D3 Second Row Seat Removal

[Ralph1Malph]

Hi All,
I've searched AULRO, D3 UK and of course the Google, but I've not found a definitive answer to whether it's as simple as undoing the four T50 bolts on each seat to remove the second row seats on a D3.

There's plenty of information on removing the 3rd row and plenty on removing the Dvr and Pax seats...

Why do I want to?
Well I had a thought that if I removed the 2nd row sets for our upcoming Cape trip, we'd be able to put four plastic storage tubs on the floor, keeping stuff neat and saving weight.
Additionally, being rated, the seat attachment bolts and holes would be a great place to secure the tubs to.

Cheers
Ralph

[LRD414]

Hi All,
I've searched AULRO, D3 UK and of course the Google, but I've not found a definitive answer to whether it's as simple as undoing the four T50 bolts on each seat to remove the second row seats on a D3.
Yes Ralph it's that easy ....
Each seat weights 25-26kg.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/551.jpg

Cheers,
Scott

[LRD414]

I've made up a ply platform to store things on and under for an upcoming desert trip.
The platform weighs 10kg so I'm still over 110kg ahead and have more room.
I have a rear drawer unit so don't need storage tubs but that sounds like a good plan.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/05/68.jpg

Scott

[Aussie Jeepster]

I've only done the middle seat in my D3 to put a fridge in its place, and it as easy as undoing the 4 bolts. AND then putting them back in to stop dust etc getting in.

[Ean Austral]

I've made up a ply platform to store things on and under for an upcoming desert trip.
The platform weighs 10kg so I'm still over 110kg ahead and have more room.
I have a rear drawer unit so don't need storage tubs but that sounds like a good plan.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/05/68.jpg

Scott

That looks awesome Scott, ( I was going to say great - but saying great scott reminded me of a line in a movie [bigrolf][thumbsupbig] ) by chance have you removed the 3rd row seats ( if you have them ) and what sort of weight are they.

I am looking at doing something similar next year and you have done a better job than what I thought up.

Cheers Ean

[LRD414]

.... have you removed the 3rd row seats ( if you have them ) and what sort of weight are they.
Thanks Ean and yes I have temporarily removed third row and installed brackets to support the rear drawer unit.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/657.jpg

Seat weights as follows (all weighed with bathroom scales):
3rd row: 40-45kg removed. Difficult to weigh accurately on scale but definitely in that range.
2nd row: 75-78kg removed. Each seat weighed and all three are 25-26kg each.

Cheers,
Scott

[Ralph1Malph]

Cheers All,
Sunday arvo job!

Ralph

[matti4556]

Ralph - remember to put some duct tape or similar over the open bolt holes in the floor after you remove the seats. They go right through to the outside world under the car. The tape will stop copious quantities of bull dust etc coming in under your gear. Ask me how I know!
Matti

[LRD414]

.... remember to put some duct tape or similar over the open bolt holes in the floor after you remove the seats. They go right through to the outside world under the car ....
Or re-install the bolts.

I added some ply blocks to bring the floor back up to something closer to level at the unused bracket locations.
Or if you are going to use storage tubs then using the threaded holes for eye-bolts or tie-downs is another option.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/05/71.jpg

Scott

[Aussie Jeepster]

Cheers All,
Sunday arvo job!

Ralph
The 3rd row seats can be a PITA as they are heavy and cumbersome. You will need some help to get them out due to bulk.

[Ralph1Malph]

The 3rd row seats can be a PITA as they are heavy and cumbersome. You will need some help to get them out due to bulk.

I'm probably going to leave the 3rd row in. I reckon I'll have enough room and be able to stack everything safely with just the 2nd row out.

Cheers

Ralph

[Ralph1Malph]

Changed my mind!
Third row out.
Now to place in a false floor.
In truth, I'll raise it about 15 mm to get it clear of the insulating carpet as I don't want to remove that. But I'll still only get about 80 mm storage at it's deepest.
But...I'll have a nice solid floor to bolt stuff to, so it's still a win.

cheers
Ralph

[Aussie Jeepster]

It's amazing just how much you can fit under there! I used cheap tupperware type containers to pack things into and they stop rattles. Different sizes and heights from Bunnings worked well. I also put some things in small canvas bags to poke into odd sized areas.