TheBeastie Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 I am pondering ways of increasing seating and like idea of inward facing seats in rear of my 90 hardtop so I do keep some stowage space. Have looked at seats and also benches and come to conclusion that benches probably give better use of space even if not quite as comfortable as fold away seats - I don't see them being used as seats very often. The idea is to give me option to carry more than one passenger if ever needed (mostly I suspect with local 4x4 Response group) It struck me it would be worth asking if there are any safety/legal issues with installing bench seats in the back since I have no idea - presumably I would need to notify my insurers. So far as I can see one would also install lap belts. Any thoughts would be most appreciated Thanks Malc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas pinkie Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 I think you will find that it comes down to the age of the vehicle you are putting them into. As far as seat belts, for older vehicles you dont legally need them as they were classed as occasional seats by the fact that they fold away. I think this loop hole was closed (my old ex mil 90's and 110's never had rear seat belts yet my 1996 XD Wolf does). Bench seats are ultimately a compromise, and offer greater risk to passengers in the event of an accident than forward facing seats, hence why they are now outlawed..... It has actually been proven that in most cases the occupant of a side facing bench seat fairs better in an accident without a lap belt fitted then they do with.... somthing to do with latteral forces and lap belts located at intnal organ sites....). Ultimately it is down to you, forward facing fold away seats far safer..... but take up so much more room. You may not be abler to fit them if your vehicle is newer anway, but if you can you then have to decide what you list as a higher prioritiy, amount of use ect.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon B Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 I fitted some forward facing fold up seats from Exmoor into my 110CSW, very expensive but good seats. Including the seat belts they were about £400 (I think) Not to be taken lightly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBeastie Posted November 3, 2010 Author Share Posted November 3, 2010 I feel putting in forward facing seats would lose me all my load space so reluctant to follow this route really. Inward facing would give me decent load space for the 98% of the time when seats not being used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cypermethrin Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 This is what we have in our 90 - they fold up against the bulkhead when not needed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas pinkie Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Are they going in your 200tdi 1991 90 as in your signiture?, if so, legally you can fit them without seat belts as occasional seats and still pass an MOT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarPig Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 So what year was the law changed regarding needing sestbelts on side facing bench seats? Is my 1996 300tdi too new to fit bench seats into? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBeastie Posted November 3, 2010 Author Share Posted November 3, 2010 Thanks. Yes they are for my 1991 200Tdi 90 so looks like that is OK on an MOT front but are there likely to be any insurance issues?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brookers Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Are they going in your 200tdi 1991 90 as in your signiture?, if so, legally you can fit them without seat belts as occasional seats and still pass an MOT. Yes but ask yourself do you want someone sat behind you, who is not restrained by a seatbelt? Brookers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas pinkie Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 So what year was the law changed regarding needing sestbelts on side facing bench seats? Is my 1996 300tdi too new to fit bench seats into? Well my Wolf is 1997 and has side facing benches so you can fit them to yours, but I think you will need lap belts as my Wolf has. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonost24 Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 This is what we have in our 90 - they fold up against the bulkhead when not needed Hi, can you tell me what/where you got that seat please? Looks like a good compromise to me. Cheers, Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cypermethrin Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Of course - get in contact with the chap below - they will sort you out - feel free to mention me - Tim with the soft-top Defender they built for me Charles Mogford Berkshire land rover Unit 3 Silco Drive Maidenhead Berkshire SL6 1ET 01628 566247 http://www.berkshirelandrover.com/index.php Hi, can you tell me what/where you got that seat please? Looks like a good compromise to me. Cheers, Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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