under seat compartment

any one have any experience removing the compartment that resides under the pass seat?
i plan on putting in full back seats an don't see any simple way to make the pass seat fold, so i could get into the compartment, i figure ill just remove the compartment. wondering how i would go about removing it.
thanks guysR)

 

I had the very same problem. But I didn't WANT to remove it, so I make modifications with grinder, welder, chop saw to the original seat frame.

When I put in high back seats, I left the original passenger seat mounting frame, but cut it and lowered and remade the bracket so that it had the original passenger seat mounting ears on, and the back of the frame too. That way to get into the compartment I had to tip the passenger seat forward and lift it out, taking off the 4-point clip-on harnesses, and getting into the storage compartment.

It became a major PITA to do that so it is now relegated to storage only for those items that VERY seldom get used - jumper cables, some spare parts, backup D-rings, things that I want to have, but don't mind digging for if needed. Some things that used to be there found other "homes".

If pictures of how I cut the original seat frame would help, holler.

Ken

 

Its just spot welded in place. A spot weld cutter (specialized drill bit) is your best bet for least damage. An air hammer usually has a spot weld cutting bit (looks like a chisel bit but has a centering groove) but they tend to stretch the metal and require more body work to make smooth. The welds are all out in the open where you can get to them so its fairly easy. Whichever route you go the more careful you are the less body work in the end. Good luck.:v6:

 

I had Bostrom high-back seats in my CJ-6, using the original fold-and-tumble seat frame. I found that I could tilt the seat forward enough to open the toolbox lid. I needed a prop to keep the seat forward. The toolbox is a handy thing in a vehicle with basically no other closed or lockable storage. Even if I had to lift the seat out to reach it, I'd keep it.

 

I have mustang high Back front seats on my 1955 CJ-5 with no tool box under them, the fellow that built this jeep built brackets for radio speakers under the seats and put in a under the back seat tool box. Much more room for the extra parts.

 

I removed my tool compartment to start the body work on my CJ 6.
I must say, from my experience If you do not have to do any body-work to your rocker panels, or floor pan, I would not attempt to remove the tool compartment. I have to replace my rocker panels, and the floor pan.

I drilled out the spot welds and still had to use an air chisel to get the tool compartment out. I caused alot of damage to the rocker panels and floor pan.

I had never tried any body-work until this. I took my time and still messed up some stuff. It's a good thing I have to replace those panels anyway.

In my opinion, you should leave it alone, unless you have to do other body-work to do. Or if you know someone that has experience with this.

 

I cut mine out with a die grinder then air chiseled the strip left over not that bad really it was the rust under it that made me glad I did.

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38898

 

Yeah i like the idea of making the pass seat removable, then only keeping seldom needed parts in there. seems easier then removing the compartment. and most people don't know its there.
thanks for the input guys.R)

 

Hey Pantheus, I wouldn't mind seeing the pics of you cut job on the pass seat bracket. I too have hi back seats, and I don't fit in the pass seat with hard top on (not that that is a bad thing). Thanks.

BTW, I wouldn't dare get rid of the under the seat box...very handy for the items not used very often, but nice to have them when needed (jumpers)

 

Not much help to your question but on my CJ 6 I mounted my Beard seats (not foldable) to pivot in the front and revearsed the storage compartment door so it hinges from the front side. This way when the seat is held in the up position I can open the compartment door the same way as the seat for easier access. My seat would not pivot far enough forward to get the door open any other way.

 

yeah thats another idea, thanks, would make it easier to access so i wouldn't have to remove the seat, just fold it forward.R)