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Police Minis - Lowered Frame Front Seats
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Author:  winabbey [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 9:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Police Minis - Lowered Frame Front Seats
Does anybody have a picture or clear description of Lowered Frame Front Seats as specified for NSW Police Minis?
Watto put together an excellent article on Police Minis in Issue 11 of The Mini Experience and these seats were mentioned. I've been in contact with him since but he doesn't have any pictures or clear diagrams. Apparently this feature was specified so our boys (and girls) in blue could wear their police hat in comfort whilst driving.
The Mini Series Parts Catalogue PUB 1056M includes a page for SPO 16 - Vehicles Fitted With Lowered Frame Front Seats, but no exploded diagram. Any help appreciated.
Author:  graham in aus [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 10:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
My MkII S (1970) has them, along with a few other police features, reversing lights, holes for id plates, radio, 1 1/2 carbs and fibro heatshield!

They are very neatly modified, simply a bit chopped out of the rear 'loops' and re-welded.

If no one else has by tomorrow pm, I will take a couple of pictures.....

:D 8)
Author:  GT [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:51 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm also keen to see this modification Graham! :D
Author:  winabbey [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:27 am ]
Post subject: 
Graham - a couple of measurements so the lowered seat frame can be compared with a normal one would be ideal. Thanks in advance for the offer of a photo.
Doug
Author:  graham in aus [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
As long as I get time, I will photo with tape rule in background, probably standard and modified seat....

winabbey (Doug) my car is number 2099, June 70, is yours numerically close?

How long have you had your S? 8)
Author:  boho [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
This sounds like a great mod! :D Keen to see it myself...
Author:  winabbey [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 7:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
Graham,

My car is number 2668 built in October 1970 and purchased in Sydney late July this year. It's the handbrake warning light and reverse lights that are the strongest indication of a Police vehicle. Original colour was Ceramic Green (another factor) but now Jet Red. I need to remove the headlining and facia cover to check for the usual holes. Some interesting small and large one's in the side of both rear bins but may not be related to Police SPO.

Your fibro heatshield sounds interesting. SPO 41 mentions 'rework and assembly of the heat shield' but no other details. Without wanting to strain an early relationship (!) I'd be very keen to see what one looks like if you are able to add that to the photo request. I think my 1.5 inch SU's have the standard shield.

Doug
Author:  graham in aus [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 10:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Okay, had a lot to do tonight, but next post should be some pics....

Just gotta edit them, load em to Photo bucket bla blah ...... :x

Thanks for your patience! :lol:
Author:  graham in aus [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
My 997 seat height:
Image
My MkII S seat height:
Image
Author:  graham in aus [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
Full pic versions:
Cooper:
Image
MkII Police?:
Image
Author:  graham in aus [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
The Reason!
Seat loops:
Cooper:
Image
Police Modified MkII?
Image
I reckon the loops are lower by at least 1", probably a bit more, dificult to measure on the curve! :lol:
Tends to make the seat rake back too as can be seen in the first seat pics.
Hope this helps! :P 8)
Author:  GT [ Thu Oct 11, 2007 8:42 am ]
Post subject: 
Very interesting. Thanks Graham.

So this is all factory done or not? When they cut and weld, did they just bend the seat srame until the 2 halves met?
Author:  graham in aus [ Thu Oct 11, 2007 9:15 am ]
Post subject: 
Hi Anton, not sure if they were factory, or part of the SPO? Supplied as part of a kit?

I think you could reproduce this effect easily, cutting out about an inch from the tubes, then bending the frame back together and welding around.

As a side comment / note; adjusting an early (low back) mini seat forward also raises the front as the hinged part of the seat uprights change angle.

The weld quality on my seats is very good, so I think it was a professional job!

8) 8)
Author:  winabbey [ Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:03 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Graham, another element of the elusive Police Mini modifications clearly explained.
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