Defender seat-backs?

[Dashface]

So, if I can't afford exmoor seats, is there any real reason I can't keep my regular old series seat-bottoms and then just find some Defender seat-backs somewhere?

Is there an easier and cheaper way for someone on a decidedly student budget? Does anyone have a somewhat comprehensive list of other seats from other vehicles that work?

[Leslie]

Unless I'm horridly mistaken, the Defender seats are different, not like the Series seats, where you can just swap the back; I think your choices would be, the exmoor seatback, or to swap in Defender seats (which is even more expensive).

W/ that said, your second part.... Volvo 240 seats are supposed to work well... no personal experience w/.

[Eric W S]

Leslie is correct. THe seat backs will not work with series seats and they are extremely expensive to boot.

Take your seats to a local upholstery shop. I bet they can mend your seats within your budget. They aren't that complicated at all...

[Dashface]

Thanks for the replies fellas - I didn't mention that the reason I'd want to do this is for back and head support, not because my seats look bad. As a matter of fact, the interior on my Landy is in shockingly good shape.

[greenmeanie]

If it is functionality you are looking for and not originality then the world is your oyster when it comes to seats. I've had success fitting Bestop Jeep seats to my IIA which prety much means anything out of a Jeep will fit. Volvo is another often mentioned swap.

[Tim Smith]

I've heard of Saab seats fitting. Never tried it though.

[TeriAnn]

Leslie is correct. THe seat backs will not work with series seats and they are extremely expensive to boot.


That's interesting. At a BCFM I once borrowed a seat back & bottom off a '94 Defender to try in my truck. I got the back to fit in my Series seat frame & figured that with a couple holes & a couple slots I could get the bottom to fit as well. I thought it fitted OK.

[Eric W S]

That's interesting. At a BCFM I once borrowed a seat back & bottom off a '94 Defender to try in my truck. I got the back to fit in my Series seat frame & figured that with a couple holes & a couple slots I could get the bottom to fit as well. I thought it fitted OK.

Easier to buy the bases and just bolt in, IMO. Cleaner looking, you get the full function of the seat, and access to the seat base. Can you get it to work? Sure with the right amount of elbow grease.

You need the post holes replicated, notches in the front to replace the catches from the Defender and would need to figure out a decent way of attaching the backs which mounted on the base sides and supported from the rear of the base if my memory of my 97 is still good.

[NC Rover]

I had to use defender seat brackets for the seatbacks to fit. Its all or nothing. Quick note: they are very comfortable...especially on long trips. I've done the 6 1/2 hour drive twice and was fine. I thought for sure the first time I saw my rover that I wouldn't fit (i'm 6'4) but to my surprize....I fit!

Pic for reference:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d49/W8kbrder/Land%20Rover/seats01.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d49/W8kbrder/Land%20Rover/seats02.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d49/W8kbrder/Land%20Rover/seats03.jpg

[Tim Smith]

Hang on a tick. Do those seat bottoms just lift out like the series seat do? Also, are the bases a bit higher up than the series seats? That would be nice for the legs on long journeys.

Hmmm...

[TSR53]

... Also, are the bases a bit higher up than the series seats? That would be nice for the legs on long journeys.

Hmmm...

Rovers North also offers a Defender Seat riser bar kit to help with getting a little more height.
RNA1009 SEAT RISER BARS - DEFENDER (http://www.roversnorth.com/forums/../store/p-5245-seat-riser-bars-defender.aspx)

[Dashface]

I had to use defender seat brackets for the seatbacks to fit. Its all or nothing. Quick note: they are very comfortable...especially on long trips. I've done the 6 1/2 hour drive twice and was fine. I thought for sure the first time I saw my rover that I wouldn't fit (i'm 6'4) but to my surprize....I fit!

Pic for reference:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d49/W8kbrder/Land%20Rover/seats01.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d49/W8kbrder/Land%20Rover/seats02.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d49/W8kbrder/Land%20Rover/seats03.jpg

Oh my god! This is exactly exactly what I've been looking for!

...So, where the heck does one get Defender seats in Canada then? This is definitely what I need.

[Eric W S]

Hang on a tick. Do those seat bottoms just lift out like the series seat do? Also, are the bases a bit higher up than the series seats? That would be nice for the legs on long journeys.

Hmmm...

Yes. Just lift up the bar and pull up and out.

Height is not too different. BUT you can add flat bar stock under the rails to increase height a la the MUD UK rails (Don't know if they would work and don't want to spend the money to find out....)

EwS

[NC Rover]

Oh my god! This is exactly exactly what I've been looking for!

...So, where the heck does one get Defender seats in Canada then? This is definitely what I need.

I'll keep an eye out around here. I see defender/series parts fairly often. I know there is a guy on the outside of town that has tons or parts. I'll see what I can dig up. At least maybe I can find the brackets for ya. :thumb-up:

[Dashface]

I'll keep an eye out around here. I see defender/series parts fairly often. I know there is a guy on the outside of town that has tons or parts. I'll see what I can dig up. At least maybe I can find the brackets for ya. :thumb-up:

That would be very very wicked of you :cool: Please do keep me informed!

[Les Parker]

RN has recently launched a plethora of new Defender seats, from Exmoor Trim in UK.
Here's a link to the recent News, with details of the NEW seats :-

http://www.roversnorth.com/store/p-16056-front-seat-assembly-with-adjustable-frame-right-hand-twill-vinyl.aspx (http://www.roversnorth.com/forums/../store/p-16056-front-seat-assembly-with-adjustable-frame-right-hand-twill-vinyl.aspx)


:thumb-up:

[Jim-ME]

Les,
I'm sorry to say this as I really like RN but to buy those seats are worth more than my entire Rover.
Jim

[Tim Smith]

Les,
I'm sorry to say this as I really like RN but to buy those seats are worth more than my entire Rover.
JimI believe that means Jim's truck is priceless. ;)

Mine however does have a price but... probably no one would pay it. I guess my real problem with those seats is that I am simply cashless. :(

They do look nice though. Perhaps in the future.

[Les Parker]

Ah ! But think how comfy you would be ! And dont forget the safety factor when either a front or rear impact occur and the headrestraint comes into its own and saves some whiplash ! Dont ask me how I know, the 109" was never the same again !

[Alaska Mike]

I've seen Series high-back seatbacks offered by other vendors. Does RN sell a similar product? Does anyone have any experience?

[Dashface]

Ah ! But think how comfy you would be ! And dont forget the safety factor when either a front or rear impact occur and the headrestraint comes into its own and saves some whiplash ! Dont ask me how I know, the 109" was never the same again !

Ah - but you see, you get a discount ;)