Hi Guys

I have successful converted a set of 5 door seats to include a lift up handle and the seat tips up properly!!! So I thought I would share the fact that this is possible on the forum as I don't believe this has been done before.

After failing to find the seats I wanted in 3 door I found a cheap set at the breakers (£50) and thought it would be worth a go. Here is briefly how I did it:

• Remove the leather cover
  • Release long black plastic J-clip at the bottom of the seat base
  • Start rolling the cover up the sponge
  • Cut metal rings (x5) off bars (x2) on sponge (front of seat)
  • Carefully release rubber band from rivets (x2), cut metal rings (x2) (back of seat)
  • Push sponge down firmly around headrest to expose metal clip, remove clips to remove headrest
  • Remove plastic trim around headrest socket
  • Leather should lift off
• Remove 2 plastic cover where seat pivots
  • These are attached by plastic pins. Knock the pins out from the inside using a small screwdriver and hammer. Don't pull at them!!!
• Disconnect heated seat element.
  • There will be a small block connector near the adjustment wheel
• Remove the sponge

You'll now have a naked seat back. Repeat the above on your old cloth seat. Then:

• Undo the two torx bolts each side. Keep the bolts as they differ.
• Fit your 3 door seat back on your 5 door seat base using the 3 door bolts
• Fit 5 door seat sponge on 3 door seat back, connect heater
• Start with the leather inside out, roll it back over the sponge. Re-attach the leather to the metal bars using cable ties with the nub of the cable tie pointing into the sponge (not your back!)
• Re-install headrest clips and trims, slide in headrest
• Re-do long plastic J-clip at the bottom
• HARD PART!!! - Using a very sharp blade cut the leather to allow the lift up handle through. Start with a tiny hole and make it larger as you go. The required hole will be higher than you think as the handle will be pointing down. Use the rectangular trim as your guide where the hole should be. You will have to 'feel' where to put the hole, be patient! The hole should be quite a bit smaller than the trim. When the hole is big enough stretch the leather over the trim and tuck it behind the trim. If you do it right you'll see zero sponge and it'll look factory fit.

Not going to lie, it is a fiddly job but it works very well if you take your time.

Watching the Exmoor Trim video helps you understand how the seats fit together and is very helpful.

Only done the passengers one so far (the most important). Hopefully, I'll get the drivers done soon.

End result... Cracking set of heated leather seats in my Hippo for £50!!!

Very nice! Thanks for posting: something I've wondered about, although I'd quite like to keep the separate rear seats on my 3-door... but good to know that there is now more choice of seats off ebay!

Hi...I know its an old post but was looking to do something simular...I have a freelander 1 2004 td4 3 door and would luke to replace the two front seats...more 5 door seats available. I don't need the to pivot forward as it has a permanent dog guard abd no rear seats...but will they fir in a 3 door?...Will the airbag sensor work? Will the heating work?....many thanks
Sam

I’ve no direct experience with this swap, but the chairs ought to be plug and play. The only consideration is, I believe, the tilt seat mechanism that you’ve already identified.

Thanks Rob - I think Im going to give it a go...

Any update on this project?