MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
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Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
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Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
- Rob Bell
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Thanks Stan
I think that I am making some headway through all those little jobs that take all the time. But still plenty to do - not least rebuilding the rear suspension! But the car is starting to look remarkably car-like. A biggie will be getting the roll cage installed... but will need to find a qualified welder to weld in the strengthening patches etc.
I have uploaded the latest drawings (pdf format) for those interested, complete with strengthening flange
I think that I am making some headway through all those little jobs that take all the time. But still plenty to do - not least rebuilding the rear suspension! But the car is starting to look remarkably car-like. A biggie will be getting the roll cage installed... but will need to find a qualified welder to weld in the strengthening patches etc.
I have uploaded the latest drawings (pdf format) for those interested, complete with strengthening flange
- Attachments
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- seat mounting plates tech drawings.pdf
- Latest drawings for mounting plates
- (88.69 KiB) Downloaded 114 times
- J13UTM
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Hi Rob
Been playing around on solidworks today, should be ready by the weekend for you, got a lot of revision going on not to mention my MGF CFD project.
Been playing around on solidworks today, should be ready by the weekend for you, got a lot of revision going on not to mention my MGF CFD project.
KH Cheetah Bodykit & Splitter, Roversport Spoiler, SP Exhaust, 52mmTB, Custom RamAir Induction Kit, KYB Shocks, AP Racing Clutch, ULW Fly, SS Kit, SS Coolant Pipes, Lots Of Chrome, Electric Roof, LED Lighting, TF Tailights
- Rob Bell
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Good luck with the revision James!
The MGF CFD project is one that I am really looking forward to seeing the results of, but get those exams out of the way first
Thanks for looking at the drawings for me. One further modification (!) to the drawing: having spoken to Dave at Jeffark, the 10mm strengthening flange will have to be increased to 18mm due to limitations of the tooling, but other wise everything will be as per the last posted pdf.
In fact I was going to have to re-draw that anyway, as Dave and the lads can't see it very clearly (as you'll probably have noticed too, the pencil drawing didn't scan that well!)
Many thanks!
The MGF CFD project is one that I am really looking forward to seeing the results of, but get those exams out of the way first
Thanks for looking at the drawings for me. One further modification (!) to the drawing: having spoken to Dave at Jeffark, the 10mm strengthening flange will have to be increased to 18mm due to limitations of the tooling, but other wise everything will be as per the last posted pdf.
In fact I was going to have to re-draw that anyway, as Dave and the lads can't see it very clearly (as you'll probably have noticed too, the pencil drawing didn't scan that well!)
Many thanks!
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Ok, i can modify the model.
The CFD project is vert much on a back burner for a few months, the amount of work has really taken off already this year!!
That said rob if you can PM me your email address I can send you the assembly drawing and the CAD files, you probably wont be able to use them but a decent engineering firm will be able to do so, so ill post screen shots of it too, once you have given it the green light.
The CFD project is vert much on a back burner for a few months, the amount of work has really taken off already this year!!
That said rob if you can PM me your email address I can send you the assembly drawing and the CAD files, you probably wont be able to use them but a decent engineering firm will be able to do so, so ill post screen shots of it too, once you have given it the green light.
KH Cheetah Bodykit & Splitter, Roversport Spoiler, SP Exhaust, 52mmTB, Custom RamAir Induction Kit, KYB Shocks, AP Racing Clutch, ULW Fly, SS Kit, SS Coolant Pipes, Lots Of Chrome, Electric Roof, LED Lighting, TF Tailights
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Okay, thanks James
PM sent
PM sent
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Thanks rob
I've got the last tweaking to do in the morning and then I can send them over.
I'm hoping the CFD project is finished by Easter, long way off but I've two dissertations to do and then some, so it's very much when time (and the mrs) allows!!
I've got the last tweaking to do in the morning and then I can send them over.
I'm hoping the CFD project is finished by Easter, long way off but I've two dissertations to do and then some, so it's very much when time (and the mrs) allows!!
KH Cheetah Bodykit & Splitter, Roversport Spoiler, SP Exhaust, 52mmTB, Custom RamAir Induction Kit, KYB Shocks, AP Racing Clutch, ULW Fly, SS Kit, SS Coolant Pipes, Lots Of Chrome, Electric Roof, LED Lighting, TF Tailights
- Rob Bell
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Completely understand James!
