JK front bucket seat in the rear

[expdnJP]

During past trips my son found rear bench extremely uncomfortable. I decided to install a front bucket seat from Jeep JK in the rear. I simply wanted to have matching and more comfortable seat, but I could not find any details about the installation on the web. It took me almost 3 weekends to figure it out complete that task.



The hardest part was to design the front support. For this purpose, I used steel U-channel brackets. I cut them and welded together, to fit into the existing holes in the floor. A new painted support bracket was secured with factory bolts.



In the front seat is attached to a new bracket. To stiffen the back of the seat, I used a factory screw on the right. On the left side, however, it was necessary to drill a hole in the floor of the trunk and use a new bolt. Factory floor mat fits almost perfectly. I had to cut it in two places only.



My goal was to mount only one seat, although there is a room for two. We have no need for two seats because we travel only in three people. An additional panel mounted next to the new bucket seat added a large flat cargo area.



Seat installed, it reclines back and slides forward and back.

 

[X-plorenow]

nice job, I have been looking to do the exact same thing. Thanks for trailblazing it for me.

 

[Blacked Out]

very nice work sir.

 

[Power Wagon Family]

Great build, could you take a pic of the seat leaned forward.

 

[cybercat]

Great write up. Now we need someone to Fab up brackets so sell at the next Expo.

 

[Rancho]

Here is an option to run two seats in the rear, but it would use a MasterCraft seat....
http://www.mastercraftsafety.com/seatmounts.php

Great write up. Now we need someone to Fab up brackets so sell at the next Expo.

 

[expdnJP]

Seat leaned forward:

 

[Power Wagon Family]

Such a cool write up! Thank you for the pictures i think if you wanted them to lean all the way forward, you could use the front seats out of a 2 door.

 

[expdnJP]

... i think if you wanted them to lean all the way forward, you could use the front seats out of a 2 door.

Yes, 2 door front seat would be the best for this project. I wanted one like that, but I could not find it in mint condition.
Even with the one I have from the 4 door, when leaned forward, I still have some access to cargo area.

 

[expdnJP]

After installing the front seat for the passenger in the rear, time has come for the floor panel. Installing only one seat, I got a fairly large free space. However, it was necessary to add some improvements in order to be able to store cargo in a convenient way.



I prepared a template from cardboard and I cut the plywood according to the pattern. I used spray adhesive and upholstery staples to attach the black automotive carpet to the board.



Finished panel is attached to the floor using cut L-shaped brackets and small hinges. It could be done in a better way, but I was in rush.







As the result I got quite a long part of the flat surface, which can be successfully used for sleeping if such need arises.

 

[dblosch]

Looks like a great spot for a fridge on those long trips. Nice work!

:wavey:
Dan

 

[Dan Grec]

Great addition.

Do you mind if I ask how much you paid for the seat?
I've always thought about putting a fold-n-tumble seat from a 2-door in the front passenger seat so it can be folded all the way forward for a longer sleeping platform in the back.

Thanks,
-Dan

 

[expdnJP]

Prices vary much on junk yards. I paid $250 for used seat in good condition. I do not think original JK 4 door front seat to 2 door front seat swap will make sleeping platform much longer. Just move front seats all the way to front. In such case my new platform has to have an extension to cover the gap behind the seat.

 

[Dan Grec]

Prices vary much on junk yards. I paid $250 for used seat in good condition. I do not think original JK 4 door front seat to 2 door front seat swap will make sleeping platform much longer. Just move front seats all the way to front. In such case my new platform has to have an extension to cover the gap behind the seat.

Thanks.

I was thinking about some kind of extension too. Like a board that flips up for resting feet on. I have not done the measurements, but I always figured it would be handy if it was the same height at the center console for added width.

I'm thinking about how my fold-n-tumble worked in the TJ - it made the whole seat move way further forward than just sliding the seat all the way forward.
I need to crawl around a 2-door and 4-ddor JK with a tape measure to be sure it's worth the effort.

-Dan

 

[09RUBICON]

:bowdown: