The John Cooper Works (JCW) seats in the Mini Clubman strike the perfect balance between racing style and everyday functionality. With heated front seats, they’re both cool and practical. However, on longer journeys, especially as a passenger, they can feel a bit uncomfortable. Despite this, I wouldn’t swap them for anything… or so I thought, until I discovered a new product from SMPS 2012.
Earlier this year, I came across carbon fibre seat back covers from SMPS 2012. If you’ve ever seen the carbon fibre bucket seats in BMW M cars or Porsche GT3s, you’ll know what I mean – they’re bold, sporty, and a little outrageous. While the Mini Clubman isn’t quite in the same league, its bucket seats offer a similar vibe. But let’s be honest, the stock plastic backs of the JCW seats are plain and uninspiring when viewed from behind. So, after some deliberation, I decided to give these carbon fibre covers a go.
The Decision
At £299.99 for a set of two, these covers aren’t exactly cheap, especially for a non-functional upgrade. But if you’re looking to add a premium touch to your Mini’s interior, they’re worth considering. One important tip: ensure you select the right covers for your model:
- With handle holes: Mini F56 / F57
- Without handle holes: Mini F54 / F55 / F60
Fitting the Covers
Fitting the covers is relatively straightforward. Each cover is a single, complete piece. Here’s how I did it:
- Clean the Seats: Start by thoroughly cleaning and de-greasing the seat backs. Alcohol wipes work well for this step. A clean surface ensures better adhesion.
- Apply the Tape: The covers come with 3M sticky tape. Peel it off, position the covers over the seat backs, and press them into place.
However, despite following these steps, I found the covers didn’t stay put. They fell off within minutes, which was frustrating. Initially, I considered returning them, but then I decided to try something else.
The Fix
Enter Gorilla Heavy Duty White Grab Adhesive. Unlike super glue, this adhesive is strong but not overly permanent, making it ideal for this application. I applied the adhesive in a zigzag pattern on the inside of the covers, ensuring all contact points were covered. Then, I pressed the covers firmly onto the seat backs. The result? They’ve stayed in place ever since, with no issues. This adhesive is also waterproof and temperature-resistant, so I’m confident in its durability.
The Results
Initially, I wasn’t sure about the transformation. But after looking back at the plain plastic seat backs, I realised how much of a difference the carbon fibre covers make. They add a high-end look and elevate the overall feel of the interior. For a relatively simple upgrade, the impact is significant.
What do you think of the transformation? If you’re interested in upgrading your Mini’s seats, you can find the carbon fibre seat back covers here: SMPS 2012 Carbon Fibre Seat Covers.
Before you start, make sure you’ve got your adhesive sorted – trust me, it makes all the difference!
