Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all
Does anyone know if there is any advantage to using a seat diaphragm instead of the straps, apart from cost as the diaphragm is a lot cheaper than straps.
Thanks Ian

The diaphragm is thought to be able to bear a heavier weight. It causes less cutting into the seat foam than the straps, so the seat might last longer. The diaphragm does not perish as quickly as the webbing straps. Now you say it's cheaper. What's not to like? You may need to modify the hooks or drill the frame to take them - I've known some to fit with no modification and others require a bit of work, biut not difficult.

Thanks simmitc
Don't think i need to worry about excess weight just yet .I had an idea that there was a problem with the diaphragms in the past that were perishing quickly,may be just a senior moment. oh and my seats have wood under seat cushion so rather hard.

All metropolitan police Morris minor pandas were fitted with diaphragms to the front seats to cope with large policemans bottoms. Mine still has the original ones fitted and show no signs of wear.

The Police "Panda" Minors had strengthened seat frames and did also had the diaphragms fitted. As you say, they were long-lasting. Whether the new replacement ones will last as long remains to be seen but they are not expensive and I would give them a try. They are not made by the same company as the originals.

I had a diaphragm fitted in my everyday minor for about 15 years before it tore, so not complaining about it! The new one I bought to replace it from ESM did recommend drilling new holes in the frame.

I use standard seat webbing which is availae very cheaply. It's been on my cars for 15 years.

You can reuse all the old clips if you prize them open with a suitable leaver and pliers