Classic Mini Seat Cover Kits

This installation guide is a recommended guideline only and it is designed as a guide for fitting Optimise Automotive products.

We do not have detailed fitting guides for seat covers I’m afraid - we have attempted to put guides together in the past but it is just not something that is possible to put down in writing. The best thing to say is that the covers fit just as the originals (unless otherwise stated below), so when you take off the original covers have a good look at how they are attached.
 

Non-Reclining Front Seats

The covers fit just as the originals, so when you take off the original covers have a good look at how they are attached. The accessories and fixing that are included are used as follows:
 

Single Envelope clips

The single clips are used for the back tap on the front seat cushion cover (the first layer you will attach on the rail).
 

Double envelope clips

The double clips are used all around the base of the front seat cushion (sides and front) and also for the first layer of the front seat squab tab (this piece is pulled through under the squab and attached to the rail that you attached the rear cushion tab to).

C clips

The C clips are used to fix the cushion covers border to the round legs at the back (the vertical legs).
 

Triple envelope clips

The triple clips are used for the back squab tab (which is pulled down and attached to the same rail as the other pieces).

 

Reclining Front Seats (Without Headrests)

The covers fit just as the originals, so when you take off the original covers have a good look at how they are attached. The accessories and fixing that are included are used as follows:
 

Single Envelope clips

The single clips are used for the back tap on the front seat cushion cover (the first layer you will attach on the rail).
 

Double envelope clips

The double clips are used all around the base of the front seat cushion (sides and front) and also for the first layer of the front seat squab tab (this piece is pulled through under the squab and attached to the rail that you attached the rear cushion tab to).

C clips

The C clips are used to fix the cushion covers border to the round legs at the back (the vertical legs).
 

Triple envelope clips

The triple clips are used for the back squab tab (which is pulled down and attached to the same rail as the other pieces).
 

Hardboard Rings

The hardboard rings go in the pockets at the base of the seat squab. Depending on the model of seat, the hole on the ring is either the hole for the reclining handle or the hole for the rivet.

 

Reclining Single Post Headrest Front Seats

The covers fit just as the originals (near enough), so when you take off the original covers have a good look at how they are attached. The accessories and fixing that are included are used as follows:
 

Single Envelope clips

The single clips are used for the back tap on the front seat cushion cover (the first layer you will attach on the rail).
 

Double envelope clips

The double clips are used all around the base of the front seat cushion (sides and front) and also for the first layer of the front seat squab tab (this piece is pulled through under the squab and attached to the rail that you attached the rear cushion tab to).

C clips

The C clips are used to fix the cushion covers border to the round legs at the back (the vertical legs).
 

Triple envelope clips

The triple clips are used for the back squab tab (which is pulled down and attached to the same rail as the other pieces).
 

Hardboard Rings

The hardboard rings go in the pockets at the base of the seat squab. Depending on the model of seat, the hole on the ring is either the hole for the reclining handle or the hole for the rivet.
 

MDF panel

The MDF panel is inserted into the head rest (this is an additional feature, that is not original), allowing you to staple the headrest cover to the new board (as the original piece of wood within the headrest frame is often damaged) and then also allows you to reintroduce the original plastic panel after you have installed the head rest cover, which finishes the retrim off nice and neatly.

 

SPi and MPI Front Seats

The covers fit just as the originals (near enough), so when you take off the original covers have a good look at how they are attached.
 

Headrests

• Remove the old cover (you will need to cut off the original piping using a sharpe knife and then cut & peel away the original trimming).
• Place a bag over the foam and using a vacuum cleaner suck the air out the bag creating a vacuum and shrinking the head rest foam.
• Place the new cover over the head rest.
• Remove the vacuum cleaner head (so the foam expands and fills the new cover).
• Trim off the excess plastic bag.
• We then recommend pinning the outer cover (stitched face) along the edge.
   

Front seat cushions

• The side cushion seat tilt mechanism handle screws off.
• You will not need to remove the plastic cowling (either side, between the cushion and squab).
• The sides are secured in place using the envelope clips provided (so they replace the plastic strips).
• The flap on the back is secured in place using the C clips provided (replacing the plastic strip).
• Everything else regarding the seat cushion covers fit just like the originals.
• You will need hog rings (supplied) and hot ring pliers to secure the faces (as per original covers).
   

Front seat squab

• The headrest plastics fixings are removed by turing them 90 degrees and pulling them out, cut a slit in the cover (during the installation) and reinstall the fixings, through the hole you make.
• The side squab seat tilt mechanism handle and cowling does not need to be removed, cut a slit in the cover (during the installation) and feed the cover around the cowling.
• Everything regarding the seat squabs fit just like the originals (using the original elastics for the faces). The only difference is zips on the bottom - these replace the J section & J section filler plastic fixings.
   

Back Seats

The covers fit just as the originals, so when you take off the original covers have a good look at how they are attached.

 

Final checks

Now that your items are fitted test to ensure that they are secure before you drive your vehicle.