What I did this weekend

[RickB]

Really I started last weekend, but the set I received was defective and had to be replaced.
The second set was perfect so I replaced my seat upholstery this weekend.
Both seats have heaters in the back and bottom, making for a very comfy ride on chilly autumn days!

Here is a picture:

They are comfy and I think they look nice and the heaters in the back and bottom are really awesome!
For $40 to $50 per seat I think there's no better bang for the buck than seat heaters!
(If you have an alternator with plenty of amps)

They are from Auto Tops Direct in case anyone cares, of course these are the Miata seats.

 

[nomad]

Doesn't look as if you got the head rest speakers, Rick. I think I'd trade them back in for heaters AND headrest speakers! Warm backside, cool tunes and the smell of autumn leaves!! What a way to travel!!

Kurt.

 

[taskadog]

NICE!!
No Millennium speakers?
I like that you kept the Miata seat-belts, I use the original, old ones.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

You know without my roll bar my Miata seats definitely would recline further. On the other hand, I'd miss the wind blocker and the roll bar does make me feel a little safer.

 

[RickB]

Not really visible in the pic but the headrests are perforated.
Next I get the speakers, I made sure the wires are all there ready to connect.
Seat belts? Nope just using the stock 78 Midget belts still.
Oh and the seat heaters are working GREAT!

 

[Guest]

Carpet looks new too. Have you done the interior panels yet?

 

[RickB]

Not gotten to the interior panels yet.
Thinking about using vinyl dye on them, versus replacing.
They are in good condition but they are faded.
Told my wife I wanted tan top boot and dash but she said she likes the black & tan contrast.

 

[jhorton3]

That's a pretty good deal on the seat covers. I put Miata seats in my car, but they're old and cracked looking. How difficult was it to remove the original covers and put these on?

 

[RickB]

Removing the thousand or so hog rings was the worst part. (maybe it was only a hundred, seemed like more).
Be sure to request the instructions right away if you get these, they took their time and I had to ask.
I used black plastic tie wraps like for wiring instead of hog rings.
Way easier to replace if need be and they won't rust.
I didn't glue anything, again because I was doing this for the first time I expected to have to redo things.
After my experience I'd suggest no glue and use good quality tie wraps for fastening. You will need about 100 and I found the 4" size to be good but also get some 6" if you are doing it that way.
Also be careful about pulling on the steel wires under the foam, these are your attachment points and will need to stay embedded in the foam.

 

[Sarastro]

Green with a beige interior: my favorite combination.

Someday, when I get up the nerve, my '67 Porsche will become green. (It's red now.) Already have the beige interior...

 

[jhorton3]

Did you use wire cutters to remove the hog rings, or a special tool? A set of these covers plus a panel kit from VB will be a good British hibernation project.

 

[RickB]

I used nail cutters and needle nose pliers.
Generally used these:

Fairly inexpensive tool and very handy especially since I've also been doing a rebuild on an 86 year old bathroom in my home.
Multi use kind of tool good for cutting heavy wire, nails etc...

 

[68_sprite]

Rick, that looks great! you've done a really nice job turning a Spridget into a luxury car. Heated seats, new interior, when are you installing the air conditioning?

 

[Morris]

Rick... how much did you pay for those seat covers and where did you get them ? My Miata seat covers looked pretty nice until some fool burned a hole in one with a soldering iron. (That guy ruins all my stuff!).


... Okay never mind... I just re-read the thread. Auto Tops Direct: $165.

A bit out of my price range.

 

[RickB]

Rick...
... Okay never mind... I just re-read the thread. Auto Tops Direct: $165.

A bit out of my price range.

That is for <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">two </span></span>seats you know?

 

[RickB]

Heh, Jean - the only thing really needed here is heat, we got plenty cooling when we want it, or not!!

 

[nomad]

Rick, are they leather for that price?? They sure look like leather and if they are we Brit car guys are getting gouged!

Kurt.

 

[RickB]

No, they are nice heavy vinyl though.
They definitely look and feel like leather.

Most places are charging $300 plus for vinyl Midget seat covers and leather is usually more like $800 - $900. I agree that the MG people are getting gouged but from the point of view of market size the Miata is a way larger pool of customers.
For Miata you can get leather for around $500 - $700.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Classic VW beetle seat covers are much more affordable than the MG stuff too.