As part of fitting in a NB Miata I needed to get much lower than the stock seats allow. Everything I read said not to bother with a composite seat and go right to an aluminum seat. I followed the advise.
I received the seat and realized that placed where I would want it in the floor pan, the transmission tunnel would push the seat roughly 2" off center from the steering wheel. This was not an option.
I did research and found that notching the trans tunnel was a common spec miata modification. I assume this process would be helpful to anyone else in my situation, so I have some pictures below of my process.
If anyone would like additional pictures or information please let me know.
Photos Link: https://goo.gl/photos/NfciSJD2VvbUSWMP8
Overall Results: I am 6'4", 35" inseam, 245 Lbs, 36" waist. With the seat installed, my head is 3" under the factory soft top. Leg room is very good, but the next step is to install an aftermarket steering wheel and an extension. With that I think I will be a good fit.
Nice work! Does the front vertical edge of the tunnel patch dig into your leg? This is very interesting to me, being similarly unshort.
Does the seat have any cushion at all?
Is this one a DD?
This is relevant to my interests. Which seat did you buy and what size is it?
OHSCrifle wrote:
Nice work! Does the front vertical edge of the tunnel patch dig into your leg? This is very interesting to me, being similarly unshort.
Does the seat have any cushion at all?
Is this one a DD?
I have had no issue with the leading edge digging into my leg. The notch is 3.5" out at the widest point which is roughly the most I have seen with the spec Miata guys.
I intentionally stopped the notch before the front floor pan brace because I wanted to leave that structure intact.
The seat does have a reasonable amount of cusion, but ), none, nada, lumbar support. This week I took a piece of 1"x 8"x 17" seat foam and hot glued it into the lumbar area and the difference is night and day.
At some point I will likely do the molded insert for track day events. While I sit low int he seat with the cover, there is another 1-1.5" to be had without the cover.
This car is not my DD, yet, but I have driven it to work and short errands multiple times. It is a challenge to get into at 6'4", but once in I'm very comfortable.
Woody wrote:
This is relevant to my interests. Which seat did you buy and what size is it?
It is the Ultrashield spec miata seat. I purchased from Saferacer.com. It is the 17" variant, which is really a little wide for me, but does well for a dual purpose vehicle.
Good stuff! Is the rod for sub strap attachment?
Can you post a couple photos looking down at the seat? My FIL has owner every generation, and wants to get an ND and I'd love to get his NC Miata at trade in value... But only if I could fit. In a stock seat it's not even close.
Related: If anybody in Atlanta has one that's been similarly modified, that I could come sit in, I'll bring a six pack of beer of your choosing.
Dashpot wrote:
Good stuff! Is the rod for sub strap attachment?
I guess it could be, but that wasn't the intent. It is really just there for reinforcement. I think to be legal, with any sanctioning body, it needs to be on the floor with a sizable backing plate or structure.
OHSCrifle wrote:
Can you post a couple photos looking down at the seat? My FIL has owner every generation, and wants to get an ND and I'd love to get his NC Miata at trade in value... But only if I could fit. In a stock seat it's not even close.
Related: If anybody in Atlanta has one that's been similarly modified, that I could come sit in, I'll bring a six pack of beer of your choosing.
I can take some pictures this weekend. I may also have the Miata at the Mitty, GA, in a couple months if you are still interested in sitting in one. Be aware that the NC is significantly bigger inside than the NB.
Cool. I haven't attended a Mitty before. Maybe it's time!
Additional final install pictures as requested, Link: https://goo.gl/photos/BanVGn6WHmvizNrw5
Thanks! I love the way it sits several inches behind the original front seat anchor points.
The seat bottom looks really short. I suppose that keeps it light but in my experience, long unsupported legs = pain and numbness.
Regardless, thanks for the pics.
