12 replies to this topic

[ReeceTaylor]

Hi guys, looking to change out my seats as they aren't in the best condition
I was looking at getting bucket seats because my back seats aren't really gonna be used too often and I have a lot of questions:
. Are they worth it for the price?
. I'm going to need harnesses too aren't I?
. Will people be able to squeeze through the centre if I do need to transport more than one person? (as I think they're stationary)
. Do they fit in easy?

Failing this I was looking at re-upholstering my current seats, does anybody know a place that'll do it for a decent price?

Thanks in advance for your replies :)

[matt050990]

You can get bucket seats that have a tipping subframe so you can let people in the back?

[ReeceTaylor]

You can get bucket seats that have a tipping subframe so you can let people in the back?

Wasn't aware of that mate!
Do all bucket seats come with that?

[Alex_B]

Yeah depends on the type of bucket seats you are after, I have cobra classics fitted and I use standard seat belts, if you use harnesses you cannot have anyone in the back seat;it is just dangerous,

My seats are on a tipping subframe and I can fit someone in the back if they are short, the high back fixed bucket seats make it pretty hard to get anyone in the back as they hit the roof when tipped forwards

And I think it depends what you are looking at as to whether they are worth it, cobras and corbeau seats are quite expensive but we'll made and my classics are very supportive and comfortable, mamba make cobra copies and I can't comment on quality but they don't look to be as well made but cost less than the main brands

I would recommend going to a mini show to see what they look like and if you ask nicely you may be able to sit in some to see what they are like, get an idea on what you're after and keep you eyes open for some second hand, mine cost about £100 for two fronts and a mat hung cover for the rear :)

[Nick Warwick]

http://www.minispare...nyl-mini-seats/

[matt050990]

You can get either fixed frames or front tilting just make sure you check when you buy.
Personally I don't really like bucket seats as I don't like the laid back position but it's personal preference really....
And price wise, you get what you pay for a lot of the time, but as above see if you can try before you buy.

[HarrysMini]

I personally don't like bucket seats in a road Mini, I've been in one with them and they're not all that comfortable, but they are really supportive. I believe you can pay big money and get comfortable ones though.

 

I would recommend Recaro style seats, which are supportive, comfortable, and look cool. You can get genuine ones, or copies (Golf seats, MG ZR seats etc.)

 

For re-upholstering, look at Optimise Automotive, and Retro Retrims. 

[ReeceTaylor]

Yeah depends on the type of bucket seats you are after, I have cobra classics fitted and I use standard seat belts, if you use harnesses you cannot have anyone in the back seat;it is just dangerous,
My seats are on a tipping subframe and I can fit someone in the back if they are short, the high back fixed bucket seats make it pretty hard to get anyone in the back as they hit the roof when tipped forwards
And I think it depends what you are looking at as to whether they are worth it, cobras and corbeau seats are quite expensive but we'll made and my classics are very supportive and comfortable, mamba make cobra copies and I can't comment on quality but they don't look to be as well made but cost less than the main brands
I would recommend going to a mini show to see what they look like and if you ask nicely you may be able to sit in some to see what they are like, get an idea on what you're after and keep you eyes open for some second hand, mine cost about £100 for two fronts and a mat hung cover for the rear :)

Those are exactly the ones I was looking at, there's some on eBay just now :)
Guess I'll be sticking to standard seatbelts then haha
Are the cobra classic on a tipping subframe standard or did you he that done yourself?

http://www.minispare...nyl-mini-seats/

On this link it notes that it comes with rear seat coverings, how well do they cover the back seats?

[DomCr250]

I personally don't like bucket seats in a road Mini, I've been in one with them and they're not all that comfortable, but they are really supportive. I believe you can pay big money and get comfortable ones though.

 

I would recommend Recaro style seats, which are supportive, comfortable, and look cool. You can get genuine ones, or copies (Golf seats, MG ZR seats etc.)

 

For re-upholstering, look at Optimise Automotive, and Retro Retrims. 

Good suggestion on fitting some from another car, we always used to do that back in the '80's - you just need the subframes made up which is very easy ... also look at S2000 and Z3 / Z4 seats.

[Nick Warwick]

 

Yeah depends on the type of bucket seats you are after, I have cobra classics fitted and I use standard seat belts, if you use harnesses you cannot have anyone in the back seat;it is just dangerous,
My seats are on a tipping subframe and I can fit someone in the back if they are short, the high back fixed bucket seats make it pretty hard to get anyone in the back as they hit the roof when tipped forwards
And I think it depends what you are looking at as to whether they are worth it, cobras and corbeau seats are quite expensive but we'll made and my classics are very supportive and comfortable, mamba make cobra copies and I can't comment on quality but they don't look to be as well made but cost less than the main brands
I would recommend going to a mini show to see what they look like and if you ask nicely you may be able to sit in some to see what they are like, get an idea on what you're after and keep you eyes open for some second hand, mine cost about £100 for two fronts and a mat hung cover for the rear :)

Those are exactly the ones I was looking at, there's some on eBay just now :)
Guess I'll be sticking to standard seatbelts then haha
Are the cobra classic on a tipping subframe standard or did you he that done yourself?

http://www.minispare...nyl-mini-seats/

On this link it notes that it comes with rear seat coverings, how well do they cover the back seats?

 

 

 

Pretty well to be honest

[Quicksilver-ash]

I have a brand new spare set of tilting bucket seat subframe a for sale £60 posted if they are any use to you?

[Alex_B]

 

Yeah depends on the type of bucket seats you are after, I have cobra classics fitted and I use standard seat belts, if you use harnesses you cannot have anyone in the back seat;it is just dangerous,
My seats are on a tipping subframe and I can fit someone in the back if they are short, the high back fixed bucket seats make it pretty hard to get anyone in the back as they hit the roof when tipped forwards
And I think it depends what you are looking at as to whether they are worth it, cobras and corbeau seats are quite expensive but we'll made and my classics are very supportive and comfortable, mamba make cobra copies and I can't comment on quality but they don't look to be as well made but cost less than the main brands
I would recommend going to a mini show to see what they look like and if you ask nicely you may be able to sit in some to see what they are like, get an idea on what you're after and keep you eyes open for some second hand, mine cost about £100 for two fronts and a mat hung cover for the rear :)

Those are exactly the ones I was looking at, there's some on eBay just now :)
Guess I'll be sticking to standard seatbelts then haha
Are the cobra classic on a tipping subframe standard or did you he that done yourself?

http://www.minispare...nyl-mini-seats/

On this link it notes that it comes with rear seat coverings, how well do they cover the back seats?

 

Mine are on tilting cobra subframes that I have modified to adjust the seating position to be less reclined, and the rear cover on mine fits perfectly, so much so when I bought them I didnt realise it was a cover I thought it was reupholstered 

[jsiggee]

I'm not a fan of bucket seats in a road mini like other people but whatever floats your boat. There are lots of different types of bucket seats in varying prices depending on quality. I personally upgraded to SPI seats because they are factory fitted so they will bolt straight in with no worries and they offer much better support than the square single post seats my mini was fitted with from the factory.

 

James