Thread: Is it possible to fit more comfortable seats in a Series 1?

Originally Posted by jedwards

Gentlemen,
I came across this image in an old Classic Land Rover Magazine and it got me thinking. Comfortable Seats.jpg he vehicle in this image is a Series III and the seats are from a Defender. However I'm keen to know if anyone has successfully fitted more comfortable seats in a S1?
The primary issues might be access to the fuel tank and to the "treasure Box" under the left seat, but it wouldn't be impossible to change the fuel tank and treasure box lids to a side hinge, so the seat and lids could be folded into the centre.

As its I'm in mid-restoration, I like to think about these things. It could be a complete flight of fantasy, but human ingenuity knows no bounds, so ken to hear from anyone who has "given it a go"
regards
Jeff
Perth, Western Australia

I'm not good on the really early defenders, but I've not seen seats in a defender like that.

They look like late series seats to me.

A far as defender seats go..on the 300 tdi and td5 ,the seat base removes easily to get into the seat box.

And then there is the matter of comfort..i don't actually find defender seats comfortable, the base is ok bit the back wraps around too tight on my ribs..but of course ymmv, i actually don't mind series seats though they're pretty good

Discovery 2 seats are comfy too if you can fit them!

Anything is possible but you may find there will not be enough room between the steering wheel to your body , also you will need a engineers certificate & mod plate under Australian design rules. I would think.

I think defender seats are the easiest if you call them comfortable. They are almost a straight bolt in job. I did this on the 101 but to be honest I don’t think they were any more comfortable but it kept the missus happy.

Why use LR seats?

Any of the small sedans should fit and are most are quite comfortable. They are readily available too. You just need certified rail engineering.

Originally Posted by ramblingboy42

Why use LR seats?

Any of the small sedans should fit and are most are quite comfortable. They are readily available too. You just need certified rail engineering.

Almost anything I’ve looked at for this in other brands is too high in the rail and seat base but it could pay to go to a wreckers with a tape measure. The only seats I’ve found that would fit are Defender seats and the seats from a Suzuki mighty boy - which are even less comfortable. 😁

Have you tried original seats ?

I have the original seat backs in mine (from '56) but the bases had have re-made many years ago.
Drove from Melbourne to Cooma in 2008 without issue, not exactly uncomfortable but also not exactly comfortable either. We stopped & changed driver whenever the fuel tank needed filling so got a brief leg-stretch.

Changing the seats impacts on the resale value and unless it's going to be a daily driver why would you change them ?

Worth trying some in someone's Series I, you could change foam density or use two different densities so it looks original but is more comfortable.


Colin

I have a couple of redgum sleepers you could try.

Originally Posted by jedwards

Gentlemen,
I came across this image in an old Classic Land Rover Magazine and it got me thinking. Comfortable Seats.jpg he vehicle in this image is a Series III and the seats are from a Defender. However I'm keen to know if anyone has successfully fitted more comfortable seats in a S1?
The primary issues might be access to the fuel tank and to the "treasure Box" under the left seat, but it wouldn't be impossible to change the fuel tank and treasure box lids to a side hinge, so the seat and lids could be folded into the centre.

As its I'm in mid-restoration, I like to think about these things. It could be a complete flight of fantasy, but human ingenuity knows no bounds, so ken to hear from anyone who has "given it a go"
regards
Jeff
Perth, Western Australia

Jeff,

Comfort is a word that is not normally used to describe an 80" Land Rover. Having said that, my repro 80" seats from Exmoor Trim are not too bad at all, unless you are tall. The secret is the high quality, very firm foam they use. The other part of comfort is having your leaf springs set up with plenty of free camber, functioning dampers and waxy motorcycle chainlube sprayed between the leaves. Inox chainlube works for me, reducing interleaf friction and stopping dust and grit getting in between the indivdual leaves.
Also the base 6.00 x 16 crossplies are hard and nasty. Try the modern radial equivalent of the optional 7.00 x 16 tyres, namely 215/85 R16. (very close in dimensions).
I keep the original rims with the 6.00 tyres for static displays or SHORT local trips. I am very pleased with the 215 Hankook M/T's on my 80". I bought them from Tyrepower in Perth. I wonder if they have any more of them? Remember, 80" seat boxes are flat with ramped cushions, later omodels are the opposite. 5380