Middle front seat in a 2015 Defender

[barkingmad]

I have got a new 90 on order and intend to pull the rear seats out to maximise cargo space. I would like to retrofit a third middle seat in place of the cubby box for the odd times I need to transport a second passenger. I have had a read around on UK forums and whilst the transmission tunnel is slightly larger on the Pumas it looks like they still fit.

First and foremost it needs to be safe (no airbags, factory anchor points etc. can't see a problem), and second legal. Given the seating capacity is not increasing I'm wondering if I can just go ahead and do it or whether I will need to get an engineering cert etc.? (based in Victoria)

Has anyone else done this, or can offer advice?

[noyakfat]

Sorry I can't be state-specific, but I would imagine you would certainly require engineering certification.

In Qld, I had to get an engineering certificate just because I removed the third row seats in my old GQ Nissan pootrol, which stated the seating capacity was now five, not seven.

I would be absolutely staggered if the addition of a third seat in the front of the 90 did not require certification (if it is allowed to be done).

Cheers,

[loneranger]

I think you'll find removing the back seats also requires certification because your reducing the seating capacity of the car and the vehicle will need to be a new compliance plate. I had the rear seats out of the 110 for a while and I thought about doing it permanently as I don't carry passengers in that one. To make it legal I would have needed to remove the seat belts and have the bolt holes close so you couldn't re-fit the seat belts without modification. As I didn't want to go to those lengths I put the seats back in.

It may vary state to state but it appeared pretty consistent when I was looking at it.

[Mick_Marsh]

I think you'll find removing the back seats also requires certification because your reducing the seating capacity of the car and the vehicle will need to be a new compliance plate. I had the rear seats out of the 110 for a while and I thought about doing it permanently as I don't carry passengers in that one. To make it legal I would have needed to remove the seat belts and have the bolt holes close so you couldn't re-fit the seat belts without modification. As I didn't want to go to those lengths I put the seats back in.

It may vary state to state but it appeared pretty consistent when I was looking at it.
Where did you get that information from? Can I see the document that advises this?

[alien]

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/vehicle-modifications-and-defects/vehicle-modifications/removing-adding-and-replacing-seats

[LR V8]

So no inspection/certificate etc for removal of back seats, but yes for the new front seat if it was not an option by the vehicle manufacturer ? (In Vic)

[barkingmad]

That's great! So it looks doable and if the use is Cat 2 then they need to be installed per manufactures instructions but don't require engineering. :)

[loneranger]

I'm in WA from memory Qld was the same. I found a lot of information about Patrol and Land cruiser owners complaining about how once they fitted a cargo barrier it was illegal to usethe seats and illegal to remove them. Maybe it's different in Vic. Good luck if it is.

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[Mick_Marsh]

I'm in WA from memory Qld was the same. I found a lot of information about Patrol and Land cruiser owners complaining about how once they fitted a cargo barrier it was illegal to usethe seats and illegal to remove them.
And the documentation advising this is where? Even Western Australian registration authority advice would be good.

[loneranger]

http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/modify-a-light-vehicle.asp

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[Tombie]

You must hate any potential passenger!

Have a look at the hand brake lever, tunnel size, and how far back the 6 speed shifter gets to the cubby..

You'll be almost unable to drive safely and regularly hit the passenger in the crotch!