Taffia Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 Hi, I am slowly starting to sort out my 2.5D NA 110 ex mod 95 defender. Really enjoying the hands on aspect with help from this site! One of the things on my list was to upgrade the seats nothing fancy just better than plain 'squaddie' ones. What gives with the prices on seats new and used in eBay etc? Nearly as much as my truck! Is the trick to get seats from another car? I'm no welder -yet- but I do have the seat extenders on my side as I'm 6'4". Any tips would be much appreciated as always. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonr Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 The seat frames are pretty much the same in all defenders. For surprisingly little from someone like Foundry4x4, you can get a full XS spec re-upholstering kit and seat heaters. Its not the easiest job in the world - but not bad once you get the hang of it. The kits come with new foam for both halves of the seat as well as everything else needed inc a CD instruction video and spray glue. I've been sitting on my new re-upholstered seats for a few months - and they're much more comfortable and look much better too. I've no idea why they are so expensive. Used XS seats were going for £600 or more when I was looking! Maybe just supply & demand? Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troll Hunter Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 I replaced my 110 seats with a pair of, I think, Rover 600 seats. I bought them on this forum for not too much money, and they're very comfortable. I can do an 8hrs drive and have no back ache, although I'm only 5'8" not 6'3". Why not go look at possible seat candidates at your local scrappy? Since most scrap cars get crushed with seats still in there's obviously not much demand for replacement seats. You may need to fab new runners, and fitting a smaller steering wheel might give a big improvement for access, especially if new runners raise the seat cushion a little. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taffia Posted April 30, 2013 Author Share Posted April 30, 2013 The seat frames are pretty much the same in all defenders. For surprisingly little from someone like Foundry4x4, you can get a full XS spec re-upholstering kit and seat heaters.Its not the easiest job in the world - but not bad once you get the hang of it. The kits come with new foam for both halves of the seat as well as everything else needed inc a CD instruction video and spray glue. I've been sitting on my new re-upholstered seats for a few months - and they're much more comfortable and look much better too. I've no idea why they are so expensive. Used XS seats were going for £600 or more when I was looking! Maybe just supply & demand? Si Hi Si, How strange I was only looking earlier at your site to see if the X-Defend was back in stock! Thanks for the Foundry4x4 link - looks good and I don't mind build it yourself but I have the MOD two square cushion seats and backs - is this is what you have done to the same type of seats - if so seems to be a bargain compared to sourcing used or new ones! Thanks Taffia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taffia Posted April 30, 2013 Author Share Posted April 30, 2013 I replaced my 110 seats with a pair of, I think, Rover 600 seats. I bought them on this forum for not too much money, and they're very comfortable. I can do an 8hrs drive and have no back ache, although I'm only 5'8" not 6'3". Why not go look at possible seat candidates at your local scrappy? Since most scrap cars get crushed with seats still in there's obviously not much demand for replacement seats. You may need to fab new runners, and fitting a smaller steering wheel might give a big improvement for access, especially if new runners raise the seat cushion a little.Mike Hi, Yes scrappy was next option but I was wondering if anyone has experience of what will fit in the space and then how hard it is to get it onto the frame - without my own welder! tbh - before I got the seat extensions I could still drive np - but with the extension its great! As I have a MOD 110 there is no power steering - I worry if I fit a smaller steering wheel I will need to start turning 1/4 mile before the junction not to mention the forearm work out - but I love it Will have to hit some scrap places! Taffia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orgasmic Farmer Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Has something happened to the price of Land roevr seats recently? I see someone selling a pair of vinyl ones minus one head rest for £200. 6 months ago I didn't get a bite for a set of 3 as new cloth ones. Let them go for £100 in the end. Must still be bargains out there. I have a set of full leather Recaros in mine which cost me £100 on Ebay some years back. Sometimes you just need to know which cars had nice seats in them and look out for them. Obviously some types will be easier to fit than others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vedrover Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 I have gelandewagen seats on front and rear. taken from crashed car. total kit was 300pounds for 2 front and rear seats Now it's totaly other comfort for front and rear passengers. PS i'm 186 sm tall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 It's an oddity of LR's - I paid £10 for two (admittedly knackered) seats at Sodbury because I just wanted the runners (which are £100 a seat usually!), but when I was looking round for seats to put in the 109 even knackered defender seats were going for £100+ a set (minus runners), in the end I bought some Exmoor reconned ones that were on offer for £300 a pair all in, and they've been very comfy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissyg Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Range Rover P38 seats! I got a pair for £27 on ebay, wired the heating up too. Best upgrade I've done on mine, and the best value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heath robinson Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 I want a pair of the tall skinny porsche (944? I think they're referred to as tombstones) seats. They fit me like a glove, and take up very little room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snailracer Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 I'm sure I saw a car with pretty much land rover seats in but foolishly didnt register the make. It was some kind of eastern make and I swear the front seats were exactly the same as defender ones. Upholstered a bit differently tho. Not very helpful as i cant remember the make but worth looking out for... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffR Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Vauxhall Recaros almost match the bolt pattern on defenders. just gotta drill a couple of new holes and boy are they comfy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taffia Posted April 30, 2013 Author Share Posted April 30, 2013 Some great ideas here. Tried calling a few scrap yards - as soon as I said Defender seats you could here the ooooooooaaaaahhhhh £££££££. "Sorry we don't have any - got other parts though!" Maybe there is a shortage - but as every car has to have a set at point of manufacture one would assume there would be enough - unless someone is stock piling them in order to increase the market price! If I get these do you think there is enough space up the middle for a drinks trolley? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BA-777-Premium-economy-recaro-Airline-Aircraft-seat-/271193987600?pt=UK_CPV_Aviation_SM&hash=item3f246bda10 I need to lie down now..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluehaze Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 I have a full set from Sam's trim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.