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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - Seat Bases

I'm rebuilding my seats as part of my coupe interior restoration. I have what appear to be either original or pretty old repro wooden seat bases, based on their construction (they have the three holes cut into the riser). They are made from 3/8 inch plywood. The wood is dry and does not appear to be rotting at all, although it does sound "tinny" when I knock on it. The screens have surface rust. I know that replacement screens are available. On what basis would you decide to replace the wooden seat bases themselves? Am I asking for eventual trouble by reusing the old ones? I do not have a jigsaw or table saw, so building replacement bases is not a viable option for me - I would need to purchase the replacements if necessary.
M. D.

The tinny sound may be the screens vibrating when you hit it. If there solid I see no reason to replace them. Put new foam in our 59 a couple years ago, the original plywood was still in good shape.
J Heisenfeldt

This guy in Canyon City Colorado almost always has these seat bottoms on E Bay. I bid $30 on every auction untill he contacted me and sold me a set at a fair price. I am very pleased with the quality.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MGA-MG-A-wood-seat-base-New-Roadster-or-Coupe-LH-Dvrs_W0QQitemZ370077211643QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item370077211643&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C65%3A1%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&timeout=1218749454531
Now I would like to find a better price on the foam. Moss gets $150 a set and though they are a good part they are expensive.
R J Brown

Thanks RJ. They certainly look good. How was the fit?
M. D.

If the old bases will take a staple or a tack, they will be absolutely fine.

If you buy new foams, you may well have to remove the wedge piece at the front of the seat base anyway (that was my experience). Then you have to attack the foams with a saw to get them the same shape as the seat base before fitting the covers (otherwise the covers bulge out at the side and look ridiculous).

For the screens just wire brush and spray paint - they will be fine.
dominic clancy

Thanks J and Dominic. I'll try putting a few staples into them to see how the wood takes the staples. That sounds like a suitable test.
M. D.

They were a perfect fit. I had 2 seat base sets side by side. Those from E Bay and a 62 MK11 set. Slightly different materials but same fit.
R J Brown

Dominic,if you ever need to cut foam again,use an electric knife.Cuts like butter and easier on you as well.
gary starr

This thread was discussed between 14/08/2008 and 16/08/2008

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