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. You can use all of the original clips, to install your new covers.
 

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. You can use all of the original clips, to install your new covers. Replacement rings that go in the pockets at the base of the seat squab are included.
 

Reclining Single Post Headrest 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. You can use all of the original clips, to install your new covers. Replacement rings that go in the pockets at the base of the seat squab are included.
 

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 double 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 squabs

• 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

All of our rear seat covers are installed the same and depending on the model of Mini you have, this may be slightly different to the original fixings.
 

Rear seat cushions

• If your rear seat cushion has the hardboard surrounds under the cushion, staple your cover to these strips of hardboard.
• Alternatively, if your seat does not have the hardboard strips attached to the base of the foam, glue the seat cover in place, directly to the foam.
   

Rear seat squabs

• Along the top edge of the squab frame, the cover is held in place using the double envelope clips provided (if you have an MPi Mini these clips replace the plastic J section).
• Down both sides and along the bottom of the squab frame, the cover is held in place using the hog rings provided (if you have an MPi Mini these replace the plastic J section, you can also use the hog rings to replace the triple envelope clips if you prefer). You will need hot ring pliers to install the hog rings.
   

Final checks

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