22 replies to this topic

[TheJakel12]

I don't really know if this in the right thread but I don't know where else to put it!
I'm putting this up to see if I would like or need some, there not the sort of thing you can try out or borrow or even look at them in a shop!
Basically, compared to regular mini seats, are bucket seats:
- more comfortable?
-thinner, and so giving more leg room in the back?
-easy to use with regular seatbelts?
-easy to safely install?
-generally better from experience?

[KernowCooper]

- more comfortable? ....................................................................Depends on the quality and type of seat, some are back breaking my cousing drove 300miles in one and we had to drag him out
-thinner, and so giving more leg room in the back?......................Not really depending the the shape can reduce rear leg room
-easy to use with regular seatbelts? ............................................Depends how high the side bolsters are, Higher side more difficult on std belts to the point the belt may do little in a accident
-easy to safely install? .................................................................Yes install is usually on its own subframe and bolted to the cars mounts or their own
-generally better from experience?.............................................. Can restrict getting in and out and a steering column lowering bracket may be needed

[Noah]

I'm 16 and I struggled getting in and out of my car when there was a Cobra Clubman in there, its really not for me, or dad, who's taller and fatter.

I found it uncomfortable and to upright, so I bought some SPI full leathers that have back adjusters.

The seat also had worn on the bolsters because of people having to slide down the chair to get in. It also was too wide for the car and got stuck on the B-Post.

I really hated it.

I suppose a more comfortable one would be better but the advantage is instead of having to hold onto the steering wheel you're held in, the SPI seats have a bit of bolstering so I'm okay but no where near as kept in as the bucket seat, but then again, If I still had it, I wouldn't have a spine if i had to drive it daily, like I plan to.

[Alex_B]

I personally love my cobra classic seats they are low and quite laid back but they look fantastic and make me feel like a racing driver being so low, but I have fitted a lowering bracket on the steering wheel so its less sit up and beg,

they are a bit of a struggle to get out of but being 20 and slim i have no issues :)

[Shifty]

None, none whatsoever!!

I hate the dammed things!!

[mini*mad]

How about to keep you in place when your flinging it round corners!

[blacktulip]

cant beat the original MK3 recliner type seat i think. people say they are uncomfortable but i think they are very comfortable. the mayfair/city seats are not that comfortable though.

[joeyfinneran]

If you get the right set there comfortable and wont hurt your back iv had 450 mile trip in mine and the only thing that was sore was my arse from the bumpiness. Considering it got sore after 20 mile on standard city seats thats a improvement.

I would say some are thinner but with the different subframes you can put the back more than standard seats so you'll probably end up doing that for more comfort and lose rear leg room.

If you drive on like i do they will hold you much better that standard seats.

Access to rear seats is harder as the seats dont go forward too well

If there rigid seats seat belts mightnt work too well if your thin but if you get recliner tyre normal belts work perfect.

Iv got cobreau cr1's (i think)

[TheJakel12]

Thanks for all the quick replays, I'm new to this site and I didn't realise how quickly I could get all this information from you guys!
So what I've found out is :
-comfort completely depends on preference
-they do not give more leg room - less if anything
-again it depends on the seat how well they can be used with regular seatbelts
-and they do seem to be easy to safely install!

So basically it all depends on the seat! Is there anyway I can try seats before buying as the only way I've seen to buy seats is online, so you can't even feel them or sit in them!
Also being quite tall, will bucket seats put you quite low and give you more headroom?
Thanks guys!

Edited by TheJakel12, 07 April 2013 - 10:42 AM.

[Noah]

Just for reference this is the seat I had in mine....

[jpw1275]

i have these in mine.... a pair of microcell travellers.... best of both worlds i think after having normal seats and bucket seats... advantage is they fully fold up and lift giving easy access to the rear







a pair came up recently on ebay and sold pretty cheap

cheers james

[joeyfinneran]

Talk about folding up tight
Look like a nice seat too but do they hold u in hard corning ?

[jpw1275]

ive had no problems they are pretty huggy when your stapped in...;)... plus i have static kangol 3 point belts so i would go anywhere if i was sat on a bench lol

cheers james

Edited by jpw1275, 07 April 2013 - 03:04 PM.

[Haynes]

Many bucket seats can prevent access to the back seat as they dont tip forward enough and these days i think the mot frowns upon passengers having to clamber in and out over the front seats. And, if you are fitting buckets they are better off being bolted down to prevent any movement, better used with full harnesses too.

Generally they aint more comfortable but their real advantage is to hold you in place when cornering enthusiastically.

[Old Bob]

I can only comment on FIA type competition seats. If you buy the right ones and mount them correctly they will fit like a glove and also provide a safer and more enjoyable ride.

But, good ones are expensive, they will make access to the rear difficult (impossible if they are properly bolted to the shell) and make it very difficult to even wipe the rear windows. While you will quickly learn the art of getting into the car, others will struggle (look for flashes of thigh if you are lucky - a large rear end in your face if not) as your passenger tries to get seated.

Unless you are getting into motor-sport, you are probably better off without. Certainly; try and sit in someone else's car with them fitted before committing yourself.

Bob