Fitting P38 Rear Seats in a 110

[Inigo]

I've just bought some decent leather rear seats from a P38 that I was hoping to replace the existing second row seats in my 1987 110.  Currently there is a set of exmoor trim seats that the PO moved back a few inches which gives great leg room for the kids.  Seatbelts have been moved back and a frame fabricated for the existing seats.  I can modify frame to suit the new seats, but the thing I missed is that the existing seats have the seatback locked in position integral to the seat.  The P38 seats are designed so that the top of the seat is locked in position against the bodywork, there is no latch on the hinge between seat base and seat back.

So, to get these to work, I need to mount a latch from the top of the tub, below the windows.  Has anyone done this (or something similar) before?  I'm a little concerned that this might not be a very strong point in the vehicle and be all that would stop the seats folding forward in an accident.

 

[miketomcat]

This may not help but I've fitted a freelander seat in my ibex. I know it's not the same as a defender or a p38 for that matter but it may give you some ideas.

The extra brace on the drivers side is because the seats have an integral seat belt in the middle.

Mike

Edited November 13, 2017 by miketomcat

[Inigo]

That is actually very helpful, thanks.

I see you have a bulkhead behind your second row seats that gives some rigidity to the upper brackets.  Mine would have to be beefier if it was standalone.

Considering getting a partial internal roll cage fabricated to give some support to seats, but I'm also nervous about existing seat belt  mountings - they are currently through the body above rear sliding windows - whatever strengthening plate may have been added, I don't think the bodywork itself would give much support.