defender seats

Hi I am thinking of upgrading my defender seats by either swopping them or I have seen re trim kits just wondering if any one has tried refitting their defender seats or is it easier to buy some second hand seats? Thanks in advance.

I got new seats then refoamed the bases and backrests - not that dificult to get the fabric off, or put new foam in. The headrests were a bit of a pain so i left them as they were, but its a hell of a more comfortable ride, and the fabric seats look a hell of a lot better that the torn vinal ones that were in there.

Also resprayed the frames - you will need a bit of contact adhesive to stick the backrest foam to the frame, and a bit of time to peal the foam off without ripping it.

I got myself a new middle seat off ebay for a £10... you should find one on ebay or here, people take them out and put cubby boxes in.
Then I got an exmoor trim kit for the two front seats... new foam seats and backs included AND covers, including head rest covers to match the middle seat I got.
When I say covers these are not cheap and tacky... good stuff. I think I paid about £130 in April.

I stripped the old seats.... but take note of how the covers come off and keep plastic studs and wire supports. I took pics to remind me... and it helped.
I wire brushed the frames and gave them a coat of Hammerite making sure I did not over paint them and they could still be adjusted.

Fitting the new foams and covers was okay.... but you do need 2 people to stretch the covers tight and secure them. I used a staple gun to cover the head rests, just fold the cover neat... the head rest frame has a wood base. Take the head rests out when you have the seats out. Put the seat on the floor and use a foot to wedge it, just pull the head rest and wiggle it off. No catches...it just pulls out.

The main problem I had was getting the seats out... what a tw*t of a job. The bolts are likely to be very tight and I snapped 1.... so use lots of lub.

Sure the guys on here will be able to suggest seats from other vehicle that fit, are cheaper and more comfortable.

Those bolts can be a pain in the arse. They are captive underneath, but plate that keeps them captive not well attached to the alluminum pannel, and easily twists off

If you can then getsomebody to hold them with a bit pair of mole grips etc.

Mine now have new M8 bolts all round with some of then unfortunately having non captive nuts on and they are even more of a arse to get on:doh:

Thanks for the advice think i will go for it and get the re-trim kits, after i have replaced me bulkhead