Alternative seats…

[Grumpy21]

I’m in the process of carrying out my next ‘upgrade’, fitting non standard seats.

If anyone is interested I can do a little ‘how to’ guide when I’m done in a couple of weeks, will need to take pics of the process in case I need them.

I’m fitting MGF seats, cream leather. Recolouring them to match the rest of the interior and making a custom frame to use the existing seat mounting position and brackets.

I expect the end up with similar seats to the ones currently available for over £1000 for around £200. Maybe 80% as good for 20% of the outlay.

I’ve added a pic of the first trial fit.

[moggiethouable]

They look good and I speak from experience when I say comfortable too.
A word of warning though.
As an owner of both a Minor and an MG TF, I and all F and TF owners will tell you those bolsters wear.
The bolsters protrude so much you will catch them with your backside on entry and exit, every time.
The only answer is a leather repair kit as and when necessary, but eventually they will part company at the stitching.
Sorry to be a harbinger, but those seats are a pet hate for wear, but a delight for comfort and support.
As somebody with a bad back and related issues I find the original minor seats really comfortable, the seating position is better than the wife's Chinese modern MG and almost as comfy as the TF.

[Grumpy21]

I’ve got a revival kit from furniture clinic, used them before with great results

You’re right about the bolsters though.

[svenedin]

I have seen many, many posts about non-original seats over the years but I have never really bothered to look at them fitted in cars at car shows or meets. This is because I don't seen anything wrong with the originals. Recently I did have a discussion with the owner of a car with more modern seats installed. The owner said the seats were comfortable but they only folded forwards, they did not tip forwards like the originals. This made access to the rear seats (2 door) very awkward and the extra bulk seriously restricted the rear legroom.

Stephen

[Grumpy21]

Yes I’ve been careful to use only the original mounting points and my seats will tilt as the originals did. How well they tilt is yet to be seen. But I never carry more than one passenger so it’s sort of irrelevant in my case anyway.

[svenedin]

Yes I’ve been careful to use only the original mounting points and my seats will tilt as the originals did. How well they tilt is yet to be seen. But I never carry more than one passenger so it’s sort of irrelevant in my case anyway.

Fair enough. The lady I spoke to said even children couldn't easily get in the back when she was doing the school run. I have a large dog and he needs to be able to walk in with the seat tipped forwards. I did think at one time that head restraints would be a bit safer but once I started to think about that aspect of safety I realised that there was very little point considering all the other issues. Comfort is obviously the main reason but the standard seats are a lot better when fully refurbished. They don't suit everybody though.

Stephen

[Grumpy21]

No my motivation is comfort and short legs! I sit close but reclined usually and the Morris seats are either too far away for the legs or too close for the arms!