Changing Seat Base Covers

Anonymous · April 8, 2004, 21:53

This weekend I will be attempting to change my seat covers for the bases.
I've changed the backs from black to red and now need to do the bases.
I know this involves removing the seats from the 2.
Is there anything I should look out for? Or is it plain sailing?
Any helpful hints would be apprieciated.

Peter Laborne · April 8, 2004, 22:03

After reading loads of posts (mainly relating to installing a short shifter), it should be a simple job and only take a few minutes.

Undo a few bolts, disconnect the sensor and whip it out. It would probably be easier with the top down. Also watch your plastic panels as these will scratch easily.

Tem · April 9, 2004, 20:52

Quote from: "roadsterman99"I've changed the backs from black to red and now need to do the bases.

The change of base cloth is just the same as the backs...

You need to unbolt the base from the seat frame though, no big deal, 4 bolts IIRC...

Anonymous · April 11, 2004, 01:31

Quote from: "Tem"
Quote from: "roadsterman99"I've changed the backs from black to red and now need to do the bases.

The change of base cloth is just the same as the backs...

You need to unbolt the base from the seat frame though, no big deal, 4 bolts IIRC...

Ok, I confess I'm having trouble with the 4 bolts. What is the best type of tool to remove the bolts? Do I need an air compressor to whip them out (it feels like they are welded onto the floorpan)

Anonymous · April 11, 2004, 08:43

I changed my passenger side seat base cover last night. No problem with the 4 bolts used 14mm socket came out no problem.
I found it quite easy to do, however watch the metal plate on the base as it's very sharp (got 3 cuts to prove it).
The metal rings that hold the cover into position are a pain, I'm thinking of using cable or bag ties on the drivers side.
Overall the seat bases are harder to do than the seat backs.

Tem · April 11, 2004, 09:13

Yeah, the bolts should come off without any tricks...

Quote from: "roadsterman99"Overall the seat bases are harder to do than the seat backs.

I didn't really find any difference in doing them s:? :? s:?

Did you have trouble opening or installing the metal rings..?

Anonymous · April 11, 2004, 15:38

roadsterman, could you post some pics to show us the finished result? as im considering putting red covers in my silver 2

Anonymous · April 11, 2004, 20:21

QuoteDid you have trouble opening or installing the metal rings..?

Yes I did on the backs and the passenger base but eventually s:idea: :idea: s:idea:
Use cable ties far easier and you can pull them tight and then cut them back.

Quoteroadsterman, could you post some pics to show us the finished result? as im considering putting red covers in my silver 2

Yes i'll take some pics tomorrow get them hosted then stick them on the site. I think my red car with black interior was to samey, now with red seats the contrast is brilliant.
Although I am toying with removing the backs and passenger base to replace the wire clips with cable ties. mrs roadsterman99 says "I must be short of something to do, it looks perfect."

Anonymous · April 12, 2004, 19:04

Picture of my new Acapulco Red seat covers

Anonymous · April 12, 2004, 19:30

very nice s8)

s8) , are you gonna change the door trim to red too?

Anonymous · April 12, 2004, 19:59

Well I wasn't.

Why did you have to mention it s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

Anonymous · April 12, 2004, 20:04

just thought it would look even better with that little bit extra red trim in the car, as the seats look a bit lonely with all that black! s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

Liz · April 12, 2004, 21:12

So they are easy to fit then, could a girl do it?

I may even attempt fitting my leather ones myself then...where's that toolbox and a 14mm socket! I may have a spare red pair of cloth seat covers going soon, Tem has already been promised the door panel material.

Tem · April 12, 2004, 22:00

Quote from: "Liz"So they are easy to fit then, could a girl do it?

I'm pretty sure you could s8)

s8)

Anonymous · April 12, 2004, 22:06

Quote from: "Liz"So they are easy to fit then, could a girl do it?

I may even attempt fitting my leather ones myself then...where's that toolbox and a 14mm socket! I may have a spare red pair of cloth seat covers going soon, Tem has already been promised the door panel material.

Hi Liz,

What covers did you get in the end?

Ray

Anonymous · April 12, 2004, 22:15

Liz

If I can do it then anybody can.
I am without doubt the worst DIY mechanic type person in the universe s:!: :!: s:!:

I think Loadswine (an MR2ROC member) is looking for red seat covers, perhaps you could send PM.

If you decide to do them yourself and get into trouble then you could always put out an SOS

Liz · May 20, 2004, 16:36

Ok I knew that I had seen this thread somewhere and found it on the search!! Good advice about the cable ties as well!

Be ready for the SOS calls!!!!

Anonymous · May 20, 2004, 16:50

sorry to not be keeping up with things but where did you get your cloth seats roadsterman? I have a silver 2 with black seats an dI am thinking of changing to red.... also how much were they? THANKU!

Anonymous · May 20, 2004, 18:04

Bought them from ad on FindIt. Although it happened to be a MR2-ROC member.
Think about £70 but they were new un-used as he'd had leather fitted.