Thread: Defender (Puma) Rear Seats

Just a [ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_wrench[/ame], some [ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx[/ame] keys, and phillips head screwdriver.

Disconnect the metal support frame underneath each seat (use socket wrench).
There are 2 bolts per seat only. Don't loose the small spring which will pop out.

Then remove the plactic hinge covers, use phillips head on the platstic screws.

Remove nut from captive bolt, 1 per hinge, you'll need to get inside the wheel arch.

Once nuts are gone then remove Torx screws, 2 per hinge, they will be tight.

Then carefully lift and remove seat.

Now replace the Torx screws, you'll be left with some holes.
I'd suggest buying some nuts, bolts and washers to file holes.
Otherwise water and mud will come thru holes.

Undo the plastic retaining scrivets on the covers front and rear (there's 2 on each one). Slide the handle off and then lift off the covers.

Pry the retaining strap christmas tree clip off the seat support.

Undo the torx head bolts on the support.

Undo the bolts on the front and rear clamps to the body. The central bolt doesn't have a captive nut on these so its easier with two people.

I didn't disassemble past there so the springs were all retained on the seats.

All the bolts are M8, I bought M8 Stainless grub screws and loctited them into the holes then used a bullnose bolt and nut for the 4 holes that aren't captive.

Seat belts are still in the vehicle as I couldn't be bothered with removing the panels.

Does removing the rear seats affect how its registered?
ie, because it comes as a 7 seater from the factory, is it plated as 7 seats, can you be penalised if you're pulled over with the 2 rear removed?

r

Originally Posted by carjunkieanon

Does removing the rear seats affect how its registered?
ie, because it comes as a 7 seater from the factory, is it plated as 7 seats, can you be penalised if you're pulled over with the 2 rear removed?

r

I've heard this expressed before, haven't seen anything to say you can't. It could well vary state to state. That said, many of the 7 seaters (Toyota and Patrol) have rear seats that can be removed by simply pushing a button.

Depending upon state but I think in NSW you can remove the seat but not the seat belts and if you do remove the seat belts you need a Eng. cert. to amend your compliance plate ,,if the cop/inspector wants to get fussy.

Do you want to sell one of them, or do you know anyone else who does. I have to leave one of my kids home every time we go out in the defender because we cant all fit.

Originally Posted by Bigmark

Do you want to sell one of them, or do you know anyone else who does. I have to leave one of my kids home every time we go out in the defender because we cant all fit.

wow, how do you decide which kid? Is it a good behaviour thing with the worst behaved left out?

Something like that or they travel with someone elses car if there are more or we just dont go if its a big trip.