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MG MGA - Help or Ideas Regarding Seat Baskets

Hi all,

My MGA came without the wooden seat bases, but ironically, had 1 seat basket. I am in search of another seat basket so I can finish my seats. I cannot find one here (or even the perforated metal to make one) in Japan. I was recently in the states and had luck finding the perforated steel, but at $114 for a huge sheet that can't (read: won't) be cut or shipped, I felt was a bit out of touch for me. Anyway, is there anyone out there with a spare perforated steel seat base out there that is willing to depart with it be it rusty or bent? Or are ther ideas on how to construct one? I will actually be in the states on Saturday in Denver and then San Diego if anyone lives in one of these areas!

Thanks to all!

Tom
Tom Baker

Why not fabricate one out of plain sheet metal, and then drill it for ventilation. I doubt that the number of holes needed would be anything like the number in the perforated originals.
R. L Carleen

If push came to shove and I HAD to make something work where I couldn't get the right stuff, I would try just suspending a piece of plywood at the appropriate depth using a few straps of metal, "Z" shaped,attached under the suspended piecs and over the plywood seat bottom (original).

Are you buying new seat bottoms? If you are making them, I can provide a template for cutting the main bottom piece. I reused the angled front leg supports, so I don't have a template for that.

Chuck
Chuck Schaefer

Hi Tom
When I rebiult my seats I had one good piece and one badly rusted one. I had two new seat cushions made from foam and made new plywood bases. I reused my one good basket and didn't bother with the other one thinking I would get around to it. Well six months later I am still getting a round to it and havn't noticed any real problem with not having one on the passenger side. My plan is to eventually finding some thing close and making a new one. I think making one out of plain steel and drilling holes in it would be just fine.
Kris
Kris Sorensen

The DPO for my car used what I would call "chicken wire". Not elegant, but it seems to work. The openings are about 1/4 inch with relatively heavy gage wire. If you find a source for the correct basket, I'd be interested.
Michael Moder

It's not original, but, there are some very nice anodized aluminum screen door protectors out there that have nice, small hole patterns and are about the right gauge of material. Cut one of those up, and form it, and I suspect you'd have a very nice basket.
Just a thought!
GTF
G T Foster

Tom,
I don't know whether you want to go the ebay route, but here you are:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34206&item=4508180095&rd=1

Good luck.
mike parker

Hi Tom. I would fabricate new seat baskets out of sheet stainless steel. then drill a several holes in the bottom for air flow. Good luck. Glenn
Glenn

Contact Scarofaire and ask for Cecelia. She should be able to help you with either new or used. Look in the archives if you do not have a contact number for her
JEFF BECKER

Scarborough Faire do list them, item G76M at $25.95.
For contact information-this is not a complete website: http://www.scarboroughfaire.4mg.com/
John DeWolf

Considering that the corners are completely open, I doubt that the holes are really required. They are only there to allow air to exhaust when you sit on the cushion or to allow it to return afterwards. From a functional point of view a couple of extra holes punched or drilled in the centre of the bottom of a solid piece with open corners should be adequate.
John DeWolf

Another thought. Take a look at the sheet metal that's sold to make radiator covers for home heating systems.

The metal comes perforated in several different patterns, and can be cut with basic metal tools.
Joe Cook

I am redoing the interior on my 1956 MGA and find myself in the same boat as Tom Baker. The previous owner must have thrown away the original seat bottoms as the upholstery is attached directly to the frames with clips; yes it's odd but it has worked for several years. Chuck Schaefer, I'd like to take you up on your offer for the template of the main seat bottom. I have one original angled leg support but do not know exactly where on the seat bottom to locate it. Does anyone know the location dimensions for these?
Tom Gallogly

Tom, I'd be happy to send you a copy of my pattern. On it is marked the location of the 3 angled pieces that form the leg support. I do not have those pieces measured though. I do have a pattern of the piece that fits over the 3 pices.

What I am now unclear on is this. My template is marked "Bottom view, Drivers seat". I can't seem to remember whether I am missing the other seat bottom template or if they are the inverse of each other. Can anybody help here?

Tom, I'll contact you off line for your address.

Chuck
Chuck Schaefer

I currently have my "baskets" removed and, happy to say, restored. The are symmetrical and identical. No front or back, no left or right.
Regards,
GTF
G T Foster

Ooops,
Just re-read the thread. If by seat bottoms, the wooden part is being referred to, they are certainly not symmetrical. However, they are identical if you flip them upside down. The left hand is exactly like the right, just turn it over. Or, as Chuck says "the inverse of each other".
Regards,
GTF
G T Foster

GTF, thanks.

I guess I realy wasn't sure. My car is, sadly, in storage so I couldn't go and check.

Chuck
Chuck Schaefer

I got my piece of screen from Western Screen Products, Ogden, Utah, 800-236-6817. It was 36" x 18", hole size 1/8",pattern 3/16", type PP, thickness .047 (18 ga) and in 1998 it was $19.13. Have a good day!

John
John Progess

Hi all,

Sorry for the time away. I am on a business trip and trying to get on the net or even finding time to get on is a pain. I even got a nice note stating that my car was impounded while here--without notice. Needless to say I am smokin mad. Anyway, to all you great souls who have replied, thanks! Lots and lots of great info. I will keep you all posted! I am in Denver and can find the material but the transportation costs alone will kill me. Chuck, will check for your e-mail. John, I may just give Western Screen a call.

I'll be back on soon with an update!

Tom
Tom Baker

This thread was discussed between 03/12/2004 and 10/12/2004

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