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MG TD TF 1500 - MGB seats in TF

Well, I've picked up some (1971) MGB seat frames super cheap, and I'm considering installing them in my 55 TF -1500. From the measurements I've done, they look like they will fit ... The car is apart in my garage, and will be together [hopefully] sometime next year.

Here's my reasoning:

My stock seats are completely gone, the frames are rust powder, and I have another set of TF frames that I picked up cheap. The replacement frames will require considerable repair, but they have much more metal on them than the old pair, which are essentially bags of rotten leather, full of moldy horsehair and rust flakes.

I'm tall [6' 2"], and the stock seats are just not comfortable for me. It looks like I main gain an inch or so of legroom by using the MGB seats, and also the fact that the B seats recline will geve me a little room. I'm probably going to shave the foam on the base to keep the height down. I'm going to have the seat covers made to order to match the interior (green). I'm removing the headrests.

I'll keep the original type seats, because some day I might want to make the car 100% original.

Does this sound like a reasonable plan? I know that anyone who knows TFs would instantly recognize the incorrect seats, but if done well I think they might look OK, and I'm hoping I may gain a little comfort.

Thanks in advance for any feedback. MB
Mark Barrington

Mark
I was fortunate in that the original seats in my TF were almost perfect and just needed leather conditioner. At 5ft 11 its snug but not unbearable just took getting used to. Save the original seats but install the ones from the B and drive your TF in comfort....driving is the thing. There will always be the off coment on non originality wether it be seats, carpet, engine etc. When you plan to go for that 100point car you can have the originals done and re-install.....in the mean time happy motoring!!!
jeff payne

Mark, This is an idea I have tinkered with for a while too. I haven't followed it up yet - instead I got a pair of new TF seats from the Moss stall at the last Silverstone meeting at a big discount (cancelled order)- about half price. This was huge improvement from the comfort point of view - the old ones were sagging badly. But even the brand new ones aren't that comfortable, since the angle between the seat and the back is a bit too upright for me (interesting point - Ron Gammons once told me the two best things you could do to a TF to improve driveability is first to split the seat frame and re-weld at a greater rake, and second to fit a smaller steering wheel....). I have had quite a few MGBs in my time, and all had very comfortable seats. So install the MGB seats, enjoy the ride, and let us all know how you get on. AB
Adrian Bennett

Thanks for the comments guys. It looks like the project is a 'go.' I'll let you know how it goes, but it will be a while ... I don't even pick up the seats for a couple more weeks, and then I'll try to test fit them before I send them to the upholsterers, to make sure I didn't miss anything when I measured.
Mark B.

What other "room" tips are there for TF's? I am 6'3" and was offered a TF 1500 in trade. I am hoping that I can make Myself fit.
Brad Sullivan

Hi Guys, I have seen a TC modified for this purpose with some pre war seats. These all had really thin seat backs and would give 3 or 4 inches extra leg room.
The same owner was also considering lowering the floor panel to fit on the bottom of the chassis rail instead of the top to keep his head out of the wind. This would seem to be an option worth investigating for someone as tall as you, Brad.

Cheers,

Paul.
Paul van Gool

I have fitted an Austin Healey "frogeye" seat into my TF 1500 because:-

1. I am 6'1" with 34" inside leg (!), and
2. There is no sideways support from the original.

It has made a huge difference to the leg room (the
Sprite seat has a much thinner back). Even with my long legs there is about 1" space between the back of the seat and the bodywork and if I put the seat as far back as it will go I can't push the clutch down properly!

Unfortunately the side support is not as good as I expected although it is an improvement on the original. I have had to fix the back of the seat to the base to make it firm and not wobble from side to side.

Trying to get the upholsterers to reduce the height of the seat cushion is another problem. Even though the seat is fixed directly to the floor, ie without rails, it is still the same height as the original, I think they have used the wrong type of foam.
Keith Doherty

This thread was discussed between 10/04/2002 and 29/04/2002

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