23 replies to this topic

[MiniCarJack]

Hi guys, I've been daily'ing my 1991 Mini Neon for nearly a year now, and it's treated me very well so far being surprisingly economical, reliable, and practical for what I need! With that in mind, I'm starting to think of ways to improve its general level of comfort and suitability for being driven daily - I've got my Mk1 on the way to UK shores very soon which will become the sporty/fun/weekend/summer car, so I'd quite like to carry on using the Neon as the more comfortable, quiet, sensible alternative to that.

 

I've already made a few improvements since buying the car in February, namely a set of decent tyres, proper halogen headlamps and a stage 1 kit for better performance, but there's definitely still more to be done! The main areas I'd quite like to address are:

• The seats... I have already replaced the old unoriginal City front seats with original Neon items in slightly better condition, and fitted extension brackets (handily for me given I'm 6ft with disproportionately long legs compared to my torso!), but the seats are still far from supportive or truly comfortable. I've been trawling the internet for ages looking into various options for brand new aftermarket seats, as well as seats from other cars in the very helpful "Seats That Fit In A Classic Mini" thread on this forum, and am weighing these all up versus refurbishing the Neon seats with new foams and covers along with the rest of the interior which I'd like to do anyway. I guess what I'm trying to work out here is, can the early '90s single post recliners actually be comfortable if they're in good condition with decent foam & coverings? Or would I be better off investing in something different - I quite like the look of the Cobra recliners and classic bucket seats which can be bought online, but it's hard to tell what might be the most comfortable option at a reasonable cost. I would also consider some MPI or SPI seats, but by the looks of it, by the time I'd bought them and had them reupholstered I may as well have bought some nice new seats... so I'm just not sure what to do!!! Any opinions on this would be greatly appreciated.
   
• Sound deadening & carpets... I recently took out the majority of the sound deadening material from the interior as it'd gotten damp and smelly (my fault for letting water in and not using floor mats!), and the carpets are completely threadbare. So with that in mind I'd like to get a nice new carpet set, but while doing that job it would make sense to add some more effective soundproofing to make journeys a bit smoother. With this I have a couple of questions.. 1) what sound deadening solution would you recommend? I've seen Dynamat and Silentcoat mentioned frequently, but I'm also wondering if this could be combined with additional material such as thick foam to reduce cabin noise even further, as I don't mind adding weight - this isn't a performance car! 2) has anyone had any experience with the Optimise Automotive carpet sets? they seem to offer easy fitment and their stuff seems generally well received on this forum and in the Mini community, so I'm weighing up between their carpet set or a moulded kit from Newton.
   
• Audio system... One of the previous owners has already fitted a Sony head unit with AUX-in functionality  and a pair of aftermarket speakers in the factory parcel shelf position, which sounds OK. It does lack bluetooth connectivity which I would like, so I'm definitely thinking of a new head unit to let me connect my phone wirelessly. I also fancy improving the quality of sound with a bit more bass and additional speakers in the front of the cabin, so I can hear the "bangin' tunes" more easily. I've had a good look through the ICE section on this forum for some inspiration but most of the build threads and how-to's are quite old, and no doubt car audio technology has progressed a lot since a lot of that content was posted. So if anyone has any good ideas for modern, subtle but decent quality audio setups which might work well for a mini, I'm all ears!
   
• Cup holders... A pretty simple one really, myself and the Mrs aren't big fans of the lack of beverage-holding capabilities in the Neon, so I'd quite like to get this sorted out... tossing up between an armrest-ish/center-console thingywhatsit with a single cup holder, or the moulded item that ABS Motorsport offers which sits just below the heater controls. But would be keen to see if anyone has any other clever or neat solutions for keeping beverages safely stowed during transit!

I'm quite well aware that even a well-sorted Mini is never going to be the most comfortable, luxurious or smooth daily ride, and that I could very well just flog it and buy a perfectly adequate Golf or Mondeo with change to spare. But where's the fun in that?   I'm hoping to just add a few modern conveniences and get a little bit more refinement from the Mini, so it's a little bit kinder to my back and my eardrums. Cheers in advance to any opinions, advice and ideas that anyone can offer!

[Ben_O]

Sounds like some good plans to get some more refinement from the car.

I would definitely recommend sound proofing. That will really help.

Worth remembering that silentcost and dynamat etc are anti drum pads so will not really help with reducing road and engine noise so there is no need to stick it everywhere. 

If the factory bitumen anti drum is still present in the interior floors, leave it unless you want to save weight.

I would suggest insulation on the bulkhead and on the underside of the bonnet and this will make some difference.

You can get decent underlay to go under the carpet which can help with road noise but for too thick and the carpet won't sit right.

I think some people use a closed cell foam.

 

I think it makes quite a difference to driving experience to chase down and eliminate rattles and squeaks too so worth a go if you have the patience.

 

Make sure everything underneath with the running gear is in good order, make sure all bushes and mounting are on par as worn or broken parts can cause unpleasent vibration and noise.

