truck backseat removal - big job

2

2020

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2014
Messages
110
I bought a Ford F150 extended cab long box specifically for my FWC Grandby. I want to use the back seat area for storage, so I got two maintenance guys to help me remove the back seat (which means that I watched while they did all the work). Both guys are real tool experts and one is an automotive guy, so I figured it might take 20 minutes or so to complete the disassembly, but even with instructions it took over three hours and way too much effort to get the job done. There was so much Loctite on the bolts they actually twisted the driver on their impact wrench trying to remove them. It was as though they were welded in. They ended up removing the bolts using sheer muscle power and a vice grip ¼ turn at a time. It wore me out just watching them work. Ford obviously never intended the back seat to be removed. It was installed with the same bolts that secure the cab to the frame, so after the seat was out I had to replace them. We used more Loctite, but this time we used hex head bolts which will be easier to remove if I ever want to put the seat back in.

Now that the seat is out I have a huge amount of storage space. I’m fortunate to have as friends such skilled and experienced guys as these who appreciate a challenge. One of the fellows has already committed to help me next spring to fabricate a carpeted interior for my new back seat storage space, and also to help me build and install a gray water storage pipe (which means that I will watch while he does all the work). He’s also good with electrical so I may as well ask him to “help” me install a trimetric battery monitor as well.

Actually, I did help a little. A couple of times they asked me to hold a flashlight.
 
I have a Tundra AC cab and removed the rear seat so I could have more storage.
Mine was a simple job and the wood work was a snap.
I used plastic "file" cabinets one on each side facing out to hold clothes,shoes ,ect.
They are 3 drawers high and the top has an extra open drawer to hold quick to get to things.
Camera, maps ,small things that get lost between the seats.
This works great for us as we don't take the camper off and don't have other passengers to worry about.
Good luck with your project.
Post some pictures.
Frank
 
2020 said:
I bought a Ford F150 extended cab long box specifically for my FWC Grandby. I want to use the back seat area for storage, so I got two maintenance guys to help me remove the back seat (which means that I watched while they did all the work). Both guys are real tool experts and one is an automotive guy, so I figured it might take 20 minutes or so to complete the disassembly, but even with instructions it took over three hours and way too much effort to get the job done. There was so much Loctite on the bolts they actually twisted the driver on their impact wrench trying to remove them. It was as though they were welded in. They ended up removing the bolts using sheer muscle power and a vice grip ¼ turn at a time. It wore me out just watching them work. Ford obviously never intended the back seat to be removed. It was installed with the same bolts that secure the cab to the frame, so after the seat was out I had to replace them. We used more Loctite, but this time we used hex head bolts which will be easier to remove if I ever want to put the seat back in.

Now that the seat is out I have a huge amount of storage space. I’m fortunate to have as friends such skilled and experienced guys as these who appreciate a challenge. One of the fellows has already committed to help me next spring to fabricate a carpeted interior for my new back seat storage space, and also to help me build and install a gray water storage pipe (which means that I will watch while he does all the work). He’s also good with electrical so I may as well ask him to “help” me install a trimetric battery monitor as well.

Actually, I did help a little. A couple of times they asked me to hold a flashlight.
Click to expand...
I trust that you supplied the beer at least!
 
I have an F-250 and did the same thing. I was able to split off the jump seat and leave it installed. For an occasional third passenger. You won't regret the storage. That's the only way to go.
 
Sorry to continue the "mini hijack," but we removed both the 60 and the 40 seats in our Tacoma DC and installed a plywood platform for an Alaska trip last summer and it worked very well. Aside from providing space for a conventional cooler, we store foul weather gear, emergency gear, and much of the miscellaneous stuff required for a long trip in that area. Keeps the interior of the camper completely clear. Upon returning, I was able to reinstall the seats and rear plastic storage panel in about 45 minutes. If I did not occasionally need the rear seats to carry passengers (neither of our other vehicles has passenger carrying capabilities) I would leave the seats out and the platform in place all the time. BTW, BobD, thanks for the link, that is a nice set up! - Richard
 
I paid Ford $178 to take out the back seat of my 2014 F-150, supercab, longbed. Now I would like to reinstall just the small section of the seat - for the grandchild. I am concerned my body shop will be reluctant because of possible legal liability issues with seatbelts, and secure fasteners, etc. Any reports of experience doing this appreciated.
 
The small seat section and the center seat belt assembly should both go back in without too much trouble. I suggest that you replace the impact wrench bolts with hex head bolts as they are easier to remove and reinstall. If you actually removed the seat belts themselves from the side walls that will be more effort because you will have to remove the wall panels to reattach them. I just left mine there because they weren't really in the way.
 
Seat fastners are generally assembled at the factory with permenant thread locker. Something like RED Loctite. While meant to be permenant, fastners assembled with permenant (RED Loctite) can very easily be removed without grunt work. Simply apply localized heat of 550F with a heat gun. I use a Makita heat gun on setting #3 using the 3/8" nozzle to get heat directly onto the nut. 550F heat turns RED's bonding agent to dust. If you do not break the thread locker's bond, you can easily ruin your tools.

