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Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 9:32 pm
by youngcamper
Hi there,

I have been looking into getting some new seats for my moggy and I have been considering these options but I'd also like to know what you do.

Currently I have some metro seats but there a bit grotty and don't go with the interior so I was looking at getting some re-covered but I don't know the cost of that (prohibitive?)

I have also been looking at getting some MGF seats and re-colouring them to be light blue but as there a mix of vynal and leather it would be a bit of a job.

What do you or would you do ?

Cheers

Will

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:43 pm
by mike.perry
The choice is yours but make sure that
A They fit. You will need a seat adapter base
B The backrest tips forward or you will not be able to get into the back, except 4 door
C They are comfortable

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:38 pm
by Peetee
Do you have a picture of the Metro seats? The way they mounted to the floor changed over the years but the later models had the same fitment as Rover 200. That gives you a lot more choice, predominantly non-tipping 4-door style (which can restrict you if you have a 2 door and regularly take rear passengers) but there are 2 door seats to be found and some in leather.
The grey leather is close to the pale blue interior and could probably be successfully dyed to match relatively cheaply. The red leather seats from a Rover 200 BRM are a very good match.

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 9:49 pm
by youngcamper
I am afraid I don't have a picture of the metro seats, they are grey and the material has rips and is worn in places I have a 4 door moggy so in that respect tipping doesn't matter.

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 8:55 am
by Peetee
If the seats are already in the car then you are most of the way there. The crucial part is getting seat bases supplied or made so that they match the width of the seat runners. The distance between the runners on Metro seats varied over the years.

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 12:53 pm
by mike.perry
If the seats and bases do not match then you can get a metal sheet of suitable thickness and bolt it to the frame then drill and bolt the seats to the sheet

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 7:24 pm
by Peetee
If the seats and bases do not match then you can get a metal sheet of suitable thickness and bolt it to the frame then drill and bolt the seats to the sheet
In thoery, yes. However some of the runner widths vary by an inch or so, making an awkward overlap problem, especially in view of the fact that custom mounts would need side to side fettling to provide adequate space for seatbelts on the outer face and clearance for the transmission tunnel between the seats.It can be very close on some designs.

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 10:18 pm
by mike.perry
Well I thought it was a good idea :roll:

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 8:17 am
by Peetee
It is a good idea but not necessarily straighforward as it first seems. I have done this conversion to both 2 and 4 door cars. It does involve a fair bit of lifting, measuring, checking, grinding, drilling and so on. As with many jobs, it's personal preferance how much work you are willing or able to do before you opt for the professional option.

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 6:34 pm
by youngcamper
Cheers for all the feedback guys, I have been looking on ebay for some Cream leather seats which I can re colour , has anybody done this ? is it hard? some seats have vynal and leather will the same colourant work on both materials?

Cheers

Will

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 9:56 pm
by Peetee
You can get cream leather seats from a Rover Coupe and a Saab both of which have been fitted to Mogs at one time or another.

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 10:04 pm
by youngcamper
any particular model as it would be annoying buying the wrong ones.

Cheers

Will

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 7:51 am
by Peetee
I can't be specific having never used them but someone will be along soon who has.....hopefully. :-?

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 7:56 am
by youngcamper
thinking about it my Dad has successfully fitted some MGF seats in red to his convertible so perhaps I should just get some of them to re colour. although the leather/vynal combo on these seats would make hard work.

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 4:53 pm
by ian.mcdougall
yoy will have to treat the different materials with different dyes but it will work I did my rear seat for a series mm that had leather seat and vinyl sides and top.I got a good match to new front seat covers and door trims from Woolies Trim http://www.woolies-trim.co.uk If you send them a sample they will be able to match it for you

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 10:38 pm
by cmea
I damaged my original seats when welding (with the car rolled on its side). As a result I fitted leather seats from a 2dr bmw convertible (cheap on flea bay!). I bolted the runners to 1-2 inch studs that then bolt through the floor via very large washers. I also managed to fit the rear seats in but had to make new rear cards with arm rests built in. It now means I can remove the rear seat central armrest to put long things in the boot without dropping the whole rear backrest down. Now I am on the look out for heated bmw seats to improve the winter driving experience in my convertible.

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 6:52 am
by charlie_morris_minor
Sounds interesting.. got any photos?

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2010 10:43 pm
by cmea
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Photos show my BMW seats. as you can see they are worn - many people think they are original as the are aged. They came out of a 2 dr convertible so they tilt forward to allow rear access. The rear set has a removable arm rest that allows you to put long items in the boot (I believe BMW made them for skis to fit in!) i use it for oars and sails for my dinghy.I had to make new rear door cards with arm rests to cover the gap by the wheel arch. Will try and get some better pictures of the actual fitting arrangement.

Re: Replacing seats What do you do?

Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2010 7:00 am
by Declan_Burns
Cmea,
Those seats look a very good fit-any idea which BMW they came from?
Regards
Declan