Removing welded seat runners

Post by **dokafreak** » 20 Jan 2007, 15:43

Hi Just bought 2 brand new Recaros off e-bay really cheap

But in order to bolt the new runners to the floor I need to remove the existing ones. Has anyone done this before? Is it just a matter of (as it looks) drilling out the small spot welds to remove the VW ones? Any help gratefully received.
Thanks

Post by **bigbluebus** » 20 Jan 2007, 17:28

sharp chisel

Post by **badger** » 20 Jan 2007, 18:13

Spotweld drill. "Preload" the runner by wedging a screwdriver underneath so that the runner springs up as soon as the spotweld drill is deep enough.

dalmationman · Post by **dalmationman** » 21 Jan 2007, 12:44

Maybe I'm a bit of an animal, but I found an angle grinder worked well enough.
Nice fireworks show thrown in for free

Post by **PEET** » 21 Jan 2007, 17:50

U must replace the runners with some metal plate as what you have removed is a strength member and you are now sitting on flat sheet metal with no strength form in it. Jus bolting them on will be ok for a while but then the metal will crack (as u rock with vehicle motion) no matter how large the washers are you use and in the event of an accident will rip thru the floor as the seat rocks backward with the force of your bodyweight slammin back into it.
I replaced it with thick flat gauge metal welded all round on my van when i fiitted similar seats but you may get away with thick wide washers welded on underneath.

Thats jus the correct way to do it and which i done, but u could jus bolt em in n be lucky...

End of the day its your ar5e in the seat...

Post by **Tex Ritter** » 21 Jan 2007, 17:53

dalmationman wrote:Maybe I'm a bit of an animal, but I found an angle grinder worked well enough.
Nice fireworks show thrown in for free

If you have to use a grinder then make sure you cover ALL glass surfaces carefully, or you'll find the 'fireworks/sparks' will pit the glass and evetually leave rust pimples and so ruin it.

TR

dalmationman · Post by **dalmationman** » 21 Jan 2007, 20:54

Glass

Is that why it's so windy in my van, I should have guessed something was meant to go in those holes in the side !

Post by **tin top** » 22 Jan 2007, 13:51

I welded mine in seem to be ok

Post by **PEET** » 22 Jan 2007, 15:39

Welding in's fine... not that im a n expert jus a concerned citizen...

dalmationman · Post by **dalmationman** » 22 Jan 2007, 17:35

strengthening seems to make sense I reckon, would be highly embarresing to chug down the Motorway with your backside on the floor and your arms on the wheel