Seat problem

Post by **katiekat** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 7:59 pm

Is there any way I can alter the drivers seat to move further forward?

My partner is only 5'2 and can't reach the pedals! Only problem is that I am 6 foot. Oh dear

Would car seats from other cars fit if I get desperate?

Thanks for the advice!

Kate

Post by **kas279n** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 8:13 pm

I've got newton commercial seats that slide back and forth very easily. They came with the car, so not sure of costs though.

Kathryn

Thu Apr 16, 2009 8:42 pm

i think the newton commercial seats cost a bit and are based on the metro seat frame. The metro seat fits in easily and you can knock up your own bases to allow them to fit or you can buy the brakets.

if you have a 2 door make sure you get seats from a 2 door metro or you will find it difficult to get in and out of the back seats.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 9:43 pm

Standard Minor adjustable seat should take care of the size difference. If not - a cushion will do the trick!

Post by **mike.perry** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 9:53 pm

You can mount the seat on the forward set of bolt holes (revealed when you lift the carpet) which would suit your partner but then you would have the problem. Alternatively keep a lookout for a modern pair of seats with tip forward backrests and more front to rear adjustment. You will then need adapter frames.

Post by **katiekat** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 11:46 am

Thanks that's really helpful!

Post by **Peetee** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 6:26 pm

The metro seat fits in easily and you can knock up your own bases to allow them to fit or you can buy the brakets.

There are some frames marketed by a firm based in the west of England. Be aware that only some of the older Metro seats fit these frames. At some point the runners were spaced differently and were the wrong width for the holes in the bases. This carried on through to the cars badged Rover 100.
It's not impossible to make them fit but it's certainly not a simple 'bolt in' job as you might expect.

Post by **katiekat** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 8:51 pm

It sounds quite difficult actually. I want to keep the original seats but I'm a complete novice. I need to find a simple solution I think!

Thanks for your help!

Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:01 pm

i could be wrong but what I think petee says is difficult is modifying the frame to fit the metro seats other than the ones they are intended for.

fitting the frame and the "correct" metro seat should be very straight forward, simply undo the four bolts holding your current seat and bolt in the new frame. then bolt the metro seat to the new frame and off you go!

by the way any news on the MOT?

Post by **katiekat** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:06 pm

Thanks.

For the MOT she needs a little bit welding in 3 places, a binding brake sorting and 1 indicator wasn't working.

The total is going to be about £120 so that's not too bad! I know a good little garage and they are very reasonable.

She is still at the garage at the moment!

Post by **ani** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 10:36 pm

Hi,
The great seat debate!!!! I'm only 5'1" !!! If you want to keep the original seats then you should take the seat as far forward as possible and then get some blocks fitted underneath the rear feet.
This together with a nice comfy cushion behind will certainly do the trick

I remember back in 1967 my Mum (also about 5' 1") drove a Morris convertible - she didn't have any problems and they wern't any metro seats around then. Mabe we've all got too used to easy back and forward modern controls. You'll get used to it

Post by **mike.perry** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 1:07 am

Upgrading the front seats is an acceptable modification. Unfortunately the design of Minor seats got worse as the models progressed. The Series MM seats are quite comfortable if a little short in the backrest, the backrest tips forward and the seat folds forward giving easy access in to the back. By the time we get to the late M1000 the seat is covered in sweaty plastic, the base goes all soggy when the straps stretch, they are uncomfortable and the backrest is fixed, making it a struggle to get in the back of a 2 door.

Post by **katiekat** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 2:13 pm

I think the block under the back is a good idea!

Nice and simple!

Post by **kennatt** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 10:35 am

katie If you have a look underneath you will see where the reinforcing u shaped bracket is where the seat bolts come through I think you will find that you can gain an inch or so by drilling a new hole and putting a nut on the bolt. However then the seat would probably be too far forwards for you,As you move the seat forwards the back tends to automatically tip forwards as well.I'm 6.1 and had to do this to get the seat base far enough back and the rear then tilted too far back,I welded tube across the rear of the seat base to tip it up.Good luck with it

Post by **katiekat** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:38 am

Thanks, I'm going to have a look at it today to see what I can do with it.