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MG MG Y Type - Securing seat runners to floorboard

What do Y owners use nowadays for fixing seat runners to the wooden floorboards. When I restored my Y back in 1981/2 I used fixings that were intended for security wires under wooden ladder rungs ( a small bolt that went into a combined thread and mini plate - to spread the load, similar to the original fixings) - now that I have had the runners out and not all of the securing bolts/plates have survived - it occurred to me what arrangements are available for this nowadays - does anyone market anything or do people use small bolts and washers??.
David Mullen

I was about to pull the seats from my YB to service the runners. When I reassemble I plan to replace the original screws and washers with a thin (1/8" or so) stel plate, then fender washer, then lock washer, then nyloc nut. It may seem overkill but two things are for certain... it won't come loose and the chances of the seat ripping out of the wood will be far less than now!
Steve Simmons

What a coincidence!
I've been busy with my seats too today (it's a holiday today; Koninginnedag = Queensday).
The PO changed the seats from left to right and vice versa, probably because he was rather small and the original driverseat sagged a bit. Very awkward too adjust with the adjuster on the side of the transmission tunnel! My runners were fastened with original looking little bsf threaded domeheaded screws which, to my amazement, all came loose easily!

Did you know that the Y frontseats are handed? They lean to the outside, so my seats rubbed against each other when they were in the wrong position.
willem van der veer

I was wondering about that. My seats do lean a bit to the outside but I thought it was just the outer foam being compressed from 50 years of getting in and out of the car. When I drive I have to shift my weight toward the center of the car every 5 to 10 minutes as I slide towards the door.
Steve Simmons

Steve,

It's meant to be like that, it does create more room inside! I told my wife that from now on we'll be driven apart in the Y..., maybe I'll change them back?
willem van der veer

Well it isn't a very wide car to begin with, so even if you wanted do drive "apart" I don'[t think it would be possible. Not even with her in the back! :)
Steve Simmons

David, back to your original question. The seat runners were fixed throught the floor boards using either, round or cheesehead 2BA screws, approx 1 inch long and these screwed into 2 BA "T" nuts.
I managed to obtain some from my usual supplier although he now tells me that they are becoming more difficult to find.
The nearest would be to get 6mm screws with matching "T" nuts.
Have all you guys got David Lawrence's book, Let there be "Ys". It is the best book you are ever likely to see on the restoration of "Ys".
Keith D Herkes

Does anybody know were I can get replacement seat runners. I am doing a restoration on a 48Y and the ones I have are rusted out.
Frank Russell

Frank

Your best bet I am afraid is someone who is breaking a Y.

Sorry

Paul
Paul Barrow

You can buy new seat runners (not original type but could be adapted I imagine) from firms like Holden Vintage and Classsic (01885-488-488). They are the sort to fit to kit cars and specials etc. Worth a try - ask for their latest mini catalogue. Part no is S091.589.
David Mullen

This thread was discussed between 30/04/2004 and 12/05/2004

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