L Bug, any ideas for replacement 3-point-mount seats?

Uber Kafer Wolfsburg Wizard

414 posts · joined Nov 2009 · 15 Jun 2012, 11:37 am

#908126

Ok, 75 L Bug, front seats are the 3 point mount. I believe that the same 3 point mount was used on Passats and Golf ? Clarify if you can.

So, can anyone advise if there is a later VW seat that will slide straight in to those mounts, and will have to be tilt forward style of course.

Otherwise, is there a late model car that has seats that readily adapt (minimal welding etc) into beetles? Like, a seat that is favoured by VW customisers.

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 15 Jun 2012, 1:33 pm

#908142

Not sure about Mk1 Passat but Mk1 Golf seats use similar runner but not identical.

To fit them to the bug you need to shorten the rear legs and narrow them slightly from memory.

It shouldn't be too hard to separate the runners from the seats and fit something else, Bizarre and Jeff have both done this.

Most 2 door 90s cars have seats narrow enough to fit in a bug without burying the handbrake.
I've got Celica seats in mine but Prelude and WRX are popular choices.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 15 Jun 2012, 5:30 pm

#908188

I have not "seen" a seat that slips in.
I have seen Audi bases that are VERY similar - just one leg was wider.
A bit of cutting and welding and all would be cool

I have installed Proton Satria GTi seats on a standard Recaro base adapted to a VW base.

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=36756&page=5

Would not be hard at all to make up the Recaro base.
You want a seat no wider than 520mm

Futue te ipsum!!!

beetleboyjeff Custom Title Time!

1,790 posts · joined Feb 2009 · 15 Jun 2012, 10:55 pm

#908285

Yeah, I did install Autotechnica seats in mine, but I had a mate of mine with an engineering shop 'modify' the bases. Basically, we made new bases out of RHS and installed the centre adjuster for the centre mount, and the 'feet' for the side mounts. You need a proper certified welder to do it this way though.

This is the new seat bases in the car.

This is one of the bases bolted to a seat.

And this is the seats in the car.

From your ole' mate Jeff

psimitar Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,506 posts · joined Jan 2009 · 15 Jun 2012, 11:33 pm

#908293

You don't need a certified welder to do seat mods BUT you do need to make welds strong enough to pass the testing method for the ADR's.

ANY kind of modification from standard when it comes to seats has to be blue plate certified as a properly carried out modification.

I had my seat frames certified and had to mount the seat to a wall and hang 80kg from the back of the seat to make sure the welds were strong enough. If you don't use the original seat mounting points then you also need to weld ADR spec spreader plates in the floorpan.

By all means modify the seat without certification but you will have illegal insurance and also the chance of serious injury if your mods aren't strong enough.

Good Luck 😉

madness is in the eye of the beholder 👍

Uber Kafer Wolfsburg Wizard

414 posts · joined Nov 2009 · 16 Jun 2012, 11:50 am

#908350

thanks guys, some good detail there, thanks for the pics. Nice result Jeff.
As for strength yes the mods need to be strong but the original seat frames werent all that strong to start off with so it wont be hard to make something stronger than stock. We dont have regular inspections here in WA. I plan to store the original seats so it is easily reverted to stock.

520mm max width.....lets go shopping.... 😵

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 18 Jun 2012, 9:55 am

#908649

OK - this is how 520mm seats fit

I swaped my seats round - driver in passenger.
This allowed me to be able to adjust the back rest while in the car.
Luckily, the Recaro has a flip leaver on both sholders.
The only thing I cant do is flip a seat forward with the door closed.
The side bolster hits the arm rest

Futue te ipsum!!!

psimitar Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,506 posts · joined Jan 2009 · 18 Jun 2012, 11:50 am

#908666

I've got Skyline R32 seats in mine. Bout same width and the recliner handle can just be reached with the doors closed. Lumbar adjustment are on the inside.

madness is in the eye of the beholder 👍