7 seat D3

[olbod]

Never in my life have I needed 7 seats in anything.
Now, I live on my own and it might be every couple of years or so that I might need 3 seats for a very short trip to help someone out.

So, if an olbod bought a D3, could the third row of seats and belts be turfed permanently or are they linked somehow to the electronic crap ?
In my case they would just take up space and add a bit of weight.

Thanks.

[Epic pooh]

You can remove the third row seats easily enough. I think there are some certification / registration issues you'd need to deal with if the removal was permanent, not sure what they are or if it would be a hassle - others might advise.

You can get D3 with 5 seats - there are 38 on carsales at the moment that are the 5 seat model.

HTH !

[Redback]

Yes they can be removed and no not connected to anything electrical, leave the seatbelts in place, they don't get in the way, heaps of guys here have taken the 3rd row seats out, most have put drawers in there place.

I put a false floor in before fitting drawers.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bazzar/DSC00181_zpsedc2c2eb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bazzar/media/DSC00181_zpsedc2c2eb.jpg.html)

Baz.

[letherm]

There are some previous threads about this topic with various solutions and pics that may be helpful to you. IIRC the rego issue was raised but seemed to be a VIC issue not necessarily AUST wide but it's probably worth asking your Motor Transport Department to be safe.

[ADMIRAL]

Keep your eyes open, and seek out a model without the 3 rd row seats. My vehicle was picked off a stock order, and came without 3rd row seats. There must be quite a few out there the same.

[Marmoset]

As is the case with these things, when I was looking for a 7 seater the cars of interest to me all turned out to have 5 seats!

I think a lot of earlier cars came in as 5 seaters, I was looking at something in the 2005/2006 age range.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Robert, I've removed 4 out of 7 seats in the green one and this one, saves an amazing amount of weight:eek:.
As long as its only a temporary thing its fine;););););););)

[WhiteD3]

Why would there be a legal issue in removing seats?

[Epic pooh]

I have no real idea, but it is an issue that I've heard folks talk about and in some states I think some have had issues with vehicles registered as 7 seaters that only actually have 5. The reasoning escapes me but it is bureaucracy as opposed to common sense. I could, however, be completely wrong because it's just what I've heard folks say as opposed to any experience I've had.

[scarry]

Why would there be a legal issue in removing seats?

Insurance companies don't take to kindly to it either.
I don't know why,probably because you are altering the vehicle from the way it was built.
Could be a safety thing as well.

[olbod]

So, 5 seater is the way to go then
The other consideration as far as I am concerned is wheel size.
I hate large bling with rubber bands.
Do the 5 seat models have 17" wheels or can they be fitted ?
I would be getting steels made up anyway but would not have anything larger than 17".
Hate having to change or work on tyres on alloy wheels out in the scrub.
Pooey.

[Epic pooh]

All of the TD D3 can be fitted with 17" wheels and there are steel 17" wheels available that fit them nicely.

Depending on your view of things you can also get them without air suspension (ie traditional coils).

[olbod]

All of the TD D3 can be fitted with 17" wheels and there are steel 17" wheels available that fit them nicely.

Depending on your view of things you can also get them without air suspension (ie traditional coils).


Thats interesting.

Air suspension would be fine as long as it is not made by lucas.

Does the D3 have different height settings like the P38's ?
Obviously I know nothing about the D3 or 4.
Was never keen on the shape of the things but have begun to change my mind.

[Epic pooh]

Yeah, not Lucas. Yes it has 3 selectable heights like P38 - low, normal, off road and am extended mode if the computer agrees you're stuck and need more height.

Take a look at the FAQ at the top of the page lots of useful information in that :)

[olbod]

Sorry, last question.
Is there a Nanacom or similar diagnostic tool to use with these D3's ?
I have the Nanacom for our P38 and its the ants pants.
I dont sleep with it under the pillow but I would never leave home without it.

Thanks.

[Epic pooh]

Yep a few options - faultmate, iidtool etc and a version of nano com I think (not sure but you may be able to use yours with a different cable and software - check out bbs website and get the low down).

Fire away with any other questions you have, plenty of helpful opinions around these parts :)

[TerryO]

Many of the five sweaters are V8's and they need at least 18" wheels because of bigger brakes and they usually come with all the fruit.

You can get a cooking class coil sprung diesel or six cylinder petrol (Transit engine) called the S that has five seats. If it has seven seats then it has air suspension and all the trick off road computer settings that help make the D3 so capable off road.

The early standard S coil sprung model is a very basic vehicle, often even has cloth seats, but because it is basic it doesn't have a lot to go wrong with it. The oilers are starting to get a bit old though which is something to take into consideration and the V6 petrol is not that economical and a bit noisy, the auto will need to get a decent service as well, if it hasn't already. It's not anywhere hear as plush in the ride department with coils rather than air but still is pretty good.

I have a mate with a coil sprung S model and with the mods he has done to it it goes everywhere my D3 with lots of mods does, so they are still a good thing.

Hope that helps.