6 replies to this topic

[Whizzbang]

Why are the 3 available holes for the seats in an ausmini mk1 cooper S square? Are there special bolts for these brackets?

 

[nicklouse]

Most likely to allow for the bending tolerance during manufacture. Just think if the holes were the correct size and the bends were not 100% you would not get the bolt through.

[scoop-deluxe]

There is a square section under the round bolt head that stops the bolt turning in the bracket. Much like a coach bolt, wing nut retains the end for easy adjustment.

[68+86auto]

The correct bolts are coach bolts and had a wing nut so they could be removed by hand.

There's a local here who claims to be the reason they fitted them, I highly doubt it though.

[Spider]

I thought the earlier UK cars were the same ?

We had these factory fitted seat brackets fitted here in production from roughly 1962-ish to sometime in 1977.

 

 

and to save me typing it all out !

 

The tilt lock appeared around 1972 or 73 to comply with our local ADRs though a similar mechanism was in the UK cars, though I'm not sure from when. Prior to the tilt catch, one could simply tilt the seat anytime they wished - wanted or not !

As Scoop and 68-86 mentioned, there was a Dome headed 1/4" UNF bolt used, that had a square under the head to prevent them from spinning and a diecast wingnut.

 

Adjusting these was the very first mechanical thing I ever did on a Mini, that was for my Dad back around 1974-ish.

Ben at MinisPlus has the right hardware;-

 

https://www.minisplu...olt-and-wingnut

 

If you are looking for originality, the Bolts were painted black.

[Whizzbang]

Thanks all, very helpful

[amsgw]

Does anyone have a photo of how the seat latch is installed? Mine is a 1981 City, no latches in sight - I just took this as a given as an older car but apparently not, thanks spider for your knowledge! Can't seem to find the part on minispares either?