Thanks again
Thanks again
- Rob Bell
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Take 3 now! Realised on re-drawing the schematics for the seat brackets that I'd made an error in the measurements - so hopefully all correct now!
Have sent off to Jeffark - hopefully can get the manufacturing process on a roll now
Have sent off to Jeffark - hopefully can get the manufacturing process on a roll now
- Attachments
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- seat mounting plates tech drawings version 2.pdf
- Version three of seat mounting bracket/ plate
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- J13UTM
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Rob your worse than our tutors at changing specs!
Ill remodel the the part in the morning... about 10 secs work
Ill remodel the the part in the morning... about 10 secs work
KH Cheetah Bodykit & Splitter, Roversport Spoiler, SP Exhaust, 52mmTB, Custom RamAir Induction Kit, KYB Shocks, AP Racing Clutch, ULW Fly, SS Kit, SS Coolant Pipes, Lots Of Chrome, Electric Roof, LED Lighting, TF Tailights
- Rob Bell
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Well, actually it's rather embarrassing: I was just double checking the measurements when I realised that the old figure showed the plates to be too short!!!
Lucky I had this opportunity to re-check things really... phew!
Thanks James
- Rob Bell
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Picked up the bracket from Dave at Jeffark today - and couldn't resist dropping them into the car to see what they look like!
Over all, I am very pleased with the fit - although I clearly got one of the measurements (for the mounting hole) slightly wrong - but this is easily rectified by slotting the hole...
Bad light has stopped play this evening - but hopefully will have the seats rigidly mounted in the car this weekend
Over all, I am very pleased with the fit - although I clearly got one of the measurements (for the mounting hole) slightly wrong - but this is easily rectified by slotting the hole...
Bad light has stopped play this evening - but hopefully will have the seats rigidly mounted in the car this weekend
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Rob, would these brackets enable me to mount the original mgf seats lower in a mgf? Hope that makes sense lol. I have a problem with the seats as standard that make me feel I am sitting on the car rather than in it.
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
I designed them to fit a base-mounted aftermarket seat. I am not sure whether you could fit a standard seat to them - might be possible. The more conventional way round the problem you have are either to fit an alternative lower seat squab spring, or to use a Vehicle Handling Supplies lowering kit - which I think is the better solution
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Rob, that large raised 'box' section which you have made your plates to mount onto, is that removable? I was wondering if it would be then possible to mount the original seats down onto the floorpan? This would then definitely be those vital 2-3 inches lower for the taller drivers.
Just a thought mind.
Just a thought mind.
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Yes, you can cut it out. However the shell would loose a lot of its torsional rigidity, and moreover you'd loose side-impact strength so this is not a recommended route.
On the MGF Cup cars, these box sections are removed, but replaced with a sturdy H-frame welded into place (25mmx25mm 3mm thick box mild steel bars), and the racing seats mounted to that. If you're handy with a welder, you could fabricate something similar for your road car.
Another option could be to cut a channel in the box in which to fit the seat runners - again, you'd need to be handy with your fabrication skills, and of course, you'd need alternative seat runners as the standard items would no longer fit...
Lots of potential options, but none are that straightforward and have knock-on implications elsewhere. The tried and tested seat modifications are the easiest way forward, but if you need an extra drop, then some pretty major surgery may be required.
On the MGF Cup cars, these box sections are removed, but replaced with a sturdy H-frame welded into place (25mmx25mm 3mm thick box mild steel bars), and the racing seats mounted to that. If you're handy with a welder, you could fabricate something similar for your road car.
Another option could be to cut a channel in the box in which to fit the seat runners - again, you'd need to be handy with your fabrication skills, and of course, you'd need alternative seat runners as the standard items would no longer fit...
Lots of potential options, but none are that straightforward and have knock-on implications elsewhere. The tried and tested seat modifications are the easiest way forward, but if you need an extra drop, then some pretty major surgery may be required.
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Those brackets look really neat Rob, I'm sure they will fly through scrutimeering, those seats are going to remain attached to the car .
Glad Jeffark worked out for you, he is a really useful contact.
Glad Jeffark worked out for you, he is a really useful contact.
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Thanks Stan - I am actually really pleased with them. If making them again, there are a couple of small dimensional changes I'd make, but as you can see in the picture above, they go in really nicely, and the seat when fixed to them is in there nice and solid.
