Backseat removal question

[thorny]

I am trying to remove the backseat in preparation for the track day. I removed the bottom cushions, now in order to remove the backrest I need to remove the side cushions (pictured). I can't figure out how to get them out. COuld you guys help me out?
Thanks

[kaiv]

Pull/yank from the top.

[tom @ eas]

^^ pretty much. Grip just under the black cap and try to reach your fingers around the backside before pulling. Afterwards, it should simply lift out of place.

[thorny]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

^^ pretty much. Grip just under the black cap and try to reach your fingers around the backside before pulling. Afterwards, it should simply lift out of place.

Originally Posted by kaiv

Pull/yank from the top.

Thanks guys. I'll give it a try!

Tom, if it doesn't rain, I'll show up on the 16th.

[thorny]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

^^ pretty much. Grip just under the black cap and try to reach your fingers around the backside before pulling. Afterwards, it should simply lift out of place.

OK, I got through this part, the trick was to pull down as well. I unscrewed two star bolts on the left and the right, but what's the trick to undo the middle attachment (pictured)?

[thorny]

Originally Posted by kaiv

Pull/yank from the top.

kaiv, could you help me with the above ^^, this is the last hurdle =)

[Richard@M-World]

Originally Posted by thorny

OK, I got through this part, the trick was to pull down as well. I unscrewed two star bolts on the left and the right, but what's the trick to undo the middle attachment (pictured)?

You will have to keep the rear seat backs at a 45 degree angle or so from horizontal to have access to the two bolts holding the middle hinge. It's a PITA.

[Richard@M-World]

Here's a picture showing the position of the screws.

[kaiv]

Originally Posted by thorny

kaiv, could you help me with the above ^^, this is the last hurdle =)

Basically at this point you just have to work the seat backs out and away from each other. Have them folded down and pull one side away from the other and toward the front.

One of the seat backs has a stud and the other a receiving hole. Not completely dissimilar to the shift lever and the knob to give you an idea. You have to use a bit of force to separate them.

That bracket that Richard mentioned I never removed to get the seats out.

[Richard@M-World]

Originally Posted by kaiv

Basically at this point you just have to work the seat backs out and away from each other. Have them folded down and pull one side away from the other and toward the front.

One of the seat backs has a stud and the other a receiving hole. Not completely dissimilar to the shift lever and the knob to give you an idea. You have to use a bit of force to separate them.

That bracket that Richard mentioned I never removed to get the seats out.

I tried your method on my car but it didn't work for some reason. Hopefully it will work for the OP. Much easier than removing the bracket.

[m3an]

Very easy. Fold one seat slightly forward and pop it out. If you look at it you'll see one seat has a peg that goes into a hole on the other which allows it to fold and move. Just give it some force and it'll pop out

[zsapphire7]

i had to remove the two bolts that richard was talking about. Real PITA. Try using small 1/4 rackets and torx sockets to get it in there.

[thorny]

Thanks guys for all the advice. In fact before posting here I got one of those bolts out, it was a royal pita. I'll try the separation method as I am not really looking forward to removing the second bolt... I'll report back

[thorny]

OK. Not that I enjoyed the process, but it is way easier when you actually know what you 're doing. It actually pulls right off, it's just this damn "bolt" is way too long (see the pic)

I just want to see for myself how much weight reduction helps and how much it can screw up the balance if it does affect it. With the recent install of a 36 lb battery at EAS, I shed over 150 lbs I think! The car feel alive

[kaiv]

Also I wanna say that less weight on the rear axle will probably mean more dorifto

[quads]

If I recall the rear seats added up to about 80-85lbs

[thorny]

Originally Posted by 4sevens.com

If I recall the rear seats added up to about 80-85lbs

OK, I weighed some parts on my home scale and ran some numbers. My car right now is 230 lbs lighter than stock. In addition to destroying the trim, I am running 35 lb MINI battery, full Akra Evo exhaust and 18" TE37SL.

I dynoed the car last week at EAS and it did 398 WHP! (Evolve tune, MS pulleys and MS Stage 2 Intake in addition to Akra).

After all this the car feels


video of the dyno run
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=vRdIwoU4LHU

[thorny]

Originally Posted by kaiv

Also I wanna say that less weight on the rear axle will probably mean more dorifto

dude, I drained windshield washer fluid

[kaiv]

ahah!

Curious; 398whp SAE or STD?

[thorny]

Originally Posted by kaiv

ahah!

Curious; 398whp SAE or STD?

STD

[kaiv]

Gotcha!

BTW, a few of us will be at buttonwillow on the 22nd ^^

[OC3]

Originally Posted by thorny

dude, I drained windshield washer fluid

lulz