Au ute 3 seater

[TimXR6]

Wasnt sure whether to post this here or in the ute section.......

Im looking at getting an au trayback ute. The only thing stopping me is it needs to be 5 speed AND have a 3rd middle seat. I'm assuming the middle seat was only available on column shift autos.

So, how hard is it to install a middle seat? ie actual fitting, engineering etc...

an example can be found on this au thats on ebay at the moment. Just looks like theyve swapped the centre console for a fold down seat

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2000-Ford-Fal...item4cee0bf079


any input appreciated
Tim

[JC]

That one is a 5M as well. The middle seat is only rated to take a smallish child though.

[Mechan1k]

Or a Jockey ... close enough.

[TimXR6]

yeah that 3rd seat is obviously not factory fitted. Will be used on occasion to seat my young bloke.

That being said, i have driven a column au with 3 big blokes in the front.

Was hoping someone might have info on the install. ie do the manual cars come with the same mounting points as the column cars. Meaning fitment is a simple bolt in affair.

[Linz]

Originally Posted by TimXR6

yeah that 3rd seat is obviously not factory fitted. Will be used on occasion to seat my young bloke.

That being said, i have driven a column au with 3 big blokes in the front.

Was hoping someone might have info on the install. ie do the manual cars come with the same mounting points as the column cars. Meaning fitment is a simple bolt in affair.

Pretty sure that's not a factory seat as there wouldn't be enough room for the handbrake in that position in a genuine 3 seater.
Looks like it hasn't been engineered/plated either as it states that it's a 2 seater.
I went the other way around and converted a 3 seater BA XL ute with column shift auto to full XR interior with floor shift auto, centre handbrake etc.
Au's are obviously different in a few areas, the handbrake may have to be moved/changed to the foot operated 3 seater type, and I think that the seat mounting for the middle section MIGHT be different as well.
Also the factory centre inertia reel lap/sash seat belt on the BA's are originally mounted on the rear panel by means of a welded bracket which is covered by a specially moulded carpet type cover that fits over the mounted seat belt and rear wall...you may have to fit a lap belt in the centre section (if that's legal).
Best to check with an approved seat fitting company before you buy/start anything so you get it right first time.

[Linz]

Originally Posted by linz

Pretty sure that's not a factory seat as there wouldn't be enough room for the handbrake in that position in a genuine 3 seater.
Looks like it hasn't been engineered/plated either as it states that it's a 2 seater.
I went the other way around and converted a 3 seater BA XL ute with column shift auto to full XR interior with floor shift auto, centre handbrake etc.
Au's are obviously different in a few areas, the handbrake may have to be moved/changed to the foot operated 3 seater type, and I think that the seat mounting for the middle section MIGHT be different as well.
Also the factory centre inertia reel lap/sash seat belt on the BA's are originally mounted on the rear panel by means of a welded bracket which is covered by a specially moulded carpet type cover that fits over the mounted seat belt and rear wall...you may have to fit a lap belt in the centre section (if that's legal).
Best to check with an approved seat fitting company before you buy/start anything so you get it right first time.

Just had a look on Carsales and found this example...http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...eater&trecs=10

Looks like the AU has a centre lap belt and foot operated parking brake.
Probably the most difficult part would be changing over the parking brake system, but shouldn't be too much of a problem if you have all the parts from the wreckers and ready to go in.

[lofty]

The centre seat just hangs off the passenger seat - there's no runners for it. So yes, the assembly from a 3 seater should just bolt in. The handbrake on mine mounts to the outside of the driver's seat, so you'd need that assembly too, as well as the cable.

[TimXR6]

Thanks for the help blokes.

Assuming that the seat and park brake assemblies will bolt into existing factory mounts, would engineering still be necessary? If not sounds pretty straight forward. I would hate to have to buy a hilux.....

[Linz]

Originally Posted by lofty

The centre seat just hangs off the passenger seat - there's no runners for it. So yes, the assembly from a 3 seater should just bolt in. The handbrake on mine mounts to the outside of the driver's seat, so you'd need that assembly too, as well as the cable.

Ahh, so your handbrake is the same as the BA then...I've only seen the foot operated variety on the AU, must've been an early model then.

[Linz]

Originally Posted by TimXR6

Thanks for the help blokes.

Assuming that the seat and park brake assemblies will bolt into existing factory mounts, would engineering still be necessary? If not sounds pretty straight forward. I would hate to have to buy a hilux.....

Engineering as such wouldn't be needed if you use all factory parts and mounts etc...but you WILL need to have a modification plate affixed to the ute to show the change in seating positions from 2 to 3...if you want to keep the car legal that is.
I did this to mine, it's no big deal and you'll have nothing to worry about if the car is inspected at any time.

[illusivedreams]

Au in a 3 seater has the park break is on the right of the drivers seat in our company vehicle, You simply use your right hand and pull up as per normal.