MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

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 Latches

Has anyone come up with a solution to latch the seat backs while driving? When there is no passenger, the empty seat has a tendency to blow forward and it's really annoying. I've tried a few things but nothing that is both effective and convenient.
Steve Simmons

Velcro straps. You could also open the upholstery and add some ballast inside the frame.
MAndrus

Hi Steve

Just tighten up the bolts on the pivots a bit. If they are bottomed out, insert a bowed washer to give a slight spring effect.

Dominic
dominic clancy

During competition I fasten the passenger seat belt around the seat back to keep it in place.
Barney Gaylord

Wow - never experienced this - mind you I usually have the tonneau cover over when driving solo.
Cam Cunningham

I have the Mrs sitting in mine - that solves the problem.
Graeme Williams

Thanks, I'd rather not add weight or disturb the upholstery. I've tried running the bolts tighter and it helps but still doesn't hold the seat all the way back. And I've tried using the lap belt many times as well but it does little except to scratch up the leather where the buckle is rubbing on the corner, and the seat still comes forward about half way.

With the tonneau raised it is of course not a concern but I never have a need to run this way in the MGA, and of course with a passenger it is a non-issue! Sounds like no one has come up with a definitive solution so I'll brainstorm it for a bit longer. But thanks for the suggestions!
Steve Simmons

Steve

Just consulted my chart that says that any problem can be solved by a maximum of 39 options.

How about a clip screwed into the bottom of the seat back that clamps onto the seat frame bottom rail. Just tried the principle out and it would seem to work.

Steve

PS. Need to vacuum my carpets!


Steve Gyles

Now that's a great idea! My brainstorming came up with an even better idea, but it would take about a million times more effort and custom machining to pull off. I like yous better. :)
Steve Simmons

Steve - a lot of mechanical advantage from seat CoG to your clip not sure it will hold under heavy braking. Lap sash seat belt will do the job
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Mike

My photo showed just the concept. Two clips would probably be sufficient.

I tend to keep greater distances behind other cars than when in my modern car, also anticipating braking distances to corners/junctions. Therefore, when my seat tips forward it is usually the least of my worries. It's happened a few times but only since I have disc brakes. Never managed it with the drums.

Steve
Steve Gyles

When I bought my Frog the po had just had it MOT tested. He told me that they had tried to fail it because the seat backs didn't lock and "that was unsafe for anyone in the back". If you were in the back of a Frogeye I feel that would be the least of your worries.
Graeme Williams

My seats don't typically flip forward from braking, maybe in hard braking, so the clips would probably do the trick. Worth a try anyway, seeing as they are so easy to install and remove. Now to find the time...
Steve Simmons

This thread was discussed between 07/03/2016 and 09/03/2016

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.