MX5 Mazda seats modified

Baz · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 05:38 PM

After purchasing my MX5 Mazda seats, I had them totally stripped, re-padded and covered in Connolly leather. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware at the time that my R.M.C. body was so narrow in the floor area where the seats were to fit. They went in, but were extremely tight.

Recently, we decided to partially strip them again and instead of having an adjustable backrest, it was made a permanent fixture by welding the seat frame to the backrest frame and removing all the adjusting handles which were once fitted to the side. The original flat side bracket was covered in matching leather, the seat slide was removed and the seats bolted onto the floor, as far back as we could get them. Problem 1. solved perfectly.

Problem No. 2. Since having the seats covered originally, the ADR's were changed in respect of seat backrest height. At that time, they measured 780mm and the new requirement was a minimum of 850mm. To overcome this problem, new headrests were constructed and covered to match the seats. Hopefully, I won't have any problems when I eventually get to Engineering.

sambo · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 05:49 PM

Thanks for the info Baz. I've made the same mods to my MX5 seats, except the headrest is standard height, so that will be a problem. I might try to remove 70mm out of the seat padding - I assume the measurement is taken from the top of the headrest to where your backside makes contact?

stephen low · #3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 06:26 PM

I'm assuming the ADR change is to account for our "growing" population.
I presume to ensure tall people get adequate protection but does anyone really know if this is the reason, or is it for some other purpose - eg to piss ICV builder's off??!!

Not sure if every one is getting taller these days or I'm shrinking but two out of three of my boys now tower over me now and the third is catching up very rapidly too.

I guess the look of the traditional seats might suffer more from this change too.

Cheers

Baz · #4 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sambo

Thanks for the info Baz. I've made the same mods to my MX5 seats, except the headrest is standard height, so that will be a problem. I might try to remove 70mm out of the seat padding - I assume the measurement is taken from the top of the headrest to where your backside makes contact?

Sambo,

My interpretation of the requirement is,

"The measurement is taken from an imaginary line drawn from the highest part of the seat where your bum goes, which in the majority of cases, would be the front leading edge, to the back swab parallel with the floor."

Hope this explains it adequately.

Baz

Merv and Sharon · #5 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 08:25 PM

Are these seats much cheaper than the ADR-approved, adjustable head restraint ones that Harrisons and other manufacturers offer?

merv

boxhead · #6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 08:57 PM

Baz, I am pretty sure the seat needs to be mounted on sliders to meet ADR's
Only the drivers seat though.

sambo · #7 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 09:04 PM

Thanks for the technical explanation Baz.

Merv, I got my MX-5 seats for $350, whereas the ADR approved seats are about 2 grand. I didn't want to spoil nice new leather seats during the build process and the first year on the road before being painted.

Merv and Sharon · #8 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 09:40 PM

Seems a good price Sambo. I seem to recall that my two ADR-approved ones (via Harrisons) with the removable/adjustable headrests, cost about $1300 all up after trimming in leather. Luckily in QLD we don't (yet) have the requirement for a sliding adjustment and the seats can be fitted quite low.

Merv

Tenrocca · #9 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 10:44 PM

Pooftas - ill just brace my neck if I see a crash coming...

stephen low · #10 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 10:53 PM

Whiplash king!!

sambo · #11 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009, 11:23 PM

Andrew, love ya work. And not to dampen the party, but in the event of (touch wood) a TAC or insurance claim, do they have grounds to knock you back if various ADR requirements have been removed after rego? Sorry Baz if this is getting off the track.

Baz · #12 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxhead

Baz, I am pretty sure the seat needs to be mounted on sliders to meet ADR's
Only the drivers seat though.

Not in this State yet matey. That's according to my Engineer. We'll soon know one way or the other Dave.

Baz

stiffy · #13 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 03:38 AM

Slowly,

Quote:

Not sure if every one is getting taller these days or I'm shrinking but two out of three of my boys now tower over me now and the third is catching up very rapidly too.

are they 5' 1 already.......

It must be the chicken I tell you...

SAMBO,

What have the MX-5 seats REALLY COST YOU?? delivery, re-trimming, labour to fit, etc etc. AND THEY ARE WRONG. And you will replace them after painting...... a $40 supercheap seat cover would have fixed your issue.

STIFFY

sambo · #14 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 01:42 PM

Stiffy, delivery cost was my fuel to drive to the wreckers in Dandenong ($10). Despite my usually thorough research, it turns out the seats needed some work to fit into my Harrison - just like I was told the car was setup for an L98 but the engine mounts were wrong.

"AND THEY ARE WRONG" - how do you figure that?

"a $40 supercheap seat cover would have fixed your issue" - comprehende?

Stiffy, perhaps give me a call if you're interested in this aspect of my build. Happy to set your straight on the facts. Including what I ended up paying for my engine!

Sambo

stiffy · #15 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 01:58 PM

SAMBO,

Get the correct seats in the first place and put a seat cover over them for protection. I hate doing things twice that dont need to be. Just adding my 2 cents worth..

STIFFY

Rebel1 · #16 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 06:27 PM

Gawd Sambo, wot didya do to Mr. Stiffy?.

Got all terse lately hasn't he ... must the new shed.

stephen low · #17 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 09:22 PM

Hey stiffly you left out a digit, say 5' 11" instead and the 16 yo could play rugby with Australia too, the preverbial brick out house build.

He'd pick you up without blinking that's for sure!!

Baz

With the same issue in the G Force it was why my seats got shrunk 50mm in width. Fortunately the MX5 seats are perfect for this exercise.

stiffy · #18 (**permalink**) 12-04-2009, 03:38 AM

Rebel1,

Never better, just call a spade a spade.

STIFFY

stephen low · #19 (**permalink**) 12-04-2009, 09:32 PM

Hey boy sum wun will cap your ass calling them a spade!!

Rob. Smith · #20 (**permalink**) 12-05-2009, 04:13 AM

I bought the correct RMC seat frames that were approved by the RTA and 'fixed' them[IMG]http://C:\Documents and Settings\Rob\My Documents\Cobra Pictures\Cockpit
C:\Documents and Settings\Rob\My Documents\Cobra Pictures\Cockpit
C:\Documents and Settings\Rob\My Documents\Cobra Pictures\Cockpit
C:\Documents and Settings\Rob\My Documents\Cobra Pictures\Cockpi