What aftermarket seats for a IIA?

[akelly]

Hey All,

The disco has been totally appropriated by the wife now, so the IIA is my daily driver. I used to like the stock seats but I'm now offically over them!

Who's got non-issue seats in their landy, what type, how easy were they to fit and are they an improvement? Pics would be nice too...:D

I want something comfortable and simple - not off-road racing buckets!

Cheers,

Adam

[Mick-Kelly]

My old series 3 had bucket seats out of an old gemini in it. I think it was the fast back late seventies style of gemini. The seats were fairly comfy a big improvement over standard and still had heaps of room for your legs against the steering wheel. i would also consider disco 1 seats or defender / county seats.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Seats from a Defender bolt straight in. No mods, no engineering required.

[akelly]

Hi Diana,

the defender seats I've seen are mounted on slides, why would you not need engineering as the series seats are not mounted this way?

Cheers,

Adam

[Mick-Kelly]

In Qld any seats that are not original equipment for that exact model and were not factory fitted require engineer approval. Specifically they require approval for the fitment to ensure that load rated fittings etc. are used.

[JDNSW]

Hi Diana,

the defender seats I've seen are mounted on slides, why would you not need engineering as the series seats are not mounted this way?

Cheers,

Adam

Adjustable seats were optional on Series 2a/3.

John

[akelly]

I dont mind getting the mods engineered, especially for safety related things like seats and seatbelts.

I might look into the front row set from a defender including the cubby box. Anyone have a set going cheap?

Cheers,

Adam

[peterg1001]

Seats from a Defender bolt straight in. No mods, no engineering required.

Diana, does that mean that the steel sections on the S2 seatbox can be unbolted, and the slider sections for the Defender seats bolt straight into the same holes?

Thanks, Peter

[peterg1001]

I dont mind getting the mods engineered, especially for safety related things like seats and seatbelts.

I might look into the front row set from a defender including the cubby box. Anyone have a set going cheap?

Hi Adam, my understanding is that if the vehicle is prior to 1973 there are no ADRs to comply with, and the vehicle needs only to meet basic safety standards (lights, suspension, steering all work) but other than that it's up to you. You don't even need seat belts.

And when you find the source of cheap Defender seats, I'll be in for a pair :)

Peter

[JDNSW]

Diana, does that mean that the steel sections on the S2 seatbox can be unbolted, and the slider sections for the Defender seats bolt straight into the same holes?

Thanks, Peter

Pre-empting Diana's reply, I believe the answer is yes. Early 110s had the same seats as S3. 1987 onwards 90/110 (pushbutton door handles) moved the seats inboard a little, but I'm pretty certain the holes moved and the seats were unchanged.

John

[Mick-Kelly]

Hi Adam, my understanding is that if the vehicle is prior to 1973 there are no ADRs to comply with, and the vehicle needs only to meet basic safety standards (lights, suspension, steering all work) but other than that it's up to you. You don't even need seat belts.

And when you find the source of cheap Defender seats, I'll be in for a pair :)

Peter
Didnt think about that, your probably right there. Oh and i'll have a set of those cheap seats as well thanks. :p

[ezyrama]

I have a set of cortina seats in my 2a (will soon be swapping them for the standard ones out of my son's s30. a photo is attached. Its not the best piccy but it gives you an idea and they are on slides as well.

[COFFEY76]

I used bucket seats out of a rover vittesse. with slight mods to the slide mounts and fabing up a bracket to bolt into (instead of just aluminium).

Ive just had these engineered.

They sit really flat and are really comfortable.

[akelly]

What about D2 "jump seats" - would they fit? They dont look too bad in terms of comfort.

[wozapinin]

There are those that import the front half of jap cars (for the motors) that get rid of the seats real cheap. these seats are real low profile even with their slides and comfy. I've got a set out of a pulsar and they work beaut.:D

[akelly]

Well I've scored a "loan" of a seat from a late model perentie to trial. Once I free up the bolts in the seat base enough to undo them I'll put up some pics and a report on the comfort...

I see now what was meant by "they bolt straight in" (defender seats), you just need to take out the old seat "rails" and the holes are in the right place for the new one. Very happy with that.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Diana, does that mean that the steel sections on the S2 seatbox can be unbolted, and the slider sections for the Defender seats bolt straight into the same holes?

Thanks, PeterThe Defender seats I have are exactly that. The runners from the SIIa seat box are removed and the Defender seats bolt straight into the 2 holes at each end/side. As for defender seats bolting at the side, maybe the later ones do but the ones I have are the same as the Series LR. The good thing is that the seat cushion comes out so you can still get to the box inderneath the passengers side. The County seats are the similar also.

As for the engineering, AFAIK the last of the SIIa had compliance plates so certification may be required. Under ADR, if the mountings are not modified and a seat which affixes to those mountings complies with the same or later ADR then the seats are considered minor (owner certified) modifications. Some may need to have an adjustment of records, "Blue Slip" at which time the inspector will determine whether the seat requires a engineers certificate. If the mountings on the car or the seat are modified in any way then you have to have them certified. see VSI 06 http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au vsi 06 -guidelines for light vehicle modifications nov 2007.pdf (http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/vsi/vsi_06_-_guidelines_for_light_vehicle_modifications_nov_20 07.pdf)
"Seats
Owners should ensure that the seat and its anchorages comply with any applicable ADR requirements (possibly by certification from the seat manufacturer or by an engineering signatory) and the appropriate seat belts are fitted to all seating positions."