Miata seats in my MGB
I scored a great deal on some two tone, black with grey inserts, leather Miata seats. My 1980 recoverd seats were a little tired and I didnt care for the 80s twead look so I decided they would be a great upgrade in both looks and comfort. I installed them in my 1980 5.0 B. I decided to fill my old blind nut holes, since they were stripped out anyway and just drill new holes. I am very pleased with the install, but I did note some potential problems for those wanting to do this swap.
I mounted my seats on opposite sides, passenger seat on driver side and vica-versa. I also used a BFH to pound the trans tunnel a little on the driver side for clearance. I got both seats installed pretty easilly. What I have noted is that I am 5' 7", fairly short. At the max forward position before hitting the trans tunnel. I can depress the clutch pedal with max extension on my leg but my wife at 5'4" will have difficulty driving the car. Also the seats will only go back about 2 inches before they run into the inward curve of the door sill, so anyone over about 6 foot will not be real comfortable driving the car. I love the seats but I don't see any solution to this limited travel issue. Something to consider before doing this swap (at least the way I did it :) ) |
MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4511 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: Miata seats in my MGB
I didn't swap sides with mine. I'll measure the adjustment range. Mine are most, if not all the way back.
On your website, it looks like you have the Miata seats that you can slide you hand behind the thin 1st layer of back cushion. If so, this air bladder tucks in nicely. [img.photobucket.com] |
Re: Miata seats in my MGB
Carl, thats pretty cool as mine do have that pocket in the back.
let me know on your seats. Mine seem to be a very tight fit indeed, pressed right up against the trans tunnel and barely clearing the door sill with the seat cushion overflowing almost to the door itself! They wouldn't even go in the car straight without switching sides. |
MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4511 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: Miata seats in my MGB
Okay, my seats have 5 full inches of travel. The driver's seat goes so far forward my knees are against the dash & I can just barely get out. The front of the bottom cushion is almost lined up with the center of the window crank handle mounting screw. It will then slide back until the plastic seat pivot hits the sloping sill at the rear of the door opening.
Here's how I did mine. Quote: |
BOOTLEG Gary Rosema Wisconsin (47 posts) Registered: 11/18/2013 07:26PM Main British Car: 1978 MGB Rover 3.5L |
Re: Miata seats in my MGB
Carl,
I just picked up a pair of excellent Miata seats while on vacation. They are so good I plan to put them in my best Miata and move those seats to my MGB - a nice upgrade for both cars so everybody's happy! Do you have any pics of your work? I had planned to put the passenger seat in the drivers spot but after reading your message ...NOT! |
MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4511 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: Miata seats in my MGB
Sorry, Gary, no pics. I did that ten years ago, thrashing to get it done before time to drive to the V8 Meet in Michigan. Couldn't deal with another long drive in the worn out stock seats.
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