Rear seats in 997 GT3

[Gus265]

Really thinking about getting one but need our 2 little ones to be able to come out in it too. Assuming I find one without the roll cage, can you retro-fit the rear seats? Did any made actually come with rear seats? Impossible to tell from the ones on sale on PH. Thanks

[acf69]

None came with rear seats, I know of 996 owners putting them in, but also vaguely recollect something about the metal used in the back of a 997 GT3 or could have been the RS version being thinner and therefore not suitable for conversion. Doubting myself as I type this, someone more learned will confirm either way

[heelntoe]

Debated to lengths on here, but long and short is yes you can retro fit up to 997.1 including RS models (cage would have to go). JZM can do this for under £1k...

Recent thread for more info..

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Gus265]

Thanks for that - prefer the 997.1 GT3 aswell (I don't like the gen 2 rear lights as too feminine) so that's perfect - makes that decision easier! Happy days.

[BlackGT3]

I've had a full rear seat conversion completed on my 997.1 GT3. Feel free to PM me if you would like the details.

[heelntoe]

Not sure if anyone has seen this, but I just came across a 7.2 GT3 in the US which has had the rear seat conversion. I'm not sure how they managed to get round the single skin floor issue but looks like they have.

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/vehicle-mark...

[g7jhp]

BlackGT3 said:

I've had a full rear seat conversion completed on my 997.1 GT3. Feel free to PM me if you would like the details.

Can you post a couple of pics and a quick overview. I'd like a 7.1 GT3 and would opt to add rear seats and belts to enable kids to travel if necessary.

Thanks

[BlackGT3]

g7jhp said:

Can you post a couple of pics and a quick overview. I'd like a 7.1 GT3 and would opt to add rear seats and belts to enable kids to travel if necessary.

Thanks

After checking with a few insurance companies and conducting appropriate due diligence, I spoke to the car bodyshop I have used for the last couple of years and they were happy to do the job for me and source the parts. As I didn't want to cut holes in the carpets or interior side panels etc, they also acquired a lower carpet and interior panels etc from a prestige salvage yard.

Whilst the seat belt mounting points are already in situ, the brackets for the seat backs need to be welded in place. My bodyshop wanted to remove these from the donor car himself to ensure he had all the measurements and the brackets were removed properly.

I have retained the GT3 interior panels and lower carpet so the car can be returned to standard if needed. I'm very pleased with the outcome and would not hesitate to do it again. There wasn't any loading on my insurance due to this modification.

[stef1808]

What about instead of two rear seats – sell the kids and get a turbo charger on the left, and a supercharger on the right side
….
God Fridays are slow
….
Actually, does the thought of retro fitting rear seats and no safety tests being done concern you at all ?!? (dont freak out - this could just be my paranoia kicking in)

[BlackGT3]

stef1808 said:

Actually, does the thought of retro fitting rear seats and no safety tests being done concern you at all ?!? (dont freak out - this could just be my paranoia kicking in)

No, as the 997.1 GT3 shell is derived from the C4 shell and hence why the insurance company are happy to cover it. Further, the seat belt mounting brackets are already installed by the factory. Providing the front seats fold to gain proper access for rear passengers, it's no different from any other 997.

[g7jhp]

BlackGT3 said:

stef1808 said:

Actually, does the thought of retro fitting rear seats and no safety tests being done concern you at all ?!? (dont freak out - this could just be my paranoia kicking in)

No, as the 997.1 GT3 shell is derived from the C4 shell and hence why the insurance company are happy to cover it. Further, the seat belt mounting brackets are already installed by the factory. Providing the front seats fold to gain proper access for rear passengers, it's no different from any other 997.

Did wonder if you even need the base cushion or whether a booster cushion for smaller kids may be an option.

[BlackGT3]

g7jhp said:

Did wonder if you even need the base cushion or whether a booster cushion for smaller kids may be an option.

I took the seat base's out of my previous 911 for this reason. Once my youngest reached 6.5 years of age, she didn't need a booster and the base was required.

Velcro is used (from the factory) to secure the base so they are easy to remove and reinstall.

[g7jhp]

BlackGT3 said:

g7jhp said:

Did wonder if you even need the base cushion or whether a booster cushion for smaller kids may be an option.

I took the seat base's out of my previous 911 for this reason. Once my youngest reached 6.5 years of age, she didn't need a booster and the base was required.

Velcro is used (from the factory) to secure the base so they are easy to remove and reinstall.

Good to know. Thanks!

[LemonTart]

For info

[braddo]

If one does a google images search for "997 rear seats gutted" or something similar there should be images that show the brackets that I think(?) Black GT3 referred to in his helpful posts:

- on each wheelarch there is a small tower to be welded on
- on the central tunnel there is something to either bolt or weld?