Has anyone changed front seats in their Forester?

[JohnA]

Have the base model X 2009 with the non-adjustable front passenger seat and a short co-pilot who can't see over the dashboard. Does anyone know if a replacement driver's seat with the manual adjustment might fit on the passenger's side? There seems to be room to adjust the lever that would then be on the right not the left, even though not ideal. Also wondered if there was a Forester passenger seat with vertical adjustment lever. The vertical adjustment would be more or less set and forget, not tweaked daily, so tricky access to lever not end of world. Do both seats have the same bolt pattern? Anyone with thoughts, I'd love to hear them.

 

[ateday]

Haven`t made any changes there but my first thoughts would be to see if you can bodgie up some spacers and lift the seat that way. Even some thick rubber ex conveyor belt may lift enough. Possibly where the slides/runners for the forward/backward adjustment goes. Might need longer bolts and load spreading plates/washers but don`t know what the authorities might have to say. As long as it doesn`t affect the airbags or seatbelts it should not be a problem.
Depending upon the height of your co pilot you may require a foot rest too.

 

[ssxtd]

No experience withe '09 SH and newer models, but older versions weren't compatible between driver and passenger....@ least for all four mount points. It usually only takes a few minutes to swap out seats, to give it a go. But remember to disconnect the battery and let it sit so the seat's air bags aren't likely to go off.

As you're Down Under you could source a LH drive seat but that may be harder than us Yanks getting RH-based seats.

 

[subyroo]

Might need longer bolts and load spreading plates/washers but don`t know what the authorities might have to say.

Speak to a licensed certifier before building or making any significant modifications to your vehicle.
You don't want that sinking feeling if you or your passenger are injured in an accident (not necessarliy caused by you either), and your Insurer tells you that you are on your own, because the car is not roadworthy.

It's not a chance I'd like to gamble on.

 

[ateday]

Sound advice. Engineer`s report probably needed.

 

[JohnA]

Thanks everyone - appreciate that input. Maybe best to wait for the imp to grow, though she tends to get up on her knees and climb half out of the seatbelt in order to see, which is not ideal either. God knows why they did not give basic mechanical adjustment to all models.

 

[Ratbag]

Thanks everyone - appreciate that input. Maybe best to wait for the imp to grow, though she tends to get up on her knees and climb half out of the seatbelt in order to see, which is not ideal either. God knows why they did not give basic mechanical adjustment to all models.

If she's as small as that, she should be in a properly installed child safety seat in the centre back seat.

The front passenger seat is not safe for small children in any make or model of car.

 

[subyroo]

Thanks everyone - appreciate that input. Maybe best to wait for the imp to grow, though she tends to get up on her knees and climb half out of the seatbelt in order to see, which is not ideal either. God knows why they did not give basic mechanical adjustment to all models.

Here are the rules to save being fined if sprung by the Police. NSW Child Car Seats

 

[JohnA]

Thanks all - she's 9 and is tall enough to be up front, but that passenger seat is low - I've lowered my eye level to hers and the road view is definitely limited. If the seat could be adjusted within the range of the driver's seat, it would not be an issue.

 

[ateday]

Thick cushion(s)? Might need to be modified but all will be restrained by seatbelt.
Even attempt to make one from polystyrene, foam rubber and fabric.
I guess if nothing can be found to work a special seat could be made, or an existing one modified, by an upholsterer but probably not cheap.

 

[Ratbag]

Thanks all - she's 9 and is tall enough to be up front, but that passenger seat is low - I've lowered my eye level to hers and the road view is definitely limited. If the seat could be adjusted within the range of the driver's seat, it would not be an issue.

Good quality sheepskin seat covers?

Had them in all my cars for the last 40 years. Good quality ones haven't had half the fleece combed out of them, so have a dense, thick pile. A thin cushion under the sheep won't move, so she won't submarine under the seatbelt.