11 replies to this topic

[Poppet2]

Is it possible to convert these seats, just wondered if anyone has done this?
Also, how difficult it it to put in and take out seats?

[RossKnight]

I believe so, but the tilt handle or whatever the seats you have will be on the wrong side.

 

And couldn't be easier, two nuts at the front of each leg on the cross member

[Ethel]

Yes 'n no, I think they'll fit (might have to remove the handles), but the back rests are offset, the same as the steering column. What's the reason, you could swap the cushions and covers over if you don't mind making holes for the tilt & release handles.

 

Incredibly easy to remove, just the 2 bolts through the hinges.

[Poppet2]

Yes 'n no, I think they'll fit (might have to remove the handles), but the back rests are offset, the same as the steering column. What's the reason, you could swap the cushions and covers over if you don't mind making holes for the tilt & release handles.
 
Incredibly easy to remove, just the 2 bolts through the hinges.

What do you mean when you say the 'the back rests are offset like the steering column'?
I need to get a driver's seat upholstered but it works out cheaper to get the same seat second hand.
Only problem is, it's the passenger's side.
Is it possible/difficult to change the tilt and release handles, anyone done this?

Edited by Poppet2, 17 January 2014 - 10:22 PM.

[Gremlin]

Unless it's an early seat, the locking hoop will be on the wrong side

[Ethel]

The seat backs are angled so you're facing slightly inwards, but square to the steering wheel. If you can get a matching seat, albeit for the passenger side, your easiest option may well be to remove the covers for your existing frame. The only issue will be holes where the handles were - not hard to hide.

[Gremlin]

The seat backs are angled so you're facing slightly inwards, but square to the steering wheel. If you can get a matching seat, albeit for the passenger side, your easiest option may well be to remove the covers for your existing frame. The only issue will be holes where the handles were - not hard to hide.

+1 and then to hide the hole, make another hole in the passenger seat in the same place and put a grommet in each one and just say that they are special seats

[midridge2]

The locking mechanism will be on the wrong side and you will not be able to lock the seats down.

[roberts]

Is it possible to convert these seats, just wondered if anyone has done this?
Also, how difficult it it to put in and take out seats?

 

We yes, you can but…

No you can't really, as the release mechanism for tilting the seat forward (to allow access to the back) would be in the centre, depending on where it sits (I've never tried fitting the seats on the wrong side) they may even get in the way of the seat belt buckles/handbrake/exhaust tunnel.

Regarding changing the foams, yes you certainly can - we usually swap the foams over when we we re-trim seats as the passenger side foams get less wear.

And finally, regarding changing the seat covers, no you can't - as the holes for the seat release mechanisms, relining mechanisms etc. will be in the wrong place (meaning you have holes in the covers where you don't want them).

Hope that helps.

Thanks
Andy @ Optimise Automotive

[roberts]

The seat backs are angled so you're facing slightly inwards, but square to the steering wheel. If you can get a matching seat, albeit for the passenger side, your easiest option may well be to remove the covers for your existing frame. The only issue will be holes where the handles were - not hard to hide.

 

Sorry, that's wrong - the frames (apart from the mechanism handles), foams and covers (minus the holes in the covers for the mechanism handles) are 100% symmetrical (in terms of alignment).

 

Don't know where you have picked that info up form - sadly whoever told you that has made it up.

Edited by roberts, 19 January 2014 - 09:56 AM.

[Ethel]

Well it seems I've been wrong all these years. I distinctly remember making that observation and  taking it into account when replacing the standard seats with other makes. Looking in my 70's parts catalogue there is only one seat frame listed. Maybe the offset was produced by the adjustment (fore & aft) lever.

 

That or my right arm is longer than my left!

 

http://www.newtoncom...-mini/model-15/, suppose it's even possible the frame tubing was "adjusted" by an ingenious previous owner, wish I'd thought of doing that. 

[RossKnight]

My cloth cobra classic seat seems to be angled and is more central to the steering wheel. But this may be a previous owner modification, or just general wear from someone leaning.

 

But I get a lot of comments from people who have drove behind me saying my seats wonky basically haha.