My experience installing rear seats
12-07-08, 05:12 PM
#1
My experience installing rear seats
Lots and lots of frustration.
Total time complete to finish with no beer breaks or anything: 4.5 horus
Frustration level out of 10: 6
Soreness of fingers: 8
Would I do it again: Maybe
First off I had no idea the carpet was not for a touring model sooo that made things interesting since I wanted to keep the bose system. No problem, all I did was put some slits in that arent dedictable and bolted the system in on top of the carpet.
Secondly, the hatch cover seems not to fit anymore. When its cliped into the rear strut it has an awkwardfitment issue. All I did was unclip it from the strut and it was fine.
Take your time with things, i tried rushing taking the plastic push clips out and didnt realize all you had to do was pull the center out. Broke three of them.
Total time complete to finish with no beer breaks or anything: 4.5 horus
Frustration level out of 10: 6
Soreness of fingers: 8
Would I do it again: Maybe
First off I had no idea the carpet was not for a touring model sooo that made things interesting since I wanted to keep the bose system. No problem, all I did was put some slits in that arent dedictable and bolted the system in on top of the carpet.
Secondly, the hatch cover seems not to fit anymore. When its cliped into the rear strut it has an awkwardfitment issue. All I did was unclip it from the strut and it was fine.
Take your time with things, i tried rushing taking the plastic push clips out and didnt realize all you had to do was pull the center out. Broke three of them.
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12-08-08, 11:55 AM
#8
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And the advantage of the rear seats is? I've never seen the point of them really, unless maybe you like the looks.
In my best of all possible worlds I'd like the see the bins out and the whole area opened up and covered with carpet. I guess then though the side panels would look unfinished and just sort of hanging there. I'm sure somebody who does custom interior work could solve the dilemma.
In my best of all possible worlds I'd like the see the bins out and the whole area opened up and covered with carpet. I guess then though the side panels would look unfinished and just sort of hanging there. I'm sure somebody who does custom interior work could solve the dilemma.
12-09-08, 09:20 PM
#10
Wow. That is a really long time for the install. It took me much less time! Its been a while but including removal of the bins it took me 2hrs or less IIRC. That included the fact that I was slowed down beacause of the extreme heat and humidity at the time.
This is an easy install. I would call the level of difficulty a 2 or 3 max. It requires very few tools. It is easier if you take out your front seats though. And yes, I have a complete set-up.
Sorry to hear it took you so long but they are definately worth it in my opinion.
This is an easy install. I would call the level of difficulty a 2 or 3 max. It requires very few tools. It is easier if you take out your front seats though. And yes, I have a complete set-up.
Sorry to hear it took you so long but they are definately worth it in my opinion.
12-10-08, 01:24 AM
#12
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expecting a set of rears
1. +1 on pix. i want to see the center console too. and how it affected the rear/hatch
2. in my experience with the rear bin area.. its not that hard to pull apart. i did it twice to remove the bose system and run wires for subs/amps/crossovers. the little black tabs are a pain on the fingers though(tweezers/phillips work well).
3. what was the issue with the rear? i thought they just give u a new backboard(the removable piece that leans on the rear-bar)??
3.1) did the installation of the seats call for new carpet?(not sarcasm)
my sub box goes from under the strut-bar at the plastic backing to exactly where the hatch glass ends. (i unclipped the cover and rested it on top covering the whole system)
will the seats mess up my set-up by moving that panel any?
4. seats are nice, because sometimes you just need an extra seat... the bins dont hold much(in my case), and when you dont have a trunk(like me) more space back there is good for jackets/backpacks. and the occasional having 4 ppl cruising in an fd would be fun. although nothing(with carpet)>seats>bins aesthetically imo.
2. in my experience with the rear bin area.. its not that hard to pull apart. i did it twice to remove the bose system and run wires for subs/amps/crossovers. the little black tabs are a pain on the fingers though(tweezers/phillips work well).
3. what was the issue with the rear? i thought they just give u a new backboard(the removable piece that leans on the rear-bar)??
3.1) did the installation of the seats call for new carpet?(not sarcasm)
my sub box goes from under the strut-bar at the plastic backing to exactly where the hatch glass ends. (i unclipped the cover and rested it on top covering the whole system)
will the seats mess up my set-up by moving that panel any?
4. seats are nice, because sometimes you just need an extra seat... the bins dont hold much(in my case), and when you dont have a trunk(like me) more space back there is good for jackets/backpacks. and the occasional having 4 ppl cruising in an fd would be fun. although nothing(with carpet)>seats>bins aesthetically imo.
