MadaboutKitcars

Hi, I am now back on the build after yet another absence due to injuries picked up skiing ! and would like some advice about the exi not the skiing

I am trying to fit the seats and understand some of the SVA requirements have changed since I started the build in 2004. Can they still just be bolted through the chassis or do I need to weld steel plates onto the chassis and bolt through those ?



thanks

Nick

The opinion of SVA testers varied considerably from one centre to the next, so it's hard to say what is right.

I welded in additional supporting box section tube, and bolted my Elise seats to the box section using the OEM elise bolt holes. Craig took a similar approach, but when he presented his car to his SVA tester he was required to put in spreader plates, and inserts.

The IVA might complicate things.

Section 15 Seat Strength - details the testing that should be carried out and the requirements of the installation.

Head rests are a further issue you need to address with the seat, but the main issue is where the seatbelt is anchored or if the floor is metallic or not.

This is a copy of the 24th April 2009 dated issue (referred to as the May 2009 version/release 3) for reference:-

http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/crt/repository/M1%20Inspection%20Manual%20May%2009.pdf

Read it and make of it what you must.
Use the testing proposals to judge your interpretation.

eaa53

Thanks for this. I am using the Elise seats so hopefully headrest should not be an issue.


I am going to take aloackofspeeds suggestion and weld a couple of extra bars in. Sounds like the spreader plates are also a good idea.

Anyone know if the spreader plates need to be welded to the chassis ? or do you just bolt through these and the chassis ?

thanks

Nick

Maybe worth a read of this, I had memories of where Craig has his SVA, may give you some extra help.

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1803

Rgs Steve

This is what mine are like:

Thanks for the picture (and the link), looks like a good solution as I need to raise the seats by an inch or so anyway.

I'll give it a go tomorrow

thanks
Nick

Nick,

I did it very similar to John as the elise seats as said need to be raised by about 3/4 of an inch!

I welded my extra tubes (same size as the elise runners) directly to the bottom of the runners!

You can take out the front solid bar from runners and transfer it to the new bottom bar so it looks oem.

I had to weld the sleeves in place as per link and use 100mm sq 5mm thick spreader plates under chassis! Although it was a pain at the time I am pleased I did this now as the chassis rails are not strong enough on their own.

Craig

It may sound an obvious question but what are the sleeves ? Did you use a steel tube cut down to size or are they specific items you can buy ?

rgds Nick

Cut to size!

Make sure when you cut them that they flush with the outside edge of the top of the drilled hole (in your rails)