6 To 7 Seat Conversion

[mk1matt]

Thought I'd put up a quick post to show anyone thinking about a 6 to 7 seat conversion that it's actually pretty easy.

 

I did this on my 2001 X plate Mk2 Galaxy TDI.

 

The first thing I did was get hold of a new centre seat and brackets. I've actually gone with a mk1 seat, since it was uber cheap. I also needed one with a lap belt because I don't have the inertia reel in the head lining like 7 seat mk2's. Before the "think of the children" squad tie me to a stake for using a lap belt, I can promise that only adults will be using it, and only when they absolutely have to.

 

Now, I didn't know what I was up against at first, so I got a full set of floor brackets and bolts. It was only when I lifted the carpet that I realised that I only needed 4 brackets (one for each outer seat), since the middle seat re-uses two of the existing ones.

 

In order to get the carpet up, first remove the middle seats, then unscrew the plastic trim covers for all the floor brackets. Now, on the plastic sill covers, pop open the two hatches and remove the screws. The sill covers will now lift away. Grab hold of the centre air vent between the front seats and pull up to release the clips. Now use a 10mm socket to remove the plastic nuts to remove the bit underneath. The carper should now be free to lift up. I just looped it over the back seats, but it would probably be easier to remove it completely.

 

When the carpet is up, you'll notice a load of black plastic screws in the floor. Remove these and it'll expose the threads for the bracket bolts. Next you need to bolt down the brackets. I've taken a photo mid way through the job so you can see what I'm talking about.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/mk1matt/Galaxy/4a4062cf.jpg

 

Now that's done you need to cut the carpet. Start by trimming the underlay so it fits around the new brackets rather than bulging over them. Then, after putting the carpet back down, CAREFULLY feel for the new brackets and cut the holes. I used the size/position of the existing holes as a guide to make sure I got it right. You don't have to be too neat here, as the trim covers the edges.

 

Now, put the bracket trim covers back on (I'm off to Ford at lunchtime to order the extra 8 I need now), put the sills and the air vent back together, and put the centre seat in.

 

Finally, you'll need to remove the arm rests from the existing seats. To do this, pull the round cover off, then use a 6" long torx to undo the bolt. I re-used the plastic screws that I took out of the floor to cover the fabric where the armrests were. It's not perfect but does the trick. The last thing to do is put the seats on and crack open a beer whilst admiring your handiwork.

 

It took me about 2 hours from start to finish. Not a hard job at all, and well worth it. Sorry I didn't get more pics - I was more interested in just getting it done.

 

If anyone is planning on doing the same, feel free to PM me and I'll talk you through it. I've also got 4 spare brackets and bolts that someone can have for a small fee.

 

Matt