DIY Network

Carpet and Seats Upgrade, Part 4 Installing Sports Seats From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-203

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In this project, Tricked Out host Andrew Totolos replaces the factory carpet in a Honda CRX with a new neon-blue interior and installs new sports seats. In this fourth and final phase of the project, with the new carpeting already installed, Andrew puts in new racing seats color-coordinated to complement the new carpeting.

BEFORE

AFTER

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	BEFORE
	AFTER

Materials used in this episode:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.), tools and materials used in this episode include:

Carpet-replacement kit (front and rear; vehicle-specific)
New sports seats
Brackets and sliders for seats
Torque wrench
Extra carpet
Panel-removal tool
Scissors
Utility knife
Spray adhesive
Washers
Binder clips
Safety glasses

The sockets used for this particular application are 17mm and 10mm.

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 3 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. Experienced gear-heads should have no problem.

Choices in Replacing Auto Seats

You have several options for sources when replacing seats. You can check salvage yards for replacements from a matching vehicle. You may also be able to swap out seats from a similar vehicle. For example, Acura Integra seats are a compatible match for the Honda CRX. If you plan on using a racing harness (figure A), be certain to get seats with pass-through openings for the harness (figure B). Some seats come with special features such as extra lumbar supports, reclining backs, etc. Do some research and some shopping around. You'll likely be spending a lot of time sitting in these.

Figure A

Figure B

Seats Installation

The particular seats that were purchased for the project car came with custom brackets that fit the floor pan. To install the seats into the car, the brackets must first be assembled.

• Place the sliders onto the bracket and attach them with the hardened fasteners that are supplied with the mounting kit. Wedge the slider handle into place and attach the two hooks on either side. Once the brackets are complete, position the sliders all the way forward (figure C) and place the assembly upside down on the bottom of the seat (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  	Figure E
  	Figure F
  	Figure G

• Line up the bolt holes under the seat with the bracket holes and install the front bolts (figure E).

• Next, slide the seat all of the way back and bolt down the rear.

• After tightening, take the seat to the car. Position the seat on the carpet above the factory mounting points (figure F).

• Install washers over the four bolts that secure the seat to the floor pan (figure G).

• Torque the seats to 35-foot pounds. You may have to use an extension for the bolts to get proper torque.

• The other seat gets attached in the same way. Once you’re done, you won’t believe the difference!

$465 Carpet kit
$10 Spray adhesive
$460 Sports seats
$115 Brackets and sliders

Total = $1110

Important: Included in this summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of upgrade-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

RESOURCES :

Special Resources for Tricked Out episode 203

Auto Custom Carpet, Inc.
Website: www.accmats.com

Toucan Industries
Website: www.toucanindustries.com

Wedge Engineering
Website: www.wedgeengineering.net

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