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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Seat foam replacement

One of my winter projects is to "plump" up my seats, I seem to be sinking lower and lower and can't see over the steering wheel now :).
Has anyone got any tips on types of foam rather than the kits which are quite expensive and seem to be for post 1970 cars. Thanks.
Andy Potter

You could try foam suppliers that supply foam for marine and caravan uses such as:

http://www.the-foam-centre.co.uk

https://www.efoam.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI37vQm9XG2AIV6pPtCh1HVgucEAAYASAAEgKTz_D_BwE

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Andy,
Underneath the foam squab the seat base will consist of a rubber sheet attached to the frame with wire hooks.Part of the problem may be that this rubber has got tired and too stretchy. A cheap way of firming up a sagging bottom is to slip a sheet of thin ply (3mm) or even hardboard between the rubber sheet and the underside of the foam.

As its such a cheap and easy thing to do it may be worth a try and see how it feels.
GuyW

Andy..are you sure that the seat frame hasn't collapsed? I investigated my saggy bottom to find that the rear inner hinge pin had let go...after years and years of me falling into the seat it gave up the ghost. When I was welding it up I did as Guy suggested...replaced the rubber diaphragm with a sheet of mild steel...supported the seat squab much more ably...as far as the foam went this too had crumbled away so I obtained a piece from a local homewares shop and set about carving it to shape. I'm the only that's ever going to sit in it and I seem comfortable enough
David Cox

My seat is saggy after rebuilding them years ago, BUT I find that the saggy keeps my butt further planted in tight turns

P
1 Paper

Andy,
if the seat frame hasn't broken and has a diaphragm then the diaphragm is the first thing I'd think about replacing.

The diaphragm makes a big difference to the seating feel and your positioning in the seat. As the diaphragm is inexpensive and can be a pain to fit unless the existing diaphragm is in reasonable condition I'd replace it, well worth the modest cost.
Nigel Atkins

The diaphragms were replaced [and the frame repainted - see photo, pre painting but post fitting new diaphragm :)].
The seat is better but still saggy so I suspect the foam may need replacing - it's coming up to 47 years old so can be excused becoming a bit crumbly.
In short you may need to replace both but as others have said, start with checking the diaphragm and using Guy's method or if too far gone (mine were rotted) then replacing and btw it's much easier having a friend help fit it.


Jeremy MkIII

Of course there are always the MX5 SEATS

1 Paper

This thread was discussed between 07/01/2018 and 08/01/2018

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.