97 Challenger Seats

[kevinld]

I need to re-upholster the round seat bottoms only, does anyone know how to remove them?

 

[Dr Honda]

The bolts to get the seat bottom out are above the fuel tank. you will need a 10mm socket on a small ratchet... and just reach under. you will feel them. (4 bolts)

 

[kevinld]

Seat bottoms

Not to be redundant, but the seat bottoms are approximately 8 inches in diameter, seems 4 bolts is a lot for such a small peice. Schematics do not show any bolts for the seat bottom.
Thanks

 

[Dr Honda]

OK... what part... EXACTLY... are you needing to do?

The rear bottom bench is one big part. You remove it... then (if you are talking about the 3 center pads where your butt goes) the pads are held to the bench with 4 rivets each. You will have to drill them once the bench is out of the boat.

 

[kevinld]

Seat Bottoms

Thanks, seems like a lot to pull the whole bench out for 3 seat bottom pads, may get inventive and drill out the rivets from the top and then come up with an alternate plan for re-installing from the top. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[kcr357]

re

Thanks, seems like a lot to pull the whole bench out for 3 seat bottom pads, may get inventive and drill out the rivets from the top and then come up with an alternate plan for re-installing from the top. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Cut the old covers off, remove the foam, and cut out the old rivets. You now have a plastic base for the insert. While it is separate from everything else, drill 4 new holes (about 1/4")with it in position where you would like the final mount to be. Place plastic fender darts(Home depot, lowes, Advanced auto) through the base, then recover the insert. Install is nothing more than sliding fender darts into the holes you drilled into the main assembly. Make sure you get the darts and check bit size, I just guestimated.

 

[Guruofsleep@aol.com]

seats

It always makes me nervous, when someone says it is easy as drilling a few extra holes, in a boat. I am all for modifications, but in the long run, you might be happier with the outcome. But I wish you the best of luck and let us know how it all works out

 

[kevinld]

Worked out great. Cut the torn covers off, ground the rivet heads off and drilled out the rest of the rivet, approximately 5/16 " diameter. Bought large(5/16" x 3/4") fender darts from Lowes(4 per seat bottom) and cover material from local marine upholstery shop. Re-drilled/lined up seat bottoms/installed darts before covering(Original rivets not the same position on each seat so mark individually). Using original foam, new covering material, good staple gun, and hair dryer, completed seat bottoms. Popped into place and looks better than from factory, all for $75.00, Staple gun($50) included.
KevinD