How to dismantle rear bench seat fabric.

[TripleBee]

I could have posted this in the video section how to, but it's no video.

After 11 years of use without seat covers, on the last trip to Millau, after a nice hike, we got into a thunderstorm. By the time we got to the van, we were all soaking wet.
Too bad the light grey fabric doesn't go along well with water stains, and this happened when all dried up.

And this is after trying to clean it by hand and fabric cleaner. Might have given it a few more tries, but one can never clean it good without a decent wash.

Time for action.
First take out the side hatch, or if you have the second drawer, take that one out.
Under the bench, in the load through space, or the second drawer space, you will find the strap for holding the rear seat. Unscrew the Philips screw with washer.


Fold the seat into bed position and lift up the seat as high as possible.


Take out the two plugs. I use a Torx 20, but it's actually a hex (2 or 3?).

Gently, but firmly pull out the trim between the seat and the big drawer.


Unscrew the 4 bolts (size 10) on both sides. They hold the hinges for the seat base.

 

[TripleBee]

Too bad I can only add 10 photo's in 1 post.

So all you have to loosen is this:



And I found some round rubber spacers/shocks under the seat base:


Then unclip all the black plastic clips that are attached to the metal frame, cut all the metal hooks holding the fabric to the foam:

And put the fabric in the washing machine on very low temperature. Let's see what it gives


Maybe I can leave it like this?


Anyone interested in some part numbers?

 

[TripleBee]

Date of manufacturing of the seat base: 29/09/2009. A lot of 9's.


And I might need a good welder for the seat base:


Just wait till I have the result of the washing machine before applying this tutorial!!

 

[2into1]

If you've still got it pieces, can you get any pics of the seat back release mechanism? Mines getting a bit reluctant to fold. WelshGas got me some schematics but any photos would help!

 

[TripleBee]

If you've still got it pieces, can you get any pics of the seat back release mechanism? Mines getting a bit reluctant to fold. WelshGas got me some schematics but any photos would help!

I am sorry, but at the moment I only dismantled the seat, not the backrest. The backrest fabric is still visibly clean.
If I would dismantle the backrest, I will certainly post pictures.

 

[TripleBee]

Washing machine has finished his (her?) job. 30°C programme, drying at 600 rpm.
The fabric is still wet, but first look is promising.

 

[AlisonF]

That looks like a lot of effort - but I guess worth it if it works on the water stains and without shrinking the material.

 

[2into1]

I am sorry, but at the moment I only dismantled the seat, not the backrest. The backrest fabric is still visibly clean.
If I would dismantle the backrest, I will certainly post pictures.

I appreciate that TB, but wondered if you can see the part that is being released when you pull the strap. I think the strap (pull lever) goes up into the back rest where it makes a V and comes down again to actuate some lock / gearing at the bottom of both sides of the back rest.
No worries if you can't see anything!

 

[TripleBee]

The black strap goes up into the fabric of the backrest. So there is nothing to see without dismantling the back of the backrest.
You can try to pull the backrest to you, pulling the strap, and it works fine (for me).

 

[TripleBee]

Update:
The fabric is dried and looks as new again.
Now first have the seat base welded, and then put everything back in reverse order.

 

[TripleBee]

Now with the seat base welded and reinforced, I put eveything back together.

Of course it's cleaned up and sprayed in black to match the rest of the seat base. Not that you will see it, but it's for the ease of the mind.

Looks a lot better now.

Instead of this:


And this looks way better

than this:


I am glad I did the effort, and when the time comes again, I will do the same again.

I hope I could help others out with this post.

 

[bobbybasic]

Date of manufacturing of the seat base: 29/09/2009. A lot of 9's.
View attachment 67226

And I might need a good welder for the seat base:
View attachment 67227

Just wait till I have the result of the washing machine before applying this tutorial!!

Great write up, thanks! But why have you cut the metal frame?

 

[Kayleigh]

Well I’m definitely keeping covers on mine now!!