Center Seat, or Cubby Box - What do you think?

[vlad_d]

Hi folks,

My seats on my s3 109 are a little beat up. I'm looking at getting new seats. Exmoor deluxe are the current candidates.

I've also been looking at the various Cubby box(es) available. I don't currently have anything between the two front seats.

The question I have for any long-time Series owners is - which do you find more useful: having a center seat, or the Cubby box?

Since there's nothing locking in my Rover, I like the idea of having a center console to put stuff in that I don't want visible. Also, the drink holder is key (stick shift!!).

But, as I work on and drive my Rover, I find myself reaching across to the passenger side door a lot. And, having a center seat would make that more accessible and comfortable.

No one's sitting in that center seat, btw...maybe a dog. I gather anyone trying will get elbowed in the groin while I shift gears. So, it's more for turning the front into bench seating...some wiggle room and option to lay on it while reaching over, etc. Also, option to egress vehicle in an accident from other side, or switch driver-passenger in a hurry. I don't know, maybe I'm over thinking it. Both options not cheap. So, I want to get it right.

What do you guys think? In practice, which is overall more useful.

[Sherony]

Ive had the tuffy console in mine for a long time. I love it. Large secure storage, comfy arm rest, and a radio. Worth every penny.

[erik88lr]

I made my own console out of wood 20+ years ago. It has a hinged padded top, holds the radio, and has two cup holders I rarely use. Can see some of it in the picture below.


It's a handy place to rest my right elbow, doesn't get in the way of shifting at all.

[cedryck]

Nice, I did something like that when I had my D90,. I have looked many times at the Exmoor boxes, but when I first took hold of my Ex-mod it had three across in the front, so I'm keeping that, cheers.

[jimrr]

since you're asking: I prefer having the seat there, but then I have a lot of msc. stuff! with a 109 it may not be a issue, I also like the clean look of 3 seats there. My Tahoe has the console and reaching the other side of the car is enough to make one pull over and park!!

[vlad_d]

Nice, I did something like that when I had my D90,. I have looked many times at the Exmoor boxes, but when I first took hold of my Ex-mod it had three across in the front, so I'm keeping that, cheers.

I guess ex-military vehicles rarely value interior trim like a center console:
"Hang on enemies, let me put my latte down!"

[roverp480]

I fitted the centre under seat tool box on My EX MOD 2A that had twin fuel tanks .

[vlad_d]

I fitted the centre under seat tool box on My EX MOD 2A that had twin fuel tanks .

I like this idea - BOTH storage and a thrid seat!!!

Does it get in the way of accessing the gearbox for service?

[roverp480]

I left it loose so it lifted out. It has a flange which rests on the seat box to support it. To be honest I cannot remember if it had any fixings

[vlad_d]

Has anyone ordered the Exmoor deluxe set of three seats our host sells?

I'm wondering if they come with seat frames and everything, or are they just the foam and seat covers?

I don't actually have a center seat, so I would need the whole she-bang: mountings, seat frame, foam, any panels, and the seat cover.

Also, anyone know of any nicer options that aren't $2500 a seat? The Exmoor stuff has been kind of disappointing so far. I got the rubber floor mats kit, and the loadspace rubber mat. All thick good rubber, but each piece didn't fit. Floor mats are bunched up because they are 1/2" too long. And I had to cut the loadspace mat down 3-4 inches all the way down. I couldn't cut the floor mats because they have a nice outter rim that keeps drips contained.. If the seats are going to be like that, forget it!

[mearstrae]

I've always wondered why folks buy expensive seats for their rig. Why not find a good upholstery shop and have the seats redone with better foam and a good waterproof covering ? I found a really nice heavy duty new (no knockouts removed) stainless steel electric box at a salvage store for cheap. It has two latches and a place for a padlock, and is flange mounted. Maybe something like this if you're looking for a console, just add padding to the top and a cup holder, job done. In my case I had to move the overdrive lever forward, out of the way beside the transfer box lever. I have an Lt95 trans so the overdrive is a bit different (reads: huge).

[jimrr]

I left it loose so it lifted out. It has a flange which rests on the seat box to support it. To be honest I cannot remember if it had any fixings

i think it fits in there like the cover on the LH side does.

[cedryck]

With the lack of security that Series truck brings, I think is is a good idea to have a locking box, for phone, money other valuable, Frankly though after experience "curious" onlookers , especially when the door tops are off in the summer, I prefer a large 70lb. Pit bull in the front seat for security reasons. Plus, I never venture far from the truck wherever I go.
Cheers lads, all the fathers enjoy your upcoming day!!

[vlad_d]

@maerstrae: I thought about going to an upholstery shop, and I still may(mostly for color options or maybe leather, which is hard to get in kits). But, I'm inclined against it for three reasons:

1) The foam inside. Not sure if the upholstery shop will replace the foam with new foam or just pad out the deflated bits and ripped bits. That would mean 90% of the foam would be old. So, I'd be paying like $1500 for 40 years of farts and mold(you're welcome for that visual...try to get it out of your head).

2) I'm in SF Bay Area California. So labor rates are crazy high. Upholsterers are going to charge me $150 per hour for a job like that. Sad, but true. It's cheaper for me to get new parts online than pay a local guy to wrap $60 worth of vinyl around my seats.

3) I may need the frame for the middle seat. Also, My seat frames are rusted and old. Probably salvagable, but I don't think Carlos at the local upholstery shop will sandblast, weld and paint my frames. He'll probably shove them back into the foam, assuming I'll never see them so why bother. But I'll know...it will be new leather seats with 40 year old farts and rusty frames inside...and cost a small fortune.

As far as the cubby/console: I mostly just want simple access and a cover. I don't need a safe in between the seats. If someone really wants to get in there, they will...especially with aluminum doors and body panels and flimsy sliding windows. I'm under no illusions that it's secure. I just need somewhere to put napkins, band aids, pens and that kind of thing, out of view and easily accessible while driving.

[bob7088]

Just took out my cubby box. I’ve ordered the new Exmoor Trim door cards with a the pockets from our hosts for storage, plus I’m installing the drop in storage box Rovers North offers to go under the middle seat.