BLUE thread locker generally requires 350F to turn the bonding agent to dust. Small fastners such as #8/#10 or 2-4mm assembled with BLUE should be heated prior to attempting to remove. Once cured, the torque required to loosen a small bolt.nut usually exceeds the tensil strength of the material. Best, to apply a heat to prevent striping the bolt head and/or nut.
 
BobD said:
We split the "60/40" on our Tacoma DCLB into the "60" becoming a platform and love it. It gives so much more storage space.

Not trying to hijack a thread but it works here. We got the idea from this guy (FULL CREDIT). Scroll down to post #66 to see where the seat mod comes in.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/50732-Project-Serenity-an-08-Tacoma-DC-overland-build-up/page7
Click to expand...
I dont see any photos on there - all aged out. Can you share a photo of your setup?
 
I just removed the 2/3 rear seat on my 2012 Ram 2500 Crew Cab 2 days ago. Using Advmoto18's excellent heat gun idea made it a tolerable task. I left the shoulder harnesses in place. I planned to build a slotted plywood rack to keep the roll-up lawn chairs/table and Sioux's tripod for her spotting scope in there.

Here's the funny thing. Not an hour after I got done my flat bed manufacturer mentioned they could incorporate a rear opening "shovel box" that is 38" wide x 6.5" high and runs the full length of the bed! Perfect for all of the above long but low weight items! :)

Oh well, more storage is always better. Right?
 
We've always envisioned eventually getting our rear seat out of our 2013 F-150 extended cab and as we are getting ready for a real long trip, this would be the perfect time to do it. I just thought we'd look at a few YouTube vids and figure it out. Au contraire! It is a very difficult project from what I can tell with all sorts of "experts" posting poor quality videos claiming how easily they did it (particularly on Supercab models which are quite different from the extended cab.) My mechanic quoted me $130/hr to do it but he has no idea what is involved so there is really no upper end on that cost.
Since this thread is quite old I'm wondering if any extended cab F-150 owners can provide some guidance or a link to good instructions for how to proceed. Thanks!
 
2020 said:
I bought a Ford F150 extended cab long box specifically for my FWC Grandby. I want to use the back seat area for storage, so I got two maintenance guys to help me remove the back seat (which means that I watched while they did all the work). Both guys are real tool experts and one is an automotive guy, so I figured it might take 20 minutes or so to complete the disassembly, but even with instructions it took over three hours and way too much effort to get the job done. There was so much Loctite on the bolts they actually twisted the driver on their impact wrench trying to remove them. It was as though they were welded in. They ended up removing the bolts using sheer muscle power and a vice grip ¼ turn at a time. It wore me out just watching them work. Ford obviously never intended the back seat to be removed. It was installed with the same bolts that secure the cab to the frame, so after the seat was out I had to replace them. We used more Loctite, but this time we used hex head bolts which will be easier to remove if I ever want to put the seat back in.

Now that the seat is out I have a huge amount of storage space. I’m fortunate to have as friends such skilled and experienced guys as these who appreciate a challenge. One of the fellows has already committed to help me next spring to fabricate a carpeted interior for my new back seat storage space, and also to help me build and install a gray water storage pipe (which means that I will watch while he does all the work). He’s also good with electrical so I may as well ask him to “help” me install a trimetric battery monitor as well.

Actually, I did help a little. A couple of times they asked me to hold a flashlight.
Click to expand...
What year was your F-150?
 
Well nevermind... went back out for one last try at getting the seat out and managed to find the magic slot to put the screwdriver in and the seat released. Probably invested over four hours between YouTube and the futile efforts to get the seat out. Perseverance!

Now on to threads about how to build out back seat storage...
 
Kispiox said:
I have an F-250 and did the same thing. I was able to split off the jump seat and leave it installed. For an occasional third passenger. You won't regret the storage. That's the only way to go.
Click to expand...
Yes, I originally removed both of my 60/40 rear seats and steel foot tray in my Lariat F250. Just use the room for my 2 dogs one small one big. However, my grand daughter wanted to come with us on weekends. So I have reinstalled the 40% jump seat for her. The dogs still have room :)
 
Truck Storage sm.jpg
I removed my 60 part of the 60/40. Had to remove the underneath lockable storage unit 1st. Was a serious PIA but I got it done. Had to have help to get the seat out but did the removal myself!

Had my buddy from work help me build the storage unit. He did most of the base part and I did most of the upper parts. It's all a tight fit but increased my useable storage a bunch! Still have the 40 seat also in case I need to ferry 2 people.....
 
Happyjax said:
attachicon.gif
Truck Storage sm.jpg
I removed my 60 part of the 60/40. Had to remove the underneath lockable storage unit 1st. Was a serious PIA but I got it done. Had to have help to get the seat out but did the removal myself!

Had my buddy from work help me build the storage unit. He did most of the base part and I did most of the upper parts. It's all a tight fit but increased my useable storage a bunch! Still have the 40 seat also in case I need to ferry 2 people.....
Click to expand...
Well done, Jackie!
 
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