Steve.b Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 Hi guys, I have a 64 TR4 with surrey top and after a 500 mile trip to wales and back with no issues other than some back trouble I'm considering getting a pair of more comfortable seats for similar trips in the future. I'm quite happy with the originals for short local everyday use and do not want to dispense of them altogether as the car is very nearly all original. That said I'd like to hear any suggestions you may have that are fairly quick and simple. I've heard people talk about MX5 seats and note that there are a number of different ones depending on whether its a Mk1, Mk2, removable or non removable headrests etc. Should anything else be considered as well? Thanks in advance. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 MX ones just do it. The high back ones are MK1 and can be fitted with radio speakers in the headrest portion.(Look OK in a Surrey top car but not so good in a convertible). MK2 versions have the adjustable head rests and look good in all models. Very comfortable on long journeys. Smeggy on here does a brilliant set of brackets for mounting them. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 +1 on the Mk2 seats. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Boyd Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 Ridgard seats get my thumbs up Tom Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted July 18, 2013 Report Share Posted July 18, 2013 Ridgard seats get my thumbs up Tom IF you can afford them and IF you can get him to make them then agreed they are very good but not all of us have that sort of budget unfortunately. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Badfrog Posted July 18, 2013 Report Share Posted July 18, 2013 The trick is lateral hip control. So you don't have to permanently constrict your muscles for a good position. I've been using sand buggy bucket seats for years, akin to Corbeau seats, cheap (thou they don't look so) and effective. No more cramps. Any good bucket seat will do. Badfrog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve.b Posted July 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 Thanks for the suggestions, apart from Badfrogs suggestion of lateral hip movement (which by the way was what unseated me from the horse saddle 20 odd years ago to cause the back problem)I think I'll be looking at the MX5 seats. On that note if anyone stumbles across anything worth considering please give us a nudge. Thanks again Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisR-4A Posted July 20, 2013 Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 I still have standard seats but I have tried Mx5 seats and new TR6 style as available from some main suppliers. The MX5 seats are better for comfort and looks than the new TR6 style replacements . For MX5 depending which brackets are used they can end up higher than standard and the steering wheel if set forward will be resting on your legs, and I am only 5ft 8 tall ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted July 20, 2013 Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 Hi Steve, There is a chap down in the Salisbury direction that does all types of MX5 seats. He can re-upholster to your liking - but for the life of me I can;t remember his details. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pfenlon Posted July 20, 2013 Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 If you get the ones with the adjustable headrests you can buy a really good seat belt guide for around £15 each, that bolts to one of the tubes. We just did 1800 in our new MX5 seats and it was comfy too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pfenlon Posted July 20, 2013 Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 Hi Steve, There is a chap down in the Salisbury direction that does all types of MX5 seats. He can re-upholster to your liking - but for the life of me I can;t remember his details. Roger Is it Paul Harvey he did a pair in leather for me for £450, grand job as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ashley James Posted July 20, 2013 Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 I've got a series 3 MX5 and it has the amongst most comfortable seats I've ever experienced Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted July 20, 2013 Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 It's Paul Bishop who advertises MX5 seats on eBay. I have a pair and they're very good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tr4Tony Posted July 21, 2013 Report Share Posted July 21, 2013 Hi I have a pair of leather Ridgards in BST82B and regularly do long journeys and rallies sitting in them (LEJOG is 3000 miles over 6 days there and back) - comfiest seats I've ever had in a car of any sort. Regards Tony Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve.b Posted July 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2013 Thanks again for all the suggestions. After much deliberation I contacted Paul Bishop and we are going to opt for a pair of reconditioned MX5 Mk2 seats on Mk1 runners, which is what he suggested was needed. Not sure of time scales as I write but when I have them and they are fitted I'll post a quick update and pic if anybody interested. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve.b Posted August 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2013 MX ones just do it. The high back ones are MK1 and can be fitted with radio speakers in the headrest portion.(Look OK in a Surrey top car but not so good in a convertible). MK2 versions have the adjustable head rests and look good in all models. Very comfortable on long journeys. Smeggy on here does a brilliant set of brackets for mounting them. Stuart. Stuart PM sent Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted August 5, 2013 Report Share Posted August 5, 2013 PM replied to. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Graze Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 Has anyone tried BMW Z3 seats in lieu of the MX5 ones? I can get a very tidy pair leather/fabric for a decent price Graze Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR NIALL Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 The problem with other Seats is the Back Rests,they won't clear the B Posts. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Graze Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 Bugga, they look good, Thanks Niall Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR NIALL Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 Bugga, they look good, Thanks Niall Im not saying they wont fit, but thats what you need to check. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Graze Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 Niall I think I've found a set of Alfa Spider seats http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=281083436194 Which might fit and not look too out of place Will check the widths Thanks Graze Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 Its the recliner mechanism thats likely to be a problem.Why not just stick with MX 5 ones like the rest of us. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Graze Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Stuart Hard to find decent ones in Aus so looking for alternatives Problem endemic of a small market, very few available at any time and good ones even harder Would happily settle for a set Graze Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR NIALL Posted April 20, 2014 Report Share Posted April 20, 2014 Graze,if you look at the back of the Drivers MX5 seat from behind you will notice that it's shaped a bit like an Old Milk Bottle but on the Righthand Side of the Seat it's cut away more at Shoulder Height,this is what allows it to Recline and pass the B Post,if you PM me your Email I will take a few Photos and send them on to you if that Helps. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.