 

I can't really comment on audio equipment. I can install it but not really up on choosing the best components.

 

Changing the seats is a good plan but make sure you get opinions from other tall drivers as bigger seats will obviously take up more space in the cabin.

I'm around 6ft and find it very cramped with spi/mpi seats

Edited by Ben_O, 08 November 2020 - 09:47 PM.

[blacktulip]

I would renew the rubber suspension cones if not already done. This will transform your comfort and journey alone.

[Bobbins]

If choosing different seats, and particularly the SPi/MPi seats, be aware that the limiting factor on leg room is likely to be the rear seat companion bins which prevent the seats being moved back or reclined as far as you might wish. Narrow or slim back seats will give far more room.

[Algordo1100]

If choosing different seats, and particularly the SPi/MPi seats, be aware that the limiting factor on leg room is likely to be the rear seat companion bins which prevent the seats being moved back or reclined as far as you might wish. Narrow or slim back seats will give far more room.

This.

My Spi had extension brackets fitted when I got it. All this achieved was to force the seat into the rear companion bin. The resulting sideways force on the seat, plus the added leverage of the extension brackets, damaged the seat brackets and deformed the front of the cross member slightly. All fixed now.

I have gone for all original fittings and find this most comfortable. I'm 6ft 1 and heavy set. The bus driver position seems best for a mini for me. Again, the column lowering bracket had to be removed so my bent knees would fit.

[Mini Manannán]

I'd go for some modern seats if I was you.  I put some Fiat Punto seats in my daily and it completely transformed it.

I used Dynamat/ Silentcoatt (can't remember which) sparingly - a sheet in the middle of the big panels and 5mm closed-cell foam under all the carpets.  I also fabricated an airbox  which made a huge difference.

  A head unit with Bluetooth is only around £60 or so.

[MiniCarJack]

Thanks all for the insight so far! Very helpful feedback re the MPI/SPI seats in particular, I think I'll definitely be looking at buying some new slimmer-backed seats once funds allow. Seats from a modern car are also still tempting, but I don't really have the skills or the tools to fabricate a safe locking subframe to accommodate this, so brand new probably makes more sense for me.

 

I quite like the look of the fixed-back Cobra Classic RS with headrests, and these look reasonably priced with a pair of seats and subframes all-in for under 600 quid delivered (although I'd definitely go for black or grey):

 

 

That said the Le Mans recliners look a bit more comfortable, albeit a bit larger and coming in a few hundred quid more...

 

Definitely food for thought! If anyone has experience with either of these seats (or similar), particularly taller drivers, please do let me know your thoughts.

 

 

I would renew the rubber suspension cones if not already done. This will transform your comfort and journey alone.

 

Renewing at least the front cones is on the eventual list of jobs to sort out; the mini does ride fairly low in the front and I haven't got HiLos so it's pretty clear that the cones are knackered, but strangely enough, the overall feel of the ride is still surprisingly comfortable. That and I've gotten quite adept at dodging pot-holes   but no doubt I'll notice a massive difference once I get round to that!

[Minigman]

With regards to the sound proofing, i used silent coat covering about 50% of the internal panels and then made up a template for 6mm MLV (mass loaded vinyl)as an underlay. I wouldn't say its refined, but definitely an improvement over no sound proofing. Did your stage 1 kit come with a cone type air filter or a K&N replacement for the standard airbox? The latter being far quieter. The induction roar with my twin HS4 carbs with K&N cones is unreal over 4000rpm. I've taken to wearing ear plugs until i can find a good way of reducing the induction noise without reducing too much power. Seats wise, my reupholstered mk3 seats are substantially more comfortable than i can remember my 80s Mayfair seats were and not to mention the original 1960 seats in my mk1 which are well used, so maybe worth investing in new foam and support diaphragms. As for aftermarket seats, I always thought the Alfa GTV seats looked very nice but no experience of them myself.    

Edited by Minigman, 09 November 2020 - 10:01 AM.

[MiniCarJack]

With regards to the sound proofing, i used silent coat covering about 50% of the internal panels and then made up a template for 6mm MLV (mass loaded vinyl)as an underlay. I wouldn't say its refined, but definitely an improvement over no sound proofing. Did your stage 1 kit come with a cone type air filter or a K&N replacement for the standard airbox? The latter being far quieter. The induction roar with my twin HS4 carbs with K&N cones is unreal over 4000rpm. I've taken to wearing ear plugs until i can find a good way of reducing the induction noise without reducing too much power. Seats wise, my reupholstered mk3 seats are substantially more comfortable than i can remember my 80s Mayfair seats were and not to mention the original 1960 seats in my mk1 which are well used, so maybe worth investing in new foam and support diaphragms. As for aftermarket seats, I always thought the Alfa GTV seats looked very nice but no experience of them myself.    

