NC aftermarket seats

Technical Area Body, Interior & Styling
2

Hi all,

OK a little help needed, long shot but. I need to replace the seats in my MK3, current standard seat gives me awful back ache (thought I needed a new hip last week)

I’m sure this won,t be easy, I’m not bothered about the heater but what happens if you leave disconnected, slim chance of getting straight swap so how easy to change the frame.

Anywhere in south east that supply and fit nice sports seats. Would be great to arrive have a look around choose a couple then have them fitted.

 

Thanks

Del

 

 

3

Alas it’s not that easy.

You probably will want some sort of bracket to mount a new seat to which are not that easy to come by. 

See this link for a guy who sells one

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=656633

You will then need a seat and runners (or mounting bracket if you don’t mind going fixed)

Then some time and effort to get everything fixed in place and lined up…

Also the mx5 seats are surprisingly narrow so you need to choose your seats wisely otherwise they won’t fit. 

I fitted a tillet b5 as I am rather tall. They look awfully uncomfortable but really aren’t. 

1 Like
4

Thanks goatboy,

Yep think your right it’s not simple, the narrow “ness” of the seats is the problem I think.

going to be a challenge I think, really odd as I’ve had a few two seaters over the years but never a problem with seats.

Del

1 Like
5

My tillet b5 might be up for sale soon as I am thinking of buying a lotus. It’s pretty extreme looking but I find it very comfortable. 

Let me know if it’s of any interest. It’s already on a frame and ready to bolt in!

6

Many people have added additional lumber support which can make a real difference. Alternatively can you find any other Mk3 seats that do suit you? Various options in fabric or leather, maybe some were more bucket style than others. Swapping one MX-5 seat for another will be a lot easier than fitting anything else.

Personally I’ve had Mk1, Mk3 and Mk4 and the Mk3 was the most comfortable. Mk4 is good but took me quite a while to find exactly the right position for me.

7

Roadie makes a good point. I found the early cloth seats much more comfortable than the latter height adjustable leather seats. 

In fact I have one just sat in my garage that free to a good home. It’s really tatty and some minor repairs to the rail are required but it might be a good experiment if that’s not what you already have. 

8

I would imagine that the fixing points will be the same on Mk3, Mk3.5 & Mk3.75. Gives you a wide range to choose from. If you’ve got any specialist MX-5 dealers nearby or attend local meets I’m sure people would be happy to let you try a few options out.

Once you’ve found something to suit then you can start looking for someone breaking the same model or a straight swap.

9

Thanks all,

Yep I think cloth seats from MK3 is the way to go. My leather seats a really quite hard and uncomfortable. I’ve ordered a lumbar support cushion thing for the seat for now.

Thanks

Del

10

Hi Del, I’m in Maidenhead and have a mk3.5 with cloth seats. I’ve thought about upgrading to leather for some time but never got round to it.
Maybe we could do a swap if the fixings are the same.
What do you think.
You can take mine for a drive first of course.
Dave