Following on from Joe's seat and floor flexing request in mini chat I've searched for my previous post and the info seems to have been lost in one of the big crashes . However I still had most of the emails so will put them in here for future use . These are answers to my request to the RTA website about using aftermarket seats like the cheap ones sold on ebay in a mini that may or may not have been built before ADR's .
SA Regency wrote:
Mr White,
In reference to your email enquiry regarding replacement seating in early mini's, as well as ADR compliant cars, please be advised of the following requirements in South Australia:
Pre ADR vehicles - Whilst there are no specific design standards for these seats we would expect a vehicle to be fitted with seats manufactured by either another vehicle manufacturer or a reputable aftermarket seat manufacturer. The seats would have to meet accepted automotive standards for the mounting to the floor and in the case of a two door vehicle with seating in the rear permit access to the rear by conventional means.
ADR vehicles - Any replacement seat would need to be from either a vehicle that has the same, or higher, ADR requirement or an aftermarket seat that is labelled as meeting the ADR's. Mounting of the seat may require an engineers report where non original mounting points are manufactured or where a cradle is used to mount the seat to the floor that was not supplied by the seat manufacturer. Access to the rear seat is the same as for pre ADR vehicles.
Seats as per the one shown on the ebay address supplied would require proof of compliance as there is no mention of compliance with any applicable standards. It is not illegal to sell items on ebay as they can be used for off road and marine use, it comes down to the buyer being cautious and aware of the individual State and Territory requirements.
Please get back to me should you have any further enquiries.
NT road transport division wrote:
Hello Ian,
Your email question on applicable standards for seats for vehicles that predate and postdate Australian Design Rules (ADRs)
has been forwarded on to me for comment on behalf of the Northern Territory Motor Vehicle Registry.
Where a vehicle predates an applicable Australian Design Rule (ADR), (ie where that ADR is not binding) then the requirements of the Australian Vehicle (Standards) Rules (AVSRs) must be met. That is, “A seat for a driver or passenger in a vehicle must be securely attached to the vehicle.”
In the NT, where a vehicle (that is not subject to the ADR) is to be modified using an aftermarket seat-ie where the seat is not an (Vehicle) Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specification seat, then as a modified vehicle, the seats would need to comply with the requirements of the National Code of Practice – VSB5 and be approved in line with the Northern Territory modified vehicle process on a case by case basis.
Where a vehicle is subject to an ADR, and it is proposed to fit Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) seats or aftermarket seats, then the seats and the fitment must comply with the applicable ADRs applying to the vehicle. Where aftermarket seats are fitted, then the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction & Modification - Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14 (VSB14),is the applicable reference document.
The National Vehicle Standards Bulletins are available at the following URL:
http://www.dotars.gov.au/roads/safety/b ... index.aspxQLD transport wrote:
Hello Ian The Vehicle Safety Standards Branch of the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DoTaRS), in Canberra, administers the Motor Vehicle Standards Act that requires that all vehicles, when first supplied to the market, comply with all applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs). The ADRs set the minimum safety and emission standards for vehicles.
Queensland legislation requires that vehicles continue to comply with the ADRs applicable when the vehicle was first supplied to the market. Accordingly, the fitting of any after market vehicle component, such as replacement or aftermarket seats, must not result in any deterioration in vehicle compliance with the applicable Australian Design Rules or Queensland regulations.
If a vehicle was manufactured prior to ADR 3, then there is no requirement to fit ADR 3 approved seats to the vehicle. However, this is not recommended by Queensland Transport (QT) and where possible it is recommended that ADR compliant seats be installed. Additionally, if the new seats do not fit the original anchorage points the new anchorage points are required to meet ADR 3/.. as per Vehicle Standards Bulletin 5b. Modifications to vehicles are regulated in Queensland to ensure those vehicles remain in a safe condition.
The Transport Operations (Road Use Management ? Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation 1999 required that: "A person must not modify a vehicle, its parts or equipment in a way that adversely affects the safety of the vehicle". Seating modifications (including seat substitutions) are required to be approved through the QT Approved Person scheme. As non ADR approved seats could be used for racing or show purposes and not for road use there is no restrictions on their sale as for some applications they may be acceptable.
The specific vehicle standards bulletin (5B) that is mentioned can be found here .
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/ ... b_05_b.pdf
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The regs do say that you can upgrade your engine, provided you do the complete package - i.e. no V8 Toranas with drums, no Cooper S spec (1275) Minis with drums. Some would argue that Mokes came with a 1275 and drums, but you know that's not going to cover you after a crash - if you want anything other than strict application of the rules, you need to see an engineer (who would tell you to get discs anyway). Otherwise you're liable for the mods. The DoT won't accept any liability for their "mistake" in allowing you to register and drive a vehicle which doesn't comply. I'd advise you to look into upgrading to S discs... 
