Topic: Drilling New Seat Bracket Holes?

[Kurlee Daddee]

I unbolted my drivers seat in my 85' Xtra Cab and installed the driver's side Prelude seat. The 2 bolts, front and back closest to the center console line up perfectly. The other 2 closest the door don't fit at all.

The bracket closest to the front of the car nearest the door can be drilled through the tubular part of the body there, horizontally. I was thinking putting a bolt through the bracket hole, through one side of the tubular part, out the other side and fastening it with a nylon locknut and lock washers. Would any of you do it that way or does it sound okay?

The other bracket hole closest to the rear of the car nearest the door can be drilled vertically through the underside of the truck with no obstructions. I will also put a bolt through with a nylon locknut and lock washers. Does that sound okay as well?

Also, should I buy grade 6 or grade 8 bolts since the seat is pretty important to stay stationary when in a car accident? And do they sell those bolts at Home Depot?

I know these questions sound pretty lame, but I want to do this seat insall right the first time. And I have no access to a welder, no grinder or torches.

Please help me rest my head with answers to these questions.

[Serenity now!]

First off, it does sound good but I would put more that just washers because over time the stress of the seat moving back and forth(stop and go) will wear the metal that has been drilled for the bolt. It might even punch through. I would for the front get a thick piece of metal that is the same height as the tube thing but wider than a washer and maybe a small metal plate for the bolt that goes through the floor board. second, get the biggest bolt that cam fit through the seat rail hole.

[IronClad]

use  oversized flat washers  to "sandwich" the steel and grade 8 bolts/nuts and it will be fine.

[Rocksurfer]

Make special brackets that mount in the original holes, then drill the brackets for the seats. That's how my Camry seats are mounted.

[RustyToy]

^ thats what i did but i used angle iron... haven't had  a problem yet and its bin 3 years.

[Kurlee Daddee [OP]]

I installed the drivers side seat today. I went and bought grade 8 bolts, fender washers and nylon lock nuts. Drilled holes through the front horizontal section and one through the floorboard. Really easy to do and tightened everything down. This seat is very comfortable.  Here's some pics.

Here is the drivers seat installed. Compare the comforatble Prelude seat to the back pain inducing original seat.


Check out the memory seat button and the lumbar adjusting knob. I got the pair of seats in perfect condition for $60.


And here is the front bracket drilled with the grade 8 bolt and fender washer installed. I put 2 fender washers on both bolts, front and back and nylon lock nuts.

[Kurlee Daddee [OP]]

I finished up the instal today by installing the passenger side seat. It sits nice and level and is also  nice an comfortable. I am pretty happy with the results.

[eightyfive]

looks nice.