable over long distances and have started giving me pretty severe back ache. Room is an issue as obviously Healeys are pretty snug, as is the need for a head restraint (as per the current seats) due to the roll bar being in a perfect place to smash the back of my skull in the event of a shunt.I've just completed the 45th Parallel rally across France from East to West and was a virtual stretcher case by the end of it, so need to address the problem. Can anyone make a suggestion? (no, getting a car with better suspension isn't one.)

[Riley Blue]

I had the same problem in my Riley 1.5 and fitted a pair of MG F Mk1 seats like these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw=mgf+seat&am...

I don't know how much room you have but they may be worth investigating; they recline, have ample fore/aft travel and adjustable head restraints. I had them retrimed to match the interior by Newton Commercial, here's an 'installed' photo:

[Russwhitehouse]

Nice. Sadly they would be far too wide for the Healey, space really is an issue. My current seats are made by Cobra, and whist i can't fault the quality, over time and many hard miles with my not inconsiderable arse bouncing up and down on them, they are getting a little tired and no longer offer the ride they once did. Either that or i'm wearing out quicker than they are.

[lowdrag]

Surely you can't be the first to suffer this problem? I'd contact JME or another specialist for advice. However if you'd like more specialised torture try an XKSS!

[Russwhitehouse]

JME used to use Ridgard seats, but i have a feeling Bob Ridgard is no longer on the scene. It may well be worth contacting them though to see who they use now. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Riley Blue]

Russwhitehouse said:

Nice. Sadly they would be far too wide for the Healey, space really is an issue. My current seats are made by Cobra, and whist i can't fault the quality, over time and many hard miles with my not inconsiderable arse bouncing up and down on them, they are getting a little tired and no longer offer the ride they once did. Either that or i'm wearing out quicker than they are.

I thought they'd probably be too large, a pity as they're so comfortable for the 'bigger bottomed' driver and also look right in an older car - good hunting!

[Flying Phil]

I've fitted MX 5 seats in my Frogeye and I know many other Midget/Sprites have had them fitted also. There are the later high back types or the earlier, with removeable head restraints, if you have a tonneau cover. If you have a 3000 I,m sure these will fit widthwise and they are comfortable (trips to S of France and Italy.)

[healeyfan]

Mazda MX5 seats seem to be used as replacement in lots of different cars as they are quite narrow.

[Russwhitehouse]

Now there's a thought. Any pictures? How are they mounted?

[hal 1]

I've got Saab seats in my haldane100, I don't know how the interior space compares with the real thing but they're very comfortable, been on a few long journeys without too many problems.

Haldane100.com

[healeyfan]

4 bolts but the front mounting will need modifying as it's angled. Have a look at eBay Mazda MX5 interior car seats. Look for the brightly colorued ones which fit a MX5. The mountings are flat at the front.