28 replies to this topic

[luismx123]

weird question as it might be slightly off topic but did anyone ever consider cutting down the frame in the back/bottom of their seats? I'm 6'4 and sit fairly well in my 1990 Mayfair but in the morning my hair scrapes the roof but later on in the day I shrink a cm or 2 so I fit better ?
was just thinking of cutting the frame down 3-5cm to drop the rear of the seat lower to the ground...

[surfblue]

On the opposite side of the above, I recall you used to be able to buy seat raising blocks which fitted round the rear seat tubes beween them and the floor. They were made of hard grey rubber and if memory serves me right had a couple of different positions allowing you to vary the height. Tried searching for an image of them without success. Anyone else remember them?

[Bobbins]

Cutting the frames is something I've been considering but not to gain height. Based on the driving position the seat could easily be re-positioned an inch or so nearer to the centre of the car without impeding controls or making the driving position feel unnatural, however the LH rear leg (driving seat) is already hard up against the bottom of the tunnel therefore would need to be reshaped to be slightly more towards the centre line of the seat than it is now, currently being right at the edge of the seat. The front is easily moved left with either spacers or re-mounting with a full bar across the two existing brackets. My thought is that if the seat can be re-positioned towards the centre of the car it will better clear the companion bin giving better leg room and enabling it to be reclined a little, this would effectively give more headroom.

 

I'm already using a 1/2" spacer under the RH rear leg to angle the seat over slightly and it gives surprisingly more clearance with the companion bin.

Edited by Bobbins, 20 September 2019 - 03:20 PM.

[Algordo1100]

It amazes me how much value in mini parts, such as seats, have increased in such a short time.
A decade or so ago, I would give away 80's city or mayfair seats. Now i see such items fetching hundreds.

A full interior for an 1100 special is now worth more than I sold a whole special for in 2013 (needing work).

Replacing seats isn't cheap anymore.

[surfblue]

Supply and demand, what were once common parts and virtually worthless were dumped. Now people are looking for these items and having to pay a premium to get what they need. Think Ive still got a full Mini City E interior stashed away in my parents garage, bound to be worth £millions by now 

[Algordo1100]

I've just bought a different SPI :) it still has the lowering bracket but somehow I just fitted better in this one. Must be meant to be.

[beardylondon]

With my 1990 Cooper, I'm 6ft and I fitted both seat extension brackets and steering column drop bracket as soon as I got it last month. However I found the steering wheel position too low, even on highest setting, the steering wheel was too close to my knees for comfort. So I have removed the steering column drop bracket and all is good. I remember sitting in 1996 Mayfair back in the day and my hair touching the headlining, and hence I bought a Checkmate instead, happy days. 

[Algordo1100]

With my 1990 Cooper, I'm 6ft and I fitted both seat extension brackets and steering column drop bracket as soon as I got it last month. However I found the steering wheel position too low, even on highest setting, the steering wheel was too close to my knees for comfort. So I have removed the steering column drop bracket and all is good. I remember sitting in 1996 Mayfair back in the day and my hair touching the headlining, and hence I bought a Checkmate instead, happy days.

I'm 6 ft 1 and pretty built so space is always gonna be a bit of an issue for me in a mini.

I am tall when sitting, my height isn't really in my legs so getting the seat low is what i need to do. And the wheel up.

The old single post seats like a '90 cooper we're fine for me on the 3rd bracket hole and you could even sit behind me. Same on the old recliners like a clubman, which themselves are an adaptation of the original Mini seats.

Spi seats are a clean sheet design though (but probably not for the mini) They do sit me up higher.
I'm going to see if I can gain about an inch by altering the seat legs (tidily). Then with the original column angle and on the original front bracket I should be ok

[Algordo1100]

I've found through my research that Newton Commercial sell a kit for the MGF that increases headroom by lowering the seat base within the frame. This works by replacing the rods that attached the diaphragm with springs, so you sit a bit lower.
I'm going to investigate if this can be done to SPI mini seats. I can see several advantages over hacking into the seat legs. It's not permanent for a start.

If it's doable and a success I will post a how to in the relevant section.

[Bobbins]

I've found through my research that Newton Commercial sell a kit for the MGF that increases headroom by lowering the seat base within the frame. This works by replacing the rods that attached the diaphragm with springs, so you sit a bit lower.
I'm going to investigate if this can be done to SPI mini seats. I can see several advantages over hacking into the seat legs. It's not permanent for a start.

If it's doable and a success I will post a how to in the relevant section.

Very interesting. When I bought mine the diaphragm was shot so I effectively had a very saggy seat (no not a saggy bum) which definitely wasn't comfy! If this is a better result I'd be tempted to try the same although I'm still looking to gain some leg room.

Stu.

[Zach P-D]

6ft here
removed the SPI seats from mine to fit Cobra Monaco Pro seats, a lot more space and a lot more hold so i'm happy. 

[Algordo1100]

So with the column and seat back in original position on my Equinox I do fit fine (mostly) and the driving position is comfortable.
I have also riveted an extra foot pad to the drivers floor mat. This lifts my ankle just slightly allowing my foot to be at a less acute angle to my leg and avoiding aching.

I've looked into lowering the seat base by means of replacing the diaphragm rods with springs and although it looks relatively simple, I have put this off for now.

I'm only scraping my hair a bit in the morning when tallest and the seat is in perfect and original condition so modification seems detrimental. I Also like the shape of the seat in my back very much, more comfortable than my VW Sharan! Lowering my bum without lowering the seat back will alter this.

The only other thing is I would like a small plate or similar on the back of the seat which protects it from damage by resting on the companion bin. At my driving position it just touches it. I cannot find a suitable ready made product for this so I will fabricate something tidy.

[surfblue]

Thought about cutting your hair to prevent early morning rubbing when you are taller ?
?

[Algordo1100]

Thought about cutting your hair to prevent early morning rubbing when you are taller ?
?

I ain't touching the do!
?