Defender Rear Seats
Defender Rear Seats
Author
Discussion

oilydan

Original Poster:

2,030 posts

301 months

Thursday 5th November 2015
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I've just got myself a '93 Defender 90 and want to install some rear seats.

What are the pros/cons of the forward facing, individual side facing or bench side facing versions?

What seatbelt mountings do I need?

Anything else to consider?

Where is the best place to buy seats/belts?

Trevor450

1,936 posts

178 months

Thursday 5th November 2015
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I have just got a 90 and it has four individual sideways facing seats. I am not that keen on them to be honest. I very rarely have passengers so am thinking of ditching them in favour of a bench or pair of benches, or maybe even lose them altogether.

The benches seem to take up less room folded than the individual ones and they are lower in the back rest so block less light from the windows if present. I can't confirm, but the forward facing seats take up a lot of room and you obviously lose out on seat numbers but they are supposed to be a lot safer.

Exmoor trim do a good range of seats and also sell lap belts for use with the sideways facing seats.

ETA, their shop seems to be down at the moment but I would have a look there.

Edited by Trevor450 on Thursday 5th November 15:02

oilydan

Original Poster:

2,030 posts

301 months

Thursday 5th November 2015
quotequote all
It looks like you can seat 4 in the back with benches/side facing seats, only 2 forward facing.

I'm leaning towards the benches, for the reasons you outline regarding space against the individuals.

Inertia reels will probably be tidier, with less belt rattling around! I think some kind of strengthening supports/plates are needed for the bolts though.

Trevor450

1,936 posts

178 months

Thursday 5th November 2015
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I think most of the belt kits from Exmoor come with the strengthening plates but I haven't had a proper look.

LooneyTunes

9,435 posts

188 months

Sunday 8th November 2015
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Check out insurance before you fit benches... recall on another forum various people having experienced difficulties obtaining insurance.

Trevor450

1,936 posts

178 months

Sunday 8th November 2015
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The only question I was asked was how many seats had seat belts. That is the number I am insured to carry. That was Adrian Flux.

rich_s

79 posts

248 months

Tuesday 10th November 2015
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So you weren't asked if the vehicle had been modified?

Trevor450

1,936 posts

178 months

Tuesday 10th November 2015
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Of course, but the OP's question relates to seats. I described it as a 90 CSW which it essentially is as far as I know - it is what it was advertised as and they asked how many seats had seat belts.

I appreciate putting seats into a hardtop will require declaring modifications. Sometimes, that's why it is worth using a more friendly type of insurer like Flux as they are more understanding.

Edited by Trevor450 on Tuesday 10th November 20:29

abbotsmike

1,033 posts

175 months

Monday 14th December 2015
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My 110 SW is insured with Admiral, told them it had 9 seats, they just knew it was a 5 door!

bakerstreet

5,049 posts

195 months

Thursday 17th December 2015
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The individual fold up seats are very expensive at £90 each new. The bench seats are more reasonable at £50. I certainly wouldn't buy either from Exmoor Trim

If you are converting a truck body, then this could certainly cause you issues with insurance and set numbers listed n the V5 document. You might even have to re-present the vehicle for an MOT aftrer you have fitted the seats and then get the V5 changed accordingly.

If fitting seats on the rear arches, you will need belts, fixing plats and spreader plates for he seat belt mounts and the seats them selves. Not expensive, just time consuming. I paid a local metal worker to cut my seat belt mounting plates. Only cost a tenner per plate.

abbotsmike

1,033 posts

175 months

Sunday 20th December 2015
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bakerstreet said:
The individual fold up seats are very expensive at £90 each new. The bench seats are more reasonable at £50. I certainly wouldn't buy either from Exmoor Trim

If you are converting a truck body, then this could certainly cause you issues with insurance and set numbers listed n the V5 document. You might even have to re-present the vehicle for an MOT aftrer you have fitted the seats and then get the V5 changed accordingly.

If fitting seats on the rear arches, you will need belts, fixing plats and spreader plates for he seat belt mounts and the seats them selves. Not expensive, just time consuming. I paid a local metal worker to cut my seat belt mounting plates. Only cost a tenner per plate.
Why wouldn't you buy from exmoor? Expensive yes, but very high quality.

I just picked up a pair of exmoor trim seats second hand for a very reasonable price.

Billy_Whizzzz

2,632 posts

173 months

Tuesday 22nd December 2015
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The side facing seats are incredibly dangerous - you'll be guillotined by the seat belt and almost certainly die. LR stopped fitting them for a reason...