Remove 3rd row seats

[Dahai]

I am sure there would have been a thread on this subject, and in fact I am positive I read it last week. However despite using the search function, using all combination of words, I can not locate anything.

Would you please advise how to remove the 3rd row of seats from a SDV6 3.0L, or point me to the previous thread. Not having purchased the vehicle yet, nor currently in Aust, I can not go down and have a look at one.

Many thanks.

[CaverD3]

Easily done but you do not gain much space.
You will lose some weight though. Unlike the Tojo the seats just fold flat into the floor and are there if you ever need them. However if you are going to kit it out with draws then removing them will reduce unnecessary weight and allow you to carry more.

[101RRS]

Can I ask why you want to remove the 3rdb row seats - when folded down they are completely flat and the floor load space behind the second row is completely flat.

However I understand that if they are removed the loadspace is no longer flat but you can store stuff in the spot.

Garry

[Dahai]

There is only the two of us, plus most likely a Rottie or Labrador. The 3rd row is not necessary and in fact would look at the 5 seater Discovery, except it is only 2.7 L (and I have had that discussion on this forum).

So it seems to make sense to remove them, as even though they probably weigh around 100kg total, it is still 100kg. Also removal allows for the space to be used for something I hope.

I am sure I read a topic on this Forum, but as I said, for the life of me I can not locate it again.

[101RRS]

There is only the two of us, plus most likely a Rottie or Labrador.

Doggies like their own seats too .

[oldsalt]

I removed my third row seats, sold them to another member who needed them, so we are both happy.
I'm happy to be rid of the weight of the seats which I would never need, and I intend to fit a slim water tank in the space left, and then fit a set of drawers and fridge slide above it all, so for me it was a "no brainer" to get rid of them.
The removal was very easy - as long as you have the correct Torx bits - and they are just a bit heavy when finally lifting them out - so be careful !!!
I also removed the seat belts and their fittings - so now the rear looks nice and neat (and weighs a lot less)
cheers

[Dahai]

Thanks oldsalt. I expected it to be more difficult. Did you seal the holes with silicon, or just leave them open? I don't know if they go all the way through the bottom of the vehicle, thus would allow dirt to get in if not sealed.

[DiscoWeb]

Can I ask why you want to remove the 3rdb row seats - when folded down they are completely flat and the floor load space behind the second row is completely flat.

However I understand that if they are removed the loadspace is no longer flat but you can store stuff in the spot.

Garry

Garry,

I think I have read of some members removing the seats and constructing false floors and then being able to store a reasonable volume of water in some flexible vessel in the hollow, or put to some other such use.

Only thing you need to be aware of is that you still need to be able to get to your spare wheel lowering mechanism which is located in the well.

Some have manufactured extension rods to get past that when installing a rear draw set ups but it all gets pretty complicated (can not understand why LR simply did not allow the winder to be activated through a slot in the rear bumper or something which would have made life much easier).

Weight could be a factor, but really 100kg removed would not IMHO make a material impact unless you were hard up against the GVM and setting up for long range touring.

My seats get used so this is not something I need to worry about.

Regards,

George

[oldsalt]

Thanks oldsalt. I expected it to be more difficult. Did you seal the holes with silicon, or just leave them open? I don't know if they go all the way through the bottom of the vehicle, thus would allow dirt to get in if not sealed.

I sealed 'em up, and I don't need to access the spare wheel as I've put it on the rear bumper.
cheers

[Chris Preso]

I took the seats out last weekend. I followed the instructions below from disco3uk website. Once I had worked out what I was doing it took less than 60 mins. I used a Torx bit 45, there are 12 bolts/screws to remove. With my 12 yo son helping remove the seats from the inside of the car, they came out in one piece easily enough. I wouldn't be keen to do it by myself.

Cheers, Chris

I have just taken the third row seats out. Not hard but a bit fiddly.

1) remove the tie down bolts (two on each side)
2) lift the trim covers off. The facer around the seat base locking mechanism is only held on by a couple of plastic clips and pulls off fairly easily.. The carpeted trim is also only held on by some plastic clips and just pulls up. This exposes the seat mounting bolts.
3) Remove the side seat mount bolts. You will need a TORX bit #50.
4) partially lift the rear of the seat to expose the base, lift the plastic covers around the centre mount and remove the four bolts.
5) partially lift the front of the seats, lift the plasic cover around the centre mount and remove the two bolts.
6) Lift the whole unit out. It weighs 50+kg so a second person to help would be helpfull.


It looks like the seats are in two separate sections and are joined by six rivets to make a full unit.
The rivets could easily be drilled out splitting the seats into two and one seat could then be re-installed back into the vehicle.