Space under seats...

[Nathan]

I've replaced the front seats on my Defender Tdi so obviously the space under the front seat is no longer accessible - at least not without undoing 4 bolts!

I was thinking about cutting out a door at the front of this compartment (ie. it would be behind your feet when seated) so I can still use the space.

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether cutting this out would have any structural/engineering implications on the seat mounting?

Thanks,

Nathan

[JDNSW]

I've replaced the front seats on my Defender Tdi so obviously the space under the front seat is no longer accessible - at least not without undoing 4 bolts!

I was thinking about cutting out a door at the front of this compartment (ie. it would be behind your feet when seated) so I can still use the space.

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether cutting this out would have any structural/engineering implications on the seat mounting?

Thanks,

Nathan

As with the new seats you would probably need engineering approval, since the seat box provides the support for the seats. However, it could be done satisfactorily provided a margin is left round the opening and reinforced. I suggest you think about whether an opening in the front would be better, or maybe one in the side accessible with the door open. In either case, I would fit a hatch on the hole.

John

[Nathan]

Good idea about the hatch in the side!

Same thoughts as I was having, looks like a trip to the engineer...:eek:

[LandyAndy]

Hi Nathan
I would go the side hatch.Too hard to use on the front,had a series with a front hatch.
Leave an inch of the seatbox remaining,fit a frame with a door to this,shouldnt weaken the seatbox if the frame is substantial and has good fixings.3 or 4 mm thick 25mm flat bar welded into a rectangle shape would be plenty heavy enough.
Its a fairly common type of conversion in Series landys due to the basic seats,perhaps some could post pics if they have any.
Andrew

[JDNSW]

Good idea about the hatch in the side!

Same thoughts as I was having, looks like a trip to the engineer...:eek:

Just a further thought - I remember seeing in the similar position on a prewar Rolls-Royce a pull out drawer, if you want to get fancy!

John

[isuzu110]

I recently saw a landy with a round boat style screw out hatch on the side of the drivers seat box. It was a very large diameter.

Ever hired a catamaran and seen the screw out access hatches to the hulls ? That was it.

[loanrangie]

I like the draw idea, i had thought of something similar when i had my rangie, the boat type screw in bungs work well and there quite large ones available.
A hatch with reinforcement like they have on caravans could be made to exact size/shape to suit the seat base allowing the most useable space.