Sports seats in an MGB.
Discussion
Anyone put any sports/racing seats into a B? Not going to be racing the car, just want the comfort, support and looks.
Have found a few articles on-line regarding the sizes they need to be and the concerns of accessing the rear of a GT if it's a rigid seat and not a recliner. Also the possible problems of getting in and out if the seats have largish wings on them.
Corbeau or OEM seem to have been fitted by others, some bolt theirs straight to the floor, would it be possible to get runners that fit a B?
Have found a few articles on-line regarding the sizes they need to be and the concerns of accessing the rear of a GT if it's a rigid seat and not a recliner. Also the possible problems of getting in and out if the seats have largish wings on them.
Corbeau or OEM seem to have been fitted by others, some bolt theirs straight to the floor, would it be possible to get runners that fit a B?
I don't know about the B specifically but I have bought a pair of Corbeau Alpines for my Magnette ZA after doing a ton of research on seats. In my opinion they are nice comfortable decent quality seats at a reasonable price that have a good "period look".
They didn't have runners specifically for the Magnette (no big shock there), but I'd be surprised if they didn't for the MGB.
Best bet is to go direct to the seat manufacturers' websites and usually they will have diagrams with precise dimensions as well as a list of runners for many various model applications. Usually you can also have the choice between tilting and fixed with the runners, the tilting allows the whole seat to be tilted forward on it's frame, which can solve the rear access issue. Also this model (Alpine) offers the choice between a standard and wider seat but again check the dimensions to see what you can get away with in the B. Concerning the sides of the seat, don't forget to allow for handbrake clearance, made that mistake in another car once!
You'll also find similar "historic race/rally" style seats made by Cobra, a small company called Intatrim, and recently OMP has added a few models of this type to their product line. Then you will need to find a dealer who has them in stock or can special order. Hope this helps!
They didn't have runners specifically for the Magnette (no big shock there), but I'd be surprised if they didn't for the MGB.
Best bet is to go direct to the seat manufacturers' websites and usually they will have diagrams with precise dimensions as well as a list of runners for many various model applications. Usually you can also have the choice between tilting and fixed with the runners, the tilting allows the whole seat to be tilted forward on it's frame, which can solve the rear access issue. Also this model (Alpine) offers the choice between a standard and wider seat but again check the dimensions to see what you can get away with in the B. Concerning the sides of the seat, don't forget to allow for handbrake clearance, made that mistake in another car once!
You'll also find similar "historic race/rally" style seats made by Cobra, a small company called Intatrim, and recently OMP has added a few models of this type to their product line. Then you will need to find a dealer who has them in stock or can special order. Hope this helps!
Edited by SEH1800 on Saturday 10th April 13:40
Edited by SEH1800 on Saturday 10th April 13:43
Thanks for that SEH, some good points there.
I got hold of a catalogue from Demon Tweeks motorsports accessories, they've a good selection of the Cobra,Corbeau,OMP and Sparco seats with good spec on dimensions and runners, side mounts etc.
It would be good to see some actually fitted to a B and be able to try them out for size and comfort. Tomorrow is MG Era day at Brooklands Motor Museum, I might go and have a look round.
I got hold of a catalogue from Demon Tweeks motorsports accessories, they've a good selection of the Cobra,Corbeau,OMP and Sparco seats with good spec on dimensions and runners, side mounts etc.
It would be good to see some actually fitted to a B and be able to try them out for size and comfort. Tomorrow is MG Era day at Brooklands Motor Museum, I might go and have a look round.
On the subject of runners, I bought the corbeau classic type buckets for my midget and the runners they said would be correct, the hight was utterly ridiculously wrong and not adjustable, so I sent them back, I will either adapt runnersf of the old seats or keep the old seats.
In a moment of madness about 3 years ago, I bought a couple of seats from the owners club, I can nly assume that I was swayed by the idea of a straight swap wth the orginal type seats. However, they haven't worn very well, the leather isn't really that high quality. My B is a daily driver but I still think theyre a bit rubbish all the same.
What I should have done of course is put sports seats in like I originally planned. A bizaar episode in my car history really, I almost never buy stuff like that for my MG's. Ah well, you live and learn.
How much hassle is it to correctly fit more modern buckets in a 'B? Are the manufactures runners OK or am I better of modifiying runners from original seats like I plan to with the Midget?
In a moment of madness about 3 years ago, I bought a couple of seats from the owners club, I can nly assume that I was swayed by the idea of a straight swap wth the orginal type seats. However, they haven't worn very well, the leather isn't really that high quality. My B is a daily driver but I still think theyre a bit rubbish all the same.
What I should have done of course is put sports seats in like I originally planned. A bizaar episode in my car history really, I almost never buy stuff like that for my MG's. Ah well, you live and learn.
How much hassle is it to correctly fit more modern buckets in a 'B? Are the manufactures runners OK or am I better of modifiying runners from original seats like I plan to with the Midget?
Have a look at the Sparco runners in the link, they look like they could be a close fit;
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Store/Motorsport/Sea...
My other dilemma is also what material to get if I go for racing type seats, the fabric looks okay, leather is expensive and the fabric with vinyl don't look bad either. My only concern is because they are going to be a snug fit, is the upholstery going to get easily worn or torn getting in and out of the car or more to the point, some of a larger stature getting in the passenger seat.
OMP do the same type runner on page 2
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Store/Motorsport/Sea...
My other dilemma is also what material to get if I go for racing type seats, the fabric looks okay, leather is expensive and the fabric with vinyl don't look bad either. My only concern is because they are going to be a snug fit, is the upholstery going to get easily worn or torn getting in and out of the car or more to the point, some of a larger stature getting in the passenger seat.
OMP do the same type runner on page 2
Edited by mgtony on Monday 12th April 19:05
choose carefully and make precice measurements, in my experience a "near or close fit" is often just as much work as having not fit at all once you start needing to do any modifications... your best bet may be to pull the passenger seat out and drive over to a shop who carries the runners. try to catch a salesperson 'on a good day' who'll let you take them out of the box and size them up for a mock-trial fit to your floorboard.
also do make certain that you try out whatever seats you choose. a lot of these seats look very similar but feel completely different and the dimensions can be quite different. you'll be very unhappy if your nice looking new seats are killing your bottom every time you drive more than a few miles!
also do make certain that you try out whatever seats you choose. a lot of these seats look very similar but feel completely different and the dimensions can be quite different. you'll be very unhappy if your nice looking new seats are killing your bottom every time you drive more than a few miles!
Edited by SEH1800 on Friday 16th April 01:16
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