8 replies to this topic

[fenghuang]

I've seen various companies selling "universal" seat frames. Some seem to also mention Cobra seats, so I was wondering how "universal" they are. What degree of fabrication is usually involved in fitting non-mini front seats with or without these frames? Does the cross beam ever cause problems?

Edited by fenghuang, 01 December 2014 - 05:46 PM.

[Grimshaw17]

I found mini tilted back a bit too much, yet to try them with my metro seats but have to modify them to fit anyhow

[olosteve]

I found mini tilted back a bit too much, yet to try them with my metro seats but have to modify them to fit anyhow

Quite a bit of work to do to fit, Metro seats. Back seats you have to cut all the base metal work off and cut 6" off each side. Back rest you need to trim the top corners. Front seats need to be raised at the back. Very worth doing as so much more comfortable.

Edited by olosteve, 01 December 2014 - 04:10 PM.

[fenghuang]

Are Metro front seats typical in the modifications needed? And are you fitting them with "universal" frames or some other way?

[Grimshaw17]

 

I found mini tilted back a bit too much, yet to try them with my metro seats but have to modify them to fit anyhow

Quite a bit of work to do to fit, Metro seats. Back seats you have to cut all the base metal work off and cut 6" off each side. Back rest you need to trim the top corners. Front seats need to be raised at the back. Very worth doing as so much more comfortable.

 

Only fitting the front ones as the back seats are never used and got a pair for £10! 

I plan on using some universal frames and then producing some brackets to allow the narrower mounting points, hopefully it will work... If not I will solid mount them with the original frames

 

The universal frames worked ok with some lowback bucket seats, however didn't slide back very far and tilted, personally I believe you are better off buying the frames from the manufacturer as they are produced for the intended seat.

[fenghuang]

I (should) have a set of BMW Recaros. I'll be plesantly surprised if there are frames manufactured to put them in a Mini

[Grimshaw17]

I (should) have a set of BMW Recaros. I'll be plesantly surprised if there are frames manufactured to put them in a Mini

Oooo nice! Yeah good point, will have to fabricate some then

[fenghuang]

Do you think universal frames would be worth while, or is more likely to be a case of starting from scratch? If so, what sort of structure do you think will need fabricating?
(I can't get to see what framework will come with them, so I have no idea what to expect.)

[Grimshaw17]

Do you think universal frames would be worth while, or is more likely to be a case of starting from scratch? If so, what sort of structure do you think will need fabricating?
(I can't get to see what framework will come with them, so I have no idea what to expect.)

 

From what I have seen people mount them in two ways (someone might be along with other ideas):

 

Start from scratch, Use the original BMW sliders and weld in a cross member from the tunnel to the sill in the rear foot well, then mount the rear of the slider and either make some brackets for the front to use the existing points or make new mounting points on the cross member. (although i think this compromises space in the back)

 

or

 

Use universal subframes, produce some brackets to go from the bmw seat mounting holes to the narrower universal seat frame. Using some flat steel bar. This is what I plan on doing with my metro seats, ive attached a quick paint diagram in how I intend on doing this. The steel bar would have to be thick enough not to flex however.

 

Heres a useful link aswell:

http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/topic/63013-seats-that-fit-in-the-classic-mini/page-22 

Edited by Grimshaw17, 04 December 2014 - 10:14 AM.