Its’s been done before but how?

Anyone have any details on swapping in the rear seats from a 6th gen elite package? I'm running into alignment issues. Wondering if the back bracket should be higher or if anything needs done to the center console to be less tight of a fit. Any help is appreciated.

 

Make it work and post some pictures! I'm pretty sure that some trimming and modification needs to be done, but its doable. I have 2003 I35 rear seats in my 01 SE AE and they fit perfectly.

 

I'm trying 😅 started over yesterday after test fitting a seat back with cushion in place and seeing it was waaay too low. the bracket needs to go up ~3in. time for more drilling. i'll post pics whenever I get to a presentable stage.

 

After leaving this on the back burner I decided to get this all fitted. Cushions don't line up with the securing tabs so they're loose. Seat belts were not compromised so it doesn't bother me that much.

I will share a write up if anyone is interested and when I get the center console firmly affixed and powered. This rear shade button is looking very tempting 🤔

 

Looks very cool! I would like to see more.

 

Definitely interested in more pics and details. Looks pretty sick, it has kind of an executive vibe to it.

 

So the process is straight forward. Gather all the components shown here. I did not use every component but it's better to have everything imo.



1. Remove the rear seats and all components behind them. Leave the brackets at the seatbelt buckles are bolted down with in place, you will need these still.

2. Start with the metal plate the seats attach to. None of the bolt holes line up with the holes in the body so you will have to drill holes. A 15/64 drill bit works fine for sliding the bolts in. If you are reusing the factory bolts M8 1.25 nuts are what you will need.

This picture terribly depicts where I secured the rear plate.



Rear plate was starting to look like swiss cheese 😤 Looking back, it might be easier to drill the holes and ensure clearance from the trunk rather than interior.



3. Begin putting it all together. Starting with the rear center piece, seats then center console. You will not be able to attach the original metal bar the seats attach to without modifications. I tried and the center armrest sits too high and cushions too far forward.

The center console has a metal bracket inside of it. Remove the front most metal bar on the bracket and the console will slide into place with the cup holder doors opening properly. Be sure to connect your wires and leave the stray plug accessible. The elite package comes with heated rear seats and rear shade controls. If you want any of that you have to figure it out since I haven't gotten that far.






The drawbacks: AC adapter for backseat is inaccessible with the rear console installed. The front console door also interferes with the rear console causing the cup holders to be stuck in place, simply lifting the console resolves that. The are also gaps between the rear seats and door panels but sitting back there you don't feel the loss of space.

 

Hello all and thank you for the add. Here is a photo of all the items you will need to upgrade to an Elite package. My 2004 Max came with the Elite package. This is a complete spare Elite Package I have.

 

You also need the rear deck cover. I also have the sun shade but it's not working.

 

The rear AC vent panel is different on the Elite. It will not seat right without this part.