12-10-08, 03:35 AM
#13
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Lots and lots of frustration.
Total time complete to finish with no beer breaks or anything: 4.5 horus
Frustration level out of 10: 6
Soreness of fingers: 8
Would I do it again: Maybe
First off I had no idea the carpet was not for a touring model sooo that made things interesting since I wanted to keep the bose system. No problem, all I did was put some slits in that arent dedictable and bolted the system in on top of the carpet.
Secondly, the hatch cover seems not to fit anymore. When its cliped into the rear strut it has an awkwardfitment issue. All I did was unclip it from the strut and it was fine.
Take your time with things, i tried rushing taking the plastic push clips out and didnt realize all you had to do was pull the center out. Broke three of them.
Total time complete to finish with no beer breaks or anything: 4.5 horus
Frustration level out of 10: 6
Soreness of fingers: 8
Would I do it again: Maybe
First off I had no idea the carpet was not for a touring model sooo that made things interesting since I wanted to keep the bose system. No problem, all I did was put some slits in that arent dedictable and bolted the system in on top of the carpet.
Secondly, the hatch cover seems not to fit anymore. When its cliped into the rear strut it has an awkwardfitment issue. All I did was unclip it from the strut and it was fine.
Take your time with things, i tried rushing taking the plastic push clips out and didnt realize all you had to do was pull the center out. Broke three of them.
ill be installing mine soon as well... hopefully i can contribute some useful information, or even better, part numbers 
-Heath
12-10-08, 09:12 AM
#14
I had a 99 tunnel and decided to keep mine. Since I didn't feel like recarpeting the gap between the 99 tunnel and seat. It just rests on top. Doesn't look bad or make it any harder to sit in. You can click the photo for a better look at a bigger picture.
BTW - The rear upright back piece is not latched in and even going 140mph and breaking hard has not moved them. I like that I can just fold them down easily without having to do any latches. And as far as safety it is the belt that holds you in place and not the rear seat.
I have a few more pics if you click under my car in my sig.
BTW - The rear upright back piece is not latched in and even going 140mph and breaking hard has not moved them. I like that I can just fold them down easily without having to do any latches. And as far as safety it is the belt that holds you in place and not the rear seat.
I have a few more pics if you click under my car in my sig.
12-10-08, 05:23 PM
#17
I installed my rear seats last spring and it wasnt bad at all. Took me about 2 hours, probably not even that. Most of the time was routing the battery cable correctly because my battery is in the hatch.
I didnt use the rear seatbelts which probably gave me alot of time to spare and ease.
But all in all, if you have the money, i suggest upgrading to rear seats. Even if it doesnt serve any real purpose, at least it looks DAMN good. Very modern looking.
Im soo glad i did this mod.
I didnt use the rear seatbelts which probably gave me alot of time to spare and ease.
But all in all, if you have the money, i suggest upgrading to rear seats. Even if it doesnt serve any real purpose, at least it looks DAMN good. Very modern looking.
Im soo glad i did this mod.
12-10-08, 06:23 PM
#18
It makes me feel better to have my little guy sit in the back when he rides, rather than in the front. I even used to put his infant car seat back there. Now he just uses his seat belt adjuster and fits nice and snug back there.
I think we would have to hear from those who have installed the latches to see if they are worth it. I personally know I don't need them.
As for seat belts, if your in my car you wear them. But if you are not going to have someone ride back there ever it doesn't matter.
Qwik your right it should take about 1.5 to 2hrs total.
12-12-08, 07:24 PM
#25
They are the stock leather, which in my opinion, is barely a step up from vinyl in these cars. My BMW is much nicer, so I at least want that quality at minimum.
Yes, I just mounted it over the center because when I swapped it with the 99 center I realized I need to patch the carpeting and I didn't feel like doing that. The 99 center is shorter and there is a space between the seat and the tunnel cover.
Thanks Kai, everything on my car I did myself minus wiring my gauges and painting the car itself. And most guys I know would feel closterphobic. 
I am pretty small and installing them I had a hard time manuvering in the back seat. (And before you even think it...get your mind out of the gutter!) 
Besides when you come get that beer I'll let you ride shot gun!
I am pretty small and installing them I had a hard time manuvering in the back seat. (And before you even think it...get your mind out of the gutter!) Besides when you come get that beer I'll let you ride shot gun!