Rear seats

[Docstone]

Thinking about a 997 GT3 (or maybe even the GT2) - young kids mean I need rear seats, anyone know of a source for the seats and belts please? I assume all the fixed points are in place beneath the carpets. Thanks!

[fidgits]

erm, no offense...

But if you need the rear seats, why are you considering a GT3? I don't know about the comfort, but the clubsport wont give you access to the rear (okay, its covered in a rollcage anyway).

Why not look at a Turbo instead?

[Docstone]

Have the Turbo, about 3 months old now, tad too soft and too quiet - lost the edge of of my old 997 C2S

[fidgits]

i guess i'd just be worried from a legal perspective.

I imagine the V5 states 2 seats - the same for insurance, you would have to declare you have fitted the rear seats, so they'd probably want them to be properly tested to make sure they were fitted correctly etc...

just seems a bit of a minefield to me?

[Docstone]

Good point, thanks - Turbo is an amazing vehicle, but like the 996, lost some edge - steering too anaesthetised, odd hydraulic clutch. Perhaps I should be looking at RUF, be interested to hear if anyone has UK experience with them?

[Globulator]

Docstone said:

Have the Turbo, about 3 months old now, tad too soft and too quiet - lost the edge of of my old 997 C2S

Get a 993 turbo and get it breathed on by Manthey etc.?

[david911RSR]

Rear seats in a GT3/GT2 are not a problem. Insurance company's are happy to cover 3's with rear seats and belts fitted. Try Prestige Salvage for rear seats and OPC for seat belts. A number of GT3 owners on the 911UK forum have done this.

[johnfm]

Not a good idea if you have the fixed back GT3 seats. Insurance aside, if you have an incident with kids in teh back, they will struggle to get out of the car. My kids can get in and out past the seats, but only just, so I don't let them go in the back anymore. Different case with reclining seats area different story.

[peter smallwood]

david911RSR said:

Rear seats in a GT3/GT2 are not a problem. Insurance company's are happy to cover 3's with rear seats and belts fitted. Try Prestige Salvage for rear seats and OPC for seat belts. A number of GT3 owners on the 911UK forum have done this.

I can tell you that a number of insurance companies do have a problem with seats in the back of a GT3. i tried to do it on a MK1 GT3 and was told that if I did it my insurance would be invalid. That was royal Sun alliance.

[butzi]

I know a few guys with GT3s have rear seats and belts fited, and got written confirmation from insurance company to ok it. They have the bucket seats which aparently make access to the back easier because the seats are thinner and can be moved forward manually rather than waiting for the elec motor to move it back slowly. The company in Stanmore (can't remmember the name) can even fit a bucket seat type child seat at the back! All the mounting holes are there already. I haven't seen the car yet but he's well happy with it. The only GT3 in the country with 4 bucket seats! Will get to see the final product this wkend.

I'm looking for a 993 RS at the moment and planning on putting back seats in as well. And yes, checked with my insurance company and got a verbal ok, won't be able to get a written one until I've actually got the car.

You can't compare the GT3 with a TT! Two very different cars, more than just the no. of seats!

[Geneve]

Do a search, it's been discussed before.

It is possible, but Porsche don't do it. I'd use all new parts on a new 997 and you'd need to notify your insurers and DVLA.

[wildoliver]

Geneve said:

Do a search, it's been discussed before.

It is possible, but Porsche don't do it. I'd use all new parts on a new 997 and you'd need to notify your insurers and DVLA.

It gets discussed every few months!

[chemical ali]

It gets discussed all the time. I am doing exactly that - retro fitting seat belts to a 997 GT3. The points are all there and entails, so I am told, around an hour at a specialist fitter (OPC won't do it). Belts and fastners cost £126 and seat pads a lot more - best get some through salvage or just have bottom pad if for a child seat.