Hey all..

So a buddy of mine and I are thinking of doing some modification to the center seat/console of the XLT package.

We basically want to make a hinge/latch combination so you can flip the center console up (as if somebody was going to sit in the middle seat) but then you could flip the middle seat cushion forward up towards the dash... and store something under the middle cushion. Maybe cut out a section of the bottom cushion for ...idk a .45 with a loaded magazine...maybe keys so it can be unlocked and not easy to find em?
That way it stays a functional seat with the latch so it doesnt pop up in bumpy situations, but you can flip a latch and pull it up.

Anyway...just a fun project we might undergo and I was curious if any of you know some measurements or the bolting pattern of the entire seat.
Cuz IIRC it is one entire piece of metal that bolts to the cab... I basically want to separate the center piece.

Havent fully thought it through if it is possible, but the first thing to do is get a measurement/rough picture of whats gunna happen.

I personally dont have a bench out of my truck to measure it... I could go to the junk yard or get a rough measurement of it in the truck, but not right now.

I checked in the parts to see if there was a bench replacement and nope just the cushions and such.

Sorry for the story. If you have any input or opinions let me know..

thanks

 

Sounds like a cool project. take lots of pictures and post em up here so we can all see.

 

In bumpy situations, you dont want anyone seeing arm movement from any angle therefore it needs to be low. A forward sliding 1/2 seat would be a saftey nightmare for someone sitting there because you would have to use drawer slides and because of their design, impact forces would not hold. Without regard, it can be fabricated, extensive ulpolhestry work but locking in place would be difficult...always shifting forward and back. Another approach, you could, from either driver or pass side, reach down behind and slide a hand in between the layers created to pull out whatever. To create a void in the lower seat cushion would be viable. Boxed within as to not collapse the center seat when weight is upon it. A spring flapped door can easily be fabbed.

 

This idea reminds me of the '08+ Dodge flip up center seat. It's an awesome idea and to see it done to an OBS seat would be sweet! If you do try it out, check out the Dodge center seat for ideas. The center console flips up like ours, then the seat has a latch on the front, you pull it up and the seat flips up from the front.

 

Im not sure what you mean about arm movement in bumpy situations.

And it wasnt going to be a sliding seat. The center part would be folded up like when riding with 3. And then the middle part would be on a hinge and behind the seat or coming up by the seat belt buckles it would have a release that would let it flip up towards the dash.

I think I need to get some measurements and see what itd take. Cuz IIRC the seats and all have like this flat metal plate under it all. So cutting a chunk out of the plate and then welding in a bar to act as a hinge and a latch in the rear like how you get those van seats in and out with...

Anyway more to come. I had a dull day at work. lol

 

But I do appreciate that dodge seat reference Travis... Ive never seen anything like what im thinking and it surprises me...although I dont ride in many dodges or REALLY new trucks so they are prolly out there

 

I think what was implied was in a situation where you might need that .45 in a hurry. The arm movement might attract hot lead