Of course, there are some minor issues that I need to deal with. As you know, when you remove the standard seats, you move them on their runners to expose the mounting points. My seats are not on runners, which means that the mounting bolts are not that easily accessible. I think what I'll probably end up doing is making a small slot in the seat fabric so I can pass a socket through the seat to the front mounts - but I may need to recruit my wife to do some stitching to strengthen the material to prevent tearing (rather like a button hole!)
More updates to come!
The next stage is figuring out how to remount the standard seat belts (MoT for road driving; FIA harnesses are not MoT-acceptable). The inertia reels are retained in the standard position, and I am mounting the lower end of this to the rear seat mount. The trickier bit is the seat belt clasp. As standard, these are mounted to the seats themselves, and contain explosive to pre-tension. I don't intend to refit these, as (a) there isn't an obvious mounting point, (b) they contain explosives and (c) I've removed the SRS ECU and wiring.
At the moment, my idea is to use the lap buckles from the bench seat of a Rover 200 or 400 (25/45), on the assumption that all Rover belts are generic.
Rover 400 rear belt:
MGF belt:
Annoyingly, the two look different, so I am no longer sure whether this cunning plan will work or not... But I have access to the in-law's MG ZS, and will see whether the buckle will fit in the clasp...
Plan B will be to change to a universal type seat belt... but I'd rather not if possible (if only to save on pennies)
Of course, there are some minor issues that I need to deal with. As you know, when you remove the standard seats, you move them on their runners to expose the mounting points. My seats are not on runners, which means that the mounting bolts are not that easily accessible. I think what I'll probably end up doing is making a small slot in the seat fabric so I can pass a socket through the seat to the front mounts - but I may need to recruit my wife to do some stitching to strengthen the material to prevent tearing (rather like a button hole!)
More updates to come!
The next stage is figuring out how to remount the standard seat belts (MoT for road driving; FIA harnesses are not MoT-acceptable). The inertia reels are retained in the standard position, and I am mounting the lower end of this to the rear seat mount. The trickier bit is the seat belt clasp. As standard, these are mounted to the seats themselves, and contain explosive to pre-tension. I don't intend to refit these, as (a) there isn't an obvious mounting point, (b) they contain explosives and (c) I've removed the SRS ECU and wiring.
At the moment, my idea is to use the lap buckles from the bench seat of a Rover 200 or 400 (25/45), on the assumption that all Rover belts are generic.
Rover 400 rear belt:
MGF belt:
Annoyingly, the two look different, so I am no longer sure whether this cunning plan will work or not... But I have access to the in-law's MG ZS, and will see whether the buckle will fit in the clasp...
Plan B will be to change to a universal type seat belt... but I'd rather not if possible (if only to save on pennies)
- Rob Bell
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
This is annoying. The Rover 400/ MG ZS lap belt idea is not going to fly.
The two are different sizes. Curiously, the MGF buckle is closer in design and size to those found in our ZT - but this won't work because, for some reason, the MGF buckle won't fit into the ZT clasp. Argh! Are seat belts made to be unique and non-transferable from one vehicle to another?
I've also amended the dimensions on the seat mounting plate. It'll probably be ideal for mounting any Cobra seat, and probably also compatible with the Cobra universal fit seat slider mechanism If anyone else has these made, I'd be very interested to hear feedback.
The two are different sizes. Curiously, the MGF buckle is closer in design and size to those found in our ZT - but this won't work because, for some reason, the MGF buckle won't fit into the ZT clasp. Argh! Are seat belts made to be unique and non-transferable from one vehicle to another?
I've also amended the dimensions on the seat mounting plate. It'll probably be ideal for mounting any Cobra seat, and probably also compatible with the Cobra universal fit seat slider mechanism If anyone else has these made, I'd be very interested to hear feedback.
- Rob Bell
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Have now created a new webpage on aftermarket seats for the MGF - came across some pictures I took a couple of years back when we visited Cobra and trial fitted a couple of their seats in an MGF to ensure they fitted. They did!
More here: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/DI ... _seats.htm
More here: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/DI ... _seats.htm
- Rob Bell
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Re: MGF/TF seat brackets to mount aftermarket seats
Just having a look at Rover 200 (Mk3) seat belts - these look very similar to MGF ones - and perhaps this is the way to go?