Replace rear inward seats with Forward facing??

Hi,

Now that there's been a recent addition to the family I'm thinking about doing something with the seats in the back to make them safer. At the moment it's the standard "4 inward facing" seats which are probably fine if you're going shooting and what-not but they're no good for baby seats.

I was thinking about replacing them by putting in a couple of forward facing rear seats, or maybe even backward facing (if such thing exists, which I think would be more fun!) and, of course, the all important seat belts to secure the baby seat.

Does anyone know of what the regulations would be if I went ahead with this, I mean would I have to go and have it approved by some governing body??? In my V5c it doesn't actually say how many seats there are.

Also can anyone recommend some good seat specialists that might stock rear seats for a defender? Not looking to spend a fortune.

Exmoor trim do them but not cheap!!
And in my opinion you don't want cheap seats and belts for a baby

great intro

Welcome and do a search on here matey. I am putting fold away forward facing seats in. Mine are pilco ambulance/ minibus wheel arch seats. Had fitted them but werent central enough for my liking an knees get knocked. So having sturdier brackets fabricated.

chunkymunky said:

Welcome and do a search on here matey. I am putting fold away forward facing seats in. Mine are pilco ambulance/ minibus wheel arch seats. Had fitted them but werent central enough for my liking an knees get knocked. So having sturdier brackets fabricated.

Click to expand...

they nice my bucket seats do get in the way sometimes

and they fold

Cost £80 the pair nearly new. Covers are vile so will put some waterproof type covers on them.

You can see they are a little too far over the arch at the moment and need to move back a bit. Concentrating on getting ready for tdi conversion at the mo but got box section brackets being made push them out by bout 2 inches. Am rubbing inside down and repainting when i get it back from garage. Then black checkerplate to smart it up then they will be in.

I will do a thread with pics when its all done. I do know a booster seat fits in quite well. Dunno bout baby seat.

I think it's an insurance issue more than a governing body, they'll be checked in the mot to see if they're ok

I was told that if I was fitting rear seats they would need to be professionally fitted to satisfy the insurance company so before you spend any money you should ring your insurance company and check fitting them yourself is ok

After i have fitted mine will have them checked and passed fit. To be honest by the time 50mmx 4mm thick boxsection brackets are installed and 10mm bolts through the whole back end of the tub will be stiffer. My insurance has it as a four seater so with cubby box installed it still will be.

Brunel would be proud