rear seat mount

[deathegg]

This isn't really a "repair" question, but not sure where else to put it.

I have heard that removing the rear seat is bad, because the rear seat mount ( long tubular part of the seat that attaches at both ends near the rear passenger foot wells) contributes to chassis rigidity. So if i leave it in, the rear flexes LESS than when it's removed..

has anyone ever heard of this? and is it true?

[Safety Guy]

I suppose it could contribute a slight amount of rigidity, and when the seatback is up that would also tie in the tops of the two tower extensions for a bit more rigidity. However, it is not tied in that solidly due to the seat latches and the hinging front seat to floor mounts.

If you remove the seat, you could fab up a bar that connects the two front seat bolts together across the floor, and a bar to connect the two rear seat top latch hooks. I'd remove the hook plates and make a direct connecting plate for a bar. If you tied these four points in with two slanting vertical bars, it might work even better. I'd use aluminum if possible.

A good roll bar that tied into the rear strut towers would provide more rigidity and protection, however.

Karl

[jglutz]

I would highly doubt their is any intention or any ammount of rigidity with the rear seat installed.

[SimonTuffGuy]

I agree with Joe... I can't see it doing ANYTHING special by keeping it in.

In fact, that was one of the first things that was ALWAYS removed from my cars...

[gottafesty]

I have the split rear seat so it doesn't do anything for the rigidity in my car.

[WmWatt]

I took the back seat out the day I brought my brand new '89 Festiva home from the dealership and it has sat in the basement ever since. I like having the extra space back there and have never noticed any structural problems, noise problems, or problems of any kind. Hope that helps.