MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
Does anyone know of any good tutorials online for this, or are most folks using the step-by-step process found in the Porter book?
Anyone have an electronic copy of the VB interior installation guide they can email?
Matt,
I did this last year, easy job, take your time and enjoy the challenge, Here's a few tips. Order a few extra clips, mine were missing a few, discovered when old covers were removed and a few extra won't hurt (extra day)
Take the time to clean and LIGHTLY lube the recline mech. You may want to cut an inch or so off the bottom of the headrest post. This will let the headrest sit lower so the tonneau (sp) will fit easier. The trade off is they won't go as high but I've never seen anyone use them extended. Use good, heavy duty spray contact cement and put some on the seat back so the cover stays contored when not occupied.
When it comes to the seat backs, Two ways: one is to cover the seatback foam with plastic and remove same when cover is in place, other is to roll the seatback cover and install like a condom. Both work. My covers (leather) were sided L and R although not marked, Check this so you'll be sure the pattern matches on the top and bottom. The sear recliner levers are the last thing after your sure everything is seated (pun), stretched, and the way you want it. Cut a little circle out, not just a slice, help's prevent tearing. One more thing, if replacing the rubber band supports, make a wire loop with a handle to stretched and install same. They can be tough, save your fingers.
Regards, Larry
I'm getting ready to do this, too. Send me whatever you send Matt!!!!
I agree, there isn't much detailed information on this job.
The lower back panel of the MK1 seat covers is carpet material. Be careful not to tear the opening of the seat backs where the carpeting attaches to the leather (or vinyl) during installation. It's a mess to fix.
I bought some foam from the upholstery shop and used an electric meat carving knife to
add some more shape onto the simple flat design. Just my personal preference.
If you need to add more spray adhesive somewhere after the cover has been installed (ugh), go to the hobby shop and get some carbon fiber tubing and fix it to the spray nozzle. It worked for me.
Those are the challenges I had so I'm no expert.
I agree, there isn't much detailed information on this job.
The lower back panel of the MK1 seat covers is carpet material. Be careful not to tear the opening of the seat backs where the carpeting attaches to the leather (or vinyl) during installation. It's a mess to fix.
I bought some more foam from the upholstery shop and used an electric meat carving knife to add some more shape onto the simple flat design. Just my personal preference.
If you need to add more spray adhesive somewhere after the cover has been installed (ugh), go to the hobby shop and get some carbon fiber tubing and attach it to the spray nozzle. 3M spray adhesive has an adjustable nozzle that is easy to attach to.
If the seat covers aren't labeled "right" and "left", get it straight before assembly. My seats from Prestige were not marked.
Good luck. Post some pics.
I searched for a local material to replace the seat cardboard. The old stuff had conformed to the seat frame and I wanted something that held its shape better. I tried a fiber backing board from Home Depot, but it was too stiff. I finally found some plastic sheet there that has worked very well so far. Here are some pictures: