Golf Mk1 Seat Swap: Compatibility And Fitment Guide

what seats fit in mk1 golf

The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 is the first generation of a small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen. It was first introduced in Europe in May 1974 and was produced until 1983. When it comes to replacing the seats in a Mk1 Golf, there are several options available. Some compatible seats include those from the Mk1 or Mk2 Golf, Scirocco, Corrado, Audi, Cordoba, and Ibiza. However, modifications may be required for some of these options. For example, Mk3 seats can be fitted by swapping the Mk1 tin base and legs into the Mk3 seat. Additionally, some adjustments can be made to the levers and adjusters to make the seats compatible. It is also possible to install aftermarket bucket seats, which can provide better support for fast road and track use. These seats typically require side mounts, sliding runners, and a fitting frame for installation.

Characteristics Values
Seat type Bucket seats, reclining seats, leather seats
Seat models Scirocco, Corrado, Audi TT, MK2, MK3, MK5 Edition 30, Seat Ibiza Cupra
Seat features Height adjustment, sliding runners, armrests, heated seats
Installation considerations May need to modify the base to lower the seat, swap adjusters, or weld support frames
Price range £78.50 - £235.00 (excluding VAT)

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Scirocco seats fit, but sit low

The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 is the first generation of a small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen. It was noteworthy for signalling Volkswagen's shift of its major car lines. The first-generation Golf debuted in Europe in May 1974 and was sold until 1983.

When it comes to seat replacements for the Mk1 Golf, there are a variety of options available. One popular choice is to go with Scirocco seats. Scirocco seats are known to fit in the Mk1 Golf, providing a straightforward installation process. However, it's important to note that Scirocco seats tend to sit very low, even lower than the stock seats. This lowered seating position may not be to everyone's preference, so it's recommended to try before making a purchase.

Scirocco seats can be found in Mk1 and Mk2 variants, and both of these will fit in the Mk1 Golf. The Mk2 Scirocco seats, in particular, offer height adjustment, allowing you to lower the seat a couple of inches from the full height. This adjustability can provide a more comfortable driving position, especially for taller individuals.

While the Scirocco seats are a popular choice, there are other options available as well. Some Mk1 Golf owners have successfully installed seats from other Volkswagen models, such as the Mk2 Golf, Corrado, and even the Audi TT. These seats may require some minor modifications, such as swapping the handles or levelling to get the adjusters on the correct side.

In conclusion, when considering seat replacements for the Mk1 Golf, Scirocco seats are a viable option that will fit. However, keep in mind that they will sit low, and it's recommended to try them out before purchasing to ensure comfort and personal preference. Additionally, other Volkswagen model seats can be installed with some adjustments, providing a range of choices to customise your Mk1 Golf.

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MK2 seats fit, but need adjustments

MK2 seats can be fitted to a Mk1 Golf, but some adjustments are required to make them functional. The handle for forward movement adjustment on the MK2 seats is on the wrong side, and the seats are not adjustable. This issue can be resolved by swapping the handles from one seat to the other or installing the passenger seat in the driver's side and vice versa. The seatbelt will need to be swapped to the other side as well.

Another option is to take the seats apart and swap the top halves. This method is recommended if you cannot stand the levers and adjusters being on the wrong sides.

If you have a height-adjust driver seat, you need to source a frame with the height-adjust lever on the side rather than the front. Pre-90 base frames have side handles, while post-90 frames have the handle on the front.

To convert the MK2 seats to fit a MK1, you will need the following parts:

  • 2x base frames
  • 2x thick zip ties, or 1x really long thick zip tie
  • 1x small zip tie
  • Possibly 1x spare slide handle tilt bracket

The process involves removing the bushes and tension springs, bolting the passenger-side slide handle to the driver's seat, and refitting the passenger spring. The handle is then secured to the side of the frame rail with the zip ties. For the passenger seat, you have the option to repeat the process or, for a non-adjustable seat, flip the seat and remove the U clamp.

It is worth noting that the Scirocco and Corrado seats will fit the rails but will sit lower than the MK1 seats. The MK3 seats don't fit the bottom rails as they are wider, and the MK4 seats don't fit at all.

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MK3 seats require cutting and re-welding

The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 is the first generation of a small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen. It was noteworthy for signalling Volkswagen's shift of its major car lines. The first generation Golf debuted in Europe in May 1974-1983.

When it comes to modifying your Mk1 Golf with Mk3 seats, it's important to note that the Mk3 seats have wider subframes. While it is possible to install Mk3 seats in a Mk1 Golf, it will require some cutting and re-welding, specifically on the rear legs of the seats.

Step 1: Disassembling the Seats

Begin by taking apart the Mk3 seats so that only the lower frame remains. This will provide access to the necessary components for modification.

Step 2: Cutting the Slider Bracket

Carefully cut the slider bracket from the outer strut of the seat. This step requires precision to ensure that the correct portion of the strut is removed.

Step 3: Heating and Bending the Strut

Use an oxygen/acetylene torch to heat the strut. With the help of a large pipe, carefully bend the heated strut towards the inside. Monitor the distance as you go to ensure accuracy. Some driver seats have double-walled tubing, which can make the bending process more challenging.

Step 4: Trimming the Strut

After bending the strut, cut off any excess material. This step ensures that the modified strut is the correct length and will fit properly.

Step 5: Installing the Seat

With the modified strut in place, install the seat into the Mk1 Golf. Double-check the placement of the outer strut to ensure it is correct.

Step 6: Welding the Slider Bracket

Remove the seat from the vehicle and prepare the surface by painting it with black rustoleum. Then, weld the slider bracket to the strut. Reinstall the seat into the vehicle.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

Plan to spend an afternoon fine-tuning the installation with a helper. You may need to make additional adjustments to ensure the seat is secure and functions properly.

It's important to note that while this process will allow you to install Mk3 seats in your Mk1 Golf, the seats may sit a bit lower, providing more headroom. Additionally, you may need to trim down the plastic tray on the sides of the seat or remove it entirely to achieve the maximum height adjustment.

Furthermore, keep in mind that the slider handle of the Mk3 seats may be on the wrong side compared to the Mk1 configuration. This could impact the functionality of the lever, but it can still be adjusted by pulling the pin by hand.

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Corrado seats fit and have height adjust

Corrado seats can be fitted in a Mk1 Golf, but they sit low. The height of Corrado seats can be adjusted, but even at the highest setting, they may still be too low for some people. The height adjustment lever is located on the opposite side of the slide release. To get the seats to fit in the rails, it is recommended to have the seats at their highest setting. Some people have chosen to cut, extend, and weld the seat bases to get the desired height.

One user on the Mk1 Golf Owners Club forum stated that they had Corrado seats in their Mk1 Golf with no modifications to the car or the seat. However, they mentioned that it was a tight fit and required some finesse to get the seats into the rails. They provided the following instructions:

> "I slid the rears in until the front hit the hump then lifted the front of the seat into the guide and slid the rest of the way."

Another user on the same forum confirmed that Corrado seats are a straight swap into a Mk1 Golf. However, they noted that the rear bench takes significant modification due to the massive strengthening bar at the base of the rear seats. They had to chop a considerable amount out of the bottom of the seat to get it to sit low enough and then retrim it.

Some users have also mentioned that the pin adjustment release is on the wrong side for a rabbit, but this may not be an issue for all vehicles.

Overall, while Corrado seats can fit in a Mk1 Golf and provide height adjustment, they may require some modifications to achieve the desired height and fitment.

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Audi TT seats fit, but need wiring

The Audi B8/B9 seat is almost a direct fit for the VW Golf platform. However, there are a few modifications that need to be made to the seat and the wiring. Mechanically, the only modification required is to cut one of the seat positioning pins from the outer seat rail. This is because VW places both positioning pins on the inner seat rail, while Audi places one positioning pin at the end of each rail. Once the redundant pin is removed, the Audi seat can be bolted into the Golf body using the original bolts.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind when installing Audi seats into a VW Golf. Firstly, the Audi seat backrest is a little wider, taller, and bulkier than the VW seat, which may cause some rubbing against the armrest cover and rear central console. Additionally, the Audi seat bottom will be slightly higher than the VW seat, which may affect the overall seating position and comfort.

In terms of wiring, the process can be a bit more involved. It is recommended to use Audi seat wiring between the motors and buttons, which requires cutting and isolating all VW seat motor wires from the VW seat harness. Some Audi seats may have seat adjustment memory control modules, which may not be compatible with the Golf platform. Additionally, some Audi seats may not come with an occupancy sensor ("seat bladder" or mat), which would need to be purchased separately.

It is important to note that the wiring process may vary depending on the specific model and year of the Audi TT and VW Golf. Some Audi TT seats may have electrical features such as lumbar support, heating, and storage packs, which would require additional wiring and modifications. It is recommended to seek assistance from a professional or a forum member with electrical expertise to ensure a proper and safe installation.

Overall, while it is possible to fit Audi TT seats into a VW Golf MK1, there are mechanical and electrical modifications that need to be made, particularly to the wiring, to ensure proper functionality and safety.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Scirocco seats will fit in the Mk1 Golf. However, they sit very low, so it is recommended to try before you buy.

Mk2 seats will fit in the Mk1 Golf, but the adjuster will be on the wrong side.

Mk3 seats have wider subframes and will fit if you cut and re-weld the rear legs.

It is not known whether Mk4 seats will fit in the Mk1 Golf.

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