Spi seats

[whistler]

Does anyone know whether 1990's spi front seats will fit into a mk1? I've tried mk3 seats but the recliner handle bashes up against the door bin.

[W1NG3D]

Any reason you're looking at SPI seats in particular? If it helps, I've seen an early countryman fitted with MPI seats (and other interior bits, and running gear!), which is currently listed on eBay if you want to look at the photos for reference. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125574453679

MPI seats have smaller bolsters than SPIs, which probably helps with clearance against the Mk1 door bins. That's not to say that SPI seats definitely won't fit, because they may well go into a Mk1 with no problems, but I can't say I've seen a Mk1 with SPI seats personally.

[whistler]

Any reason you're looking at SPI seats in particular? If it helps, I've seen an early countryman fitted with MPI seats (and other interior bits, and running gear!), which is currently listed on eBay if you want to look at the photos for reference. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125574453679

MPI seats have smaller bolsters than SPIs, which probably helps with clearance against the Mk1 door bins. That's not to say that SPI seats definitely won't fit, because they may well go into a Mk1 with no problems, but I can't say I've seen a Mk1 with SPI seats personally.

I've been advised/told that the spi seats are more comfortable than the mpi ones. I've sat in a spi seat and it is quite comfortable. The example you've mentioned seems to show that the seat is blocked by the rear bins from moving backwards; maybe the way they're installed. Currently have Ford Puma seats in my '89 and they do clear the rear bins but would not clear the front bins in a Mk1 due to the recliner control being in the way. I wonder what year that countryman shell is? At a guess I'd say between '72 and '76. Certainly not 1963 as the seller is claiming.
Thanks for your reply.

[gs.davies]

I don’t see why they wouldn’t. There no discernible difference in the rear bin. The smaller SPi seats were based on earlier seats, the bigger SPi seats always caught on the bins too I think.

[whistler]

I don’t see why they wouldn’t. There no discernible difference in the rear bin. The smaller SPi seats were based on earlier seats, the bigger SPi seats always caught on the bins too I think.

You mention 2 different sizes of SPI seats or was that a typo?

[surfblue63]

Spis started with the smaller seat that had been used since the 1970s



In 1993 the seats changed to the bigger, and far better, more modern seats.



The 1993 on seats are excellent for long drives. They do clash with the rear bins in you fit extension brackets, and you have to take the head rest off when you want to access the rear of the car.

[W1NG3D]

I've been advised/told that the spi seats are more comfortable than the mpi ones. I've sat in a spi seat and it is quite comfortable. The example you've mentioned seems to show that the seat is blocked by the rear bins from moving backwards; maybe the way they're installed. Currently have Ford Puma seats in my '89 and they do clear the rear bins but would not clear the front bins in a Mk1 due to the recliner control being in the way. I wonder what year that countryman shell is? At a guess I'd say between '72 and '76. Certainly not 1963 as the seller is claiming.
Thanks for your reply.

The bigger SPI seats are probably the most comfortable factory Mini seat, they're based on a Rover seat of the same era. They did have the issue with rear bin clearance from factory though, especially if fitted with aftermarket extender brackets, which is probably why they revised the MPI seat to be a bit smaller. Depends how far back you need/want to sit, really. I had the same problem when I fitted Alfa Romeo GTV seats to my old '91 Mini Neon, but even with the clearance issues with the rear bins I was able to seat myself comfortably in the drivers' seat (and I'm 6ft tall with pretty long legs).

As you say that Countryman shell is definitely not a '63 based on the wiper arm positions on the scuttle, but it does at leave have the same Mk1-esque doors with the big bins which is why I figured I'd share it for referencing seat fitment

[GeorgeA]

Spis started with the smaller seat that had been used since the 1970'

Those seats were only fitting to Mini 30's and RSP's

In 1991 -1993 these seats were fitted to Spi Cooper's same lighting style as the 1993 on but with out the side bolsters.

Mainstream Cooper's had the all cloth version of the non bolstered seat.

[surfblue63]

That Countryman is an interesting mix of old and new. Doors are Mk1/Mk2, including the top rail, the whole front end is MPi. It has Mpi rear bins, but the rest of the rear looks like Mk1/Mk2 rear end.
Did that company in Bristol not make a few of these the Japanese market?

[JohnA]

That Countryman is an interesting mix of old and new. Doors are Mk1/Mk2, including the top rail, the whole front end is MPi. It has Mpi rear bins, but the rest of the rear looks like Mk1/Mk2 rear end.
Did that company in Bristol not make a few of these the Japanese market?

Most of the interior is from a Burgundy Mini 40

[olddave]

Any reason you're looking at SPI seats in particular? If it helps, I've seen an early countryman fitted with MPI seats (and other interior bits, and running gear!), which is currently listed on eBay if you want to look at the photos for reference. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125574453679

MPI seats have smaller bolsters than SPIs, which probably helps with clearance against the Mk1 door bins. That's not to say that SPI seats definitely won't fit, because they may well go into a Mk1 with no problems, but I can't say I've seen a Mk1 with SPI seats personally.

Bit off topic how about a £50k 'totally original' '64 S from the same dealer!

Back to the subject, I've got comfy MGF seats in mine.

DSC06473.jpg

[whistler]

Thanks GeorgeA for that. Learnt something new today.

[W1NG3D]

Any reason you're looking at SPI seats in particular? If it helps, I've seen an early countryman fitted with MPI seats (and other interior bits, and running gear!), which is currently listed on eBay if you want to look at the photos for reference. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125574453679

MPI seats have smaller bolsters than SPIs, which probably helps with clearance against the Mk1 door bins. That's not to say that SPI seats definitely won't fit, because they may well go into a Mk1 with no problems, but I can't say I've seen a Mk1 with SPI seats personally.

Bit off topic how about a £50k 'totally original' '64 S from the same dealer!

Back to the subject, I've got comfy MGF seats in mine.

With its totally original red oxide on the rear valance, and totally original oil pressure & water pump gauges from a Mk2-onwards car, and totally original black painted interior

Those MGF seats look great upholstered in matching grey to the rest of your interior!

[whistler]

Already have MGF seats in my wife's convertible.