Mud-club

Vehicle & Technical => Defender => Topic started by: lambert on August 29, 2012, 07:38:03

Title: rear seats
Post by: lambert on August 29, 2012, 07:38:03
Hi all.

Beyond telling dvla and insurance, what are the issues I would expect to encounter if I wanted to fit a side facing bench seat in the back of my 90? It is currently a pickup fitted with an ifor stock top. Would I need belts, would I need to convert it to either full soft or hard top? It's a 98 300tdi registered as light utility.

Cheers.
Title: Re: rear seats
Post by: Frankie-Boy on August 29, 2012, 08:44:50

I've read on other forums that some insurers are declining to insure vehicles with side facing seats in the rear so check with your insurer that they will still cover you.
Title: Re: rear seats
Post by: Dirt-Devil on August 29, 2012, 11:38:28
Hope this link helps http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motoring/uk-insurers-retreat-side-seat-defenders
Title: Re: rear seats
Post by: lambert on August 29, 2012, 14:35:25
Be the insurance as it may I'm starting to need more seats. I refuse to have a 4 door as they are too big. I also still need to put stuff in the boot so I'm not fitting forward facing seats in as I would have no space left. So I'm mostly wanting to know  if its legal to have seats in a pickup with a fixed back fitted and then if i need seat belts.
Title: Re: rear seats
Post by: Jake on August 29, 2012, 20:13:05
I know they are a bit expensive but could you not use forward facing seats?

http://www.exmoortrim.co.uk/catalogue/detail/34-load-area-seats/flypage/42703-lock-and-fold-left-hand.html?sef=hcfp

 :cool:
Title: Re: rear seats
Post by: lambert on August 29, 2012, 20:48:07
Very safe and also cleverly designed but I would loose way too much space for all the stuff. By the time I have one of them in the back that's 2 or three baby lambs less where as a bench with a sack cloth cover could be stood on or eaten or weed on. Besides it will only be occasional use like the front centre is now.
Title: Re: rear seats
Post by: Jake on August 29, 2012, 21:21:27
I know what your saying. They are large and would get ruined in a working truck.
Definetly speak with your insurance company first as yours maybe not have a problem with side facing seats.
If so, a nice bench seat is easy to install, seat belts for them are a bit expensive if you do it properly but worth it for passenger safety.

 :cool:
Title: Re: rear seats
Post by: Big G on October 04, 2012, 19:10:34
I had an email back from the ministry when I asked this question. It took about 3 months for the reply to come. I have a truck cab and wanted to fit one inward facing seat. The reply basically said...

Yes but need to tell insurers
Fit manufacturers parts
Install should be done by competent person

My bit of advice is.... Dont fit seat belt even lap type as then this becomes MOT issue and could be problem if not forward facing. No seat belt means MOT man has no say.

I will try and find the email they sent me.

G
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