 

Funnily enough when I originally bought the car it was a bog standard 998 with a K&N cone filter fitted, so the induction noise was pretty hefty but performance was far from optimal with flat spots all over the place! So when fitting the stage 1 bits I also got hold of an original air filter housing and fitted the standard-fit K&N element which came with the kit, it's much quieter now along with a substantially noticeable difference in power from the new inlet & exhaust system, and everything tuned to suit.

 

Interesting that you mention the earlier seats feeling more comfortable than the 80s ones, as I used to daily my Mk1 with original seats with little trouble. That said they'd obviously been refurbished at some point as the covers weren't original, so the difference in comfort could very well have been down to better condition foam & diaphragm as you say. Looking at the costs and effort required to properly refurbish my original seats, I may still end up going brand-new aftermarket instead, but there is some appeal in improving the comfort while retaining some originality to the car... will need to ponder that one a bit more.

[kit352]

I would add that you should look at your steering wheel and column setup to make it truely comfortable. Adjust both as needed. I found when i put sparco's in my neon that the column was both too high and too far away so a drop bracket and spacers were put in. The stock neon wheel was oversized slightly i felt and not as solid as i wanted do a momo went in. Now i have a very comfy car. The shifter is my issue to tackle. Its to far away and a touch to low. I saw they may angled extensions for just such a problem so i may have to try those.
For sure, changing my seats was the biggest difference. Those stock neon seats are horrible. Far to small and with minimal padding. Ive kept them for some reason while knowing i will never put them in the car again.

[MiniCarJack]

I would add that you should look at your steering wheel and column setup to make it truely comfortable. Adjust both as needed. I found when i put sparco's in my neon that the column was both too high and too far away so a drop bracket and spacers were put in. The stock neon wheel was oversized slightly i felt and not as solid as i wanted do a momo went in. Now i have a very comfy car. The shifter is my issue to tackle. Its to far away and a touch to low. I saw they may angled extensions for just such a problem so i may have to try those.
For sure, changing my seats was the biggest difference. Those stock neon seats are horrible. Far to small and with minimal padding. Ive kept them for some reason while knowing i will never put them in the car again.

 

Funnily enough I went for a MOMO wheel in mine as well, it's ever so slightly smaller than the stock wheel but so much more solid and comfortable to hold, it's made a big difference! It didn't help that the old wheel was also stained yellow from what must've been tobacco (a thorough clean unearthed a couple of old butts under the carpets  ). I'll have to see how the column position sits once I end up sorting out the front seats, at the moment I feel as if dropping it further would probably interfere with my knees but some lower seats could definitely help with that! Maybe this is what you need for the gear lever? http://www.minispare...ic/BG8119.aspx 

[G'Racy]

I have the older cloth Cobra LeMans reclining seats, I’m not as tall as you but find them very comfortable, you sit lower and further back so that may help with clearance to steering column, I’ve lowered mine.
Last show I went to I noticed some people using seats from the MX5, looked pretty good and good selection 2nd hand on eBay, buy them and resell if they don’t suit you?

[surfblue]

I used to have Huntmaster recliners in one of my old Minis, similar to the Cobras and quite comfortable.

I find my current Mk1 standard seats perfectly adequate but then its not a daily driver - I do have seat extender brackets though, always found my ankles were sore driving any mini with standard seat position.

Tell us about your Mk1 too please.

[MiniCarJack]

I have the older cloth Cobra LeMans reclining seats, I’m not as tall as you but find them very comfortable, you sit lower and further back so that may help with clearance to steering column, I’ve lowered mine.
Last show I went to I noticed some people using seats from the MX5, looked pretty good and good selection 2nd hand on eBay, buy them and resell if they don’t suit you?

 

I actually used to have a Mk1 MX5 (same year as my Neon funnily enough), and I found the seats to be pretty comfy to be fair. Have seen them being used a fair bit in Minis from other forum threads etc and they're definitely an option I would consider, if I had the capability to make up some subframes to mount them safely. Good to know about the Le Mans seat being comfy though - I think if I go brand new they're my top contender at the moment!

 

I used to have Huntmaster recliners in one of my old Minis, similar to the Cobras and quite comfortable.

I find my current Mk1 standard seats perfectly adequate but then its not a daily driver - I do have seat extender brackets though, always found my ankles were sore driving any mini with standard seat position.

Tell us about your Mk1 too please.

 

There was a pair of huntmaster seats for sale near me quite recently which I did quite like the look of, but blinked and they'd gone! Guessing they're a bit hard to get hold of and quite desirable these days. I've got a project thread for my Mk1 here -> http://www.theminifo...o-the-uk/page-2 , owned since 2013 over in New Zealand so now it's on its way over to the UK where I've now relocated myself 

 

 

On the topic of seats, the cream highback seats in this are a bit more comfortable than standard ones, and very uncommon over here in the UK as they're from an Australian-built Clubman S (or could be a GT). The thought has crossed my mind of taking them out of the Mk1 and swapping them into the Neon, but they don't have the locking facility which I'd quite like to retain in a daily car. Handily though, while they aren't recliners, the backs do flip forward to allow very easy access to the rear seat.

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