Forward facing LoadArea Seats

[drtablet]

Hello,
I'm investigating fitting 1 (or 2) forward facing seats in the load area of a 1995 Defender 110.

I have found some that look pretty nifty on a UK site that fold up when not in use above the wheel box.

Load Area Seats : Forward Facing Fold Up Left Hand (http://www.exmoortrim.co.uk/store/defender-products/load-area-seats/forward-facing-fold-up-left-hand-detail.html)
around $300each (don't know the postage)


Has anyone installed these before?
Know of anything similar in Australia or anyone in Sydney "area" that could fit these?
Also anyone any experience in re-registering a 5 seater 110 as a 6 or 7 seater?
thanks
Craig

[Mick_Marsh]

This seat relies on a 4 point seat belt for safety and therefore must only be used with this type of belt.
You might have trouble with the 4 point seat belt. I seem to remember only two and three point seat belts comply with the ADRs. I could be wrong on that.
Either way, this does not appear to be a factory option. I'd run it by a VASS automotive engineer first. He will need to engineer the modification for registration purposes.

[gromit]

There are companies that specialise in installing additional seats, child seat restraint points etc.
Probably worth tracking one down and having a word with them.

My '95 Defender has the optional inward facing seats and is registered as a 9-seater. This was done by the dealer I purchased from (secondhand) and they got it engineered.

As Mick suggested, because the seat you linked to isn't a factory option and may not meet Australian specs. it may be more difficult to get signed off.


Colin

[Babs]

The seven seater isn't as simple as just bolting in, they are reinforced underneath and have brackets attached to the chassis.

Like previous comments speak to a professional seat fitter/engineer.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[Safari]

Hi I did it myself in 1997. I used two bucket seats in the back, they didn't fold away though. basically I bolted them to to top of the wheel arch on the outside and made up some steel brackets for the inside, leaving an aisle between them. I used the inertia seat belts that came out of the donor car. All mounting points had large load spreading plates underneath. When I finished I presented it to an authorised engineer (NSW) and he signed off on it. I may add the vehicle was used as a tour vehicle and was inspected every 6 months, It was also registered in Queensland as a tour bus. I did all the work myself with basic tools and welder. Go talk to an approved engineer first to see what he wants. Cheers Rob