Thread: There were 4 on the seat ...

I had Belmore Automotive (SYD) build me 4 side facing, side folding individual seats (http://www.belmoreauto.com.au/4wd.htm) - their website shows a similar 110 with the benches, but my individual seats are more comfy than even the standard LR seats and are rated for adults, with belts of course. They also do forward facing side folding, but the kids seem to like the side facing ones better. I may change them to forwards later. Not cheap though - around $3K, but massive increase in utility and peanuts considering I'll keep the vehicle for at least 10 yrs.

They are also RTA accredited, so I just strolled into an inspection centre and with my new pink slip went to the RTA to become a road legal 9 seater. Kids are ecstatic (every drive is an adventure) and we get peace & quiet. The beauty of the individual seats is you get to preserve most of the load area and still fit some extras in the boot.

Gav

Gav, mate, I think 3 large is over the top when LR make and fit individual side-facing rears in virtually every other market they sell Defenders in. In any case, that's more than 1/2 what I spent on the car and I already have side-facing rears. I just don't think they're safe enough.

I just had a chat with my local OL shop - they say that getting the seat certified for 4 shouldn't be any sort of problem and can't see why the height would have to be reduced when the seat was engineered for adults anyway.

So once the vehicle is registered I'll drop it in for the mod. Will fit a cargo barrier at the same time which I understand means I'll have to remove the rear seating anyway.

I'll keep you posted.

Steve

Originally Posted by dobbo

On my Hard top I am considering cutting out the front half of the box section on the back and welding a new floor in at the same height as the existing floor this should give enough room to fit a large bench seat or 3 recaro type seats in a forward facing position. I only have the three kids but it may be enough room for four seats with a squeeze.

I haven't checked on the legalities of it yet though.

I was thinking the same thing. Would the seats be narrow enough to enter from behind. This is a much safer way to travel long distances. plus you can put a cargo barrier in as well.

Originally Posted by Rovy

I was thinking the same thing. Would the seats be narrow enough to enter from behind. This is a much safer way to travel long distances. plus you can put a cargo barrier in as well.

I think you'd have to fit a cargo barrier - the regulations require that the seating be as far back as possible to prevent heavy loads being put behind seats that aren't engineered for it. That would defeat the ability to enter from the rear.

A few years back I saw a Stage 1 hard top fitted with aftermarket seats in the rear - just in front of the door, made for 2 and would have been a bit tough to climb over the wheel wells to get in. I like the idea of cutting the side box and getting wagon-like width instead.

Steve

Seems to me the simplest and cheapest solution to your problem would be to ditch the cubby box and fit a centre front seat. Standard parts and should be no compliance problems.
John