Fitting Britpart seat covers

[patrickr90]

Defender 90, 1986 200TDi

Hi all

Thought I'd spend the evening fitting new Britpart seat covers to my Defender 90 seats. Watched the video and got stuck in, only to quickly realise that the guy in the video has not got the same seats as I have!



First of all he has one bolt at each corner. I have 2 (so 8 bolts in total for one seat). Secondly, my frame seems deeper than his and mine is completely made of metal whereas he has some sprung "material" in his. When I bought the covers I was told they would fit any defender seat.

So, got most of the way through putting it on. Because my seat is deeper, the foam won't wrap all the way round the sides. Then, when I get to the bottom to fasten the clipper joint, I need the strength of Hulk to get the two pieces of vinyl to meet! Also, the fabric seems distorted in the lumber area - hanging away from the seat back.

Conclusion: I possibly have the wrong seat cover? If I do, what seats have I actually got and what cover should I get. I can take some pics if it helps.

OR, should I just eat three Weetabix for breakfast and persevere?

Thanks

 

[patrickr90]

Here are some pics of where I've got to. There's a picture of one (of 2) metal tab, which I don't think is going to help me much....

 

[Anaconda]

You don't have a Defender though, maybe the early seats are different in some way?

 

[tottot]

As above, yours is not Defender it is a Land Rover Ninety or One Ten. Your 200tdi engine is a later replacement for original engine. There are a number of differences with 83 to 86 trucks from later models.

 

[patrickr90]

You don't have a Defender though, maybe the early seats are different in some way?

Gotcha. I may still be able make them fit though -

 

[patrickr90]

As above, yours is not Defender it is a Land Rover Ninety or One Ten. Your 200tdi engine is a later replacement for original engine. There are a number of differences with 83 to 86 trucks from later models.

....as I am finding out - the hard way. Any examples of other differences I should be aware of, going forward.....? Yes, it's got a Discovery 200Tdi fitted (don't know when - '89 maybe?). Someone seems to have been very creative with where they put various parts under the bonnet!

 

[tottot]

My bet is the engine was replaced much later, Discovery only came on the market in 89 ish.
Mine is a 1990 Ninety with 200 fitted in the naughty's.
Last year recovered the center seat and had to use later type cover.
It can be a bit of a fight to do the covers but one just has to work them on.
When ordering parts check suitable for "pre Defender" models, Axles, brakes parts come to mind but you will not know what has been changed before.

 

[Anaconda]

My bet is the engine was replaced much later, Discovery only came on the market in 89 ish.
Mine is a 1990 Ninety with 200 fitted in the naughty's.
Last year recovered the center seat and had to use later type cover.
It can be a bit of a fight to do the covers but one just has to work them on.
When ordering parts check suitable for "pre Defender" models, Axles, brakes parts come to mind but you will not know what has been changed before.

You can't rely on the axles being correct for that year, my son's Ninety has a Disco 1 front axle I do believe.

 

[tottot]

You can't rely on the axles being correct for that year, my son's Ninety has a Disco 1 front axle I do believe.

Yes, common enough. I did that very job for a mate some years ago. Also many have had drum brake rear axle replaced with later disc brake axle. Box of chocolates as Forrest said.

 

[patrickr90]

My bet is the engine was replaced much later, Discovery only came on the market in 89 ish.
Mine is a 1990 Ninety with 200 fitted in the naughty's.
Last year recovered the center seat and had to use later type cover.
It can be a bit of a fight to do the covers but one just has to work them on.
When ordering parts check suitable for "pre Defender" models, Axles, brakes parts come to mind but you will not know what has been changed before.

Hi. Thanks for the further info and the advice! I'll always check first. Now on with the battle

Yes, common enough. I did that very job for a mate some years ago. Also many have had drum brake rear axle replaced with later disc brake axle. Box of chocolates as Forrest said.