8 replies to this topic

[Medusa]

Will Pinto bucket seats fit in 1990 mini?)

Edited by Medusa, 30 August 2025 - 04:27 PM.

[beardylondon]

What’s a Pinto?

Pics?

[Medusa]

It's a car from the 1970s

Edited by Medusa, 30 August 2025 - 05:37 PM.

[GT Jimmy]

Very similar to the ford capri in Britain

[Blumeanie]

What’s a Pinto?

Pics?

 

The Pinto was yet another unfortunate marvel of American Automotive design...   

The Pinto was one of Ford's initial attempts at compact cars. It had the fuel tank brilliantly located at the very, very, very, far rear of the vehicle. Wedged between the bumper and the rear diff. (what could go wrong!) 

The car became infamous for exploding at the slightest contact with the rear bumper. It did not survive that reputation. It was spoofed in many movies and in everyday conversation. - But it was quite bad in every other way, as well.  (It was 'fugly' too!) 

I had a little girlfriend back in the teenage years. Hers somehow became a TWO pinto family. They did not own them very long!

The first 20 seconds in the video below will let you know the essentials.
 

https://youtu.be/rmW...S4bwp8gQKqUuh3F

 

 

A gem of a tidbit from the video: 8 of 8 Pintos blew-up in Ford's initial internal crash testing

 

OP: Sorry, I would not know if Pinto seats would fit in a mini...

Edited by Blumeanie, 30 August 2025 - 08:16 PM.

[Medusa]

I cannot find classis mini seats, so looking for alternative.

[Blumeanie]

I cannot find classis mini seats, so looking for alternative.

 

I know I've read many articles (in the mini mags back in the day) where seats were replaced with more modern seats from other vehicles. I could not remember any makes in particular. A quick AI query provided the following: (Obviously biased to the UK/EU market, but some leads may come of this.)

After seeing the results, I do recall Miata seats being commonly discussed in articles.
 

The following vehicle seats are commonly used as replacements in a classic Mini, often requiring custom fabrication for proper fitment: 

• Mazda Miata/MX-5: These seats are a popular choice due to their light weight and how well they fit into the Mini's narrow cockpit.
• Rover Metro and Rover 200/220: As a fellow British car from a related manufacturer, seats from the Rover Metro or Rover 200/220 often fit with less modification.
• Later Model Minis (BMW era): Seats from newer BMW-era Minis (like the R56) have been installed by enthusiasts. They offer modern safety features like headrests but require custom brackets.
• Vauxhall/Opel Astra and Calibra: Seats from these vehicles, such as those from an Astra GTE, have been noted by classic Mini owners for their comfort.
• Smart Car: The seats from a Smart Car are another option that has been used, and they are relatively compact and easy to fit.
• Acura: Seats from various Acura models are often found in junkyards and are considered a comfortable and inexpensive replacement option for classic Minis. 

[mab01uk]

As long as the seats physically fit in a classic Mini without clashing with the doors/door pockets, parking/handbrake, gear lever and do not hit the rear side bins in your chosen position it comes down to making up suitable mountings which would pass any safety tests like the annual MOT test in the UK. Also if access to the rear seats is required the seat tilt/folding mechanism will need to be suitable while avoiding any high back/head restraints fitted from hitting the roof /windscreen.

 

I have found Recaro Seats as fitted to some car manufacturers performance cars like Ford UK often work well in Minis.

 

Pinto is also the unofficial name of the once common Ford OHC engine from the 1970's, as fitted to many Ford cars in the UK & Europe back then.

Edited by mab01uk, Yesterday, 08:38 AM.

[Steam]

In Aus, Holden (Vauxhall or Opel) seats fit well and are comfortable.