Seat track extention DIY

[vibe-04]

I've been having problems with my knee and I've traced it back to the Vibe's seat not going back far enough. I've always wanted just a little bit more from the gas pedal so I've decided to build my own seat track extensions.I'm writing up this project as I'm going along so I'm looking for input for any modification. Also, writing this up forces me to think things through before I screw up.This is what step three looks likeThe track had to be strong so I'm using 2" cold rolled 90 degree angle steel as the base. I'm after 3" more travel so the plan is to mount the new track base to the existing four mounting points then drill out four new holes 3" back into the 2" angle iron. I need angle iron for strength but also for the fourth existing hole mounted perpendicular to the other three. The trick part as I see it will be maintaining proper and accurate orientation so as to not twist the seat in rotation and have any binding.BOM: ($20)1) 4 feet of 2 inch cold rolled angle steel.2) 4-10 mm good quality nuts, wasters and bolts with the high thread count. 3) Primer and black paint.4) Thread locker (Locktite)Must Need Tools:Angle grinder. I used a 4 1/2" Two cut-off wheels1 surface grinding wheelThe obligatory safety gear. don’t be stupid also use gloves.Steps1) Remove driver seat: four bolts. I noticed the existing mounting surface has a round lip and there are two locator pins.2) Use cardboard to make a template for the left and right track. (I'll post a PDF later). The trick part here is to ensure there is enough room to remount the seat into position on the rear console bolt.3) Trace your pattern onto the angle steel and cut/grind away and make sure to remove sharps and burrs.4) With both left and right seat tracks in a vice, bend to create the flat mounting surface on the front. You also need to bend the right rear to match the center console profile. Vice and large adjustable wrench does the trick.5) Drill out existing front mounting position holes.6) Using a level to match height left and right, mount the front bolts loosely and eye ball the rear corresponding two original holes. Remove and drill.7) Mark the new holes three inches back from the original holes including the locator pins. One hole, the rear right hole is larger and will seat on its own. 8) Now drop the seat into the locator pin holes, and mount seat bolts with thread locker into four new holes. Tip, drop the existing bolt for the right rear now before mounting the new track cause it is hard to put in once mounted in the car.9) Now drop the entire assembly into the car and mount all four original bolts to the floor.Total time: Maybe three hours cause I'm slower on weekends

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[vibe-04]

This is how they will look once mounted.

Attached files

[Mrizzle05]

WOW! thats really neat. good luck on the finished product.Im short so the seats are fine with me!So if someone got aftermarket seats. you can make them some brackets and stuff?

[DopeVibeGT]

Cool. Good mod for yourself. If I grow a foot, I may try that.

[Moonstone06Vibe]

Great idea! I had trouble with my left knee, and created some extra leg room by taking out the dead pedal. What you may need next ( and I could use now) is a telescopic steering column.

[vibe-04]

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[vibe-04]

Update: I finished it today and what a difference. My right knee feels much better and the driving feel is different but not too bad. Yes, I could use a telescopic steering wheel but I have long arms so I don't notice a difference. Very satisfied. Here are some more pics and I'll post the templates later. Also, I'm using plastic risers from a Ranchero shock kit to raise the front about 10 mm. That is what the red things are. They are not needed in this mod.

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[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

i could use a telescopic steering wheel and i don't need seat extensions by any means.

[LUVROK]

Did you use just the poly bushings from the Rancho shocks or did you also use steel bushings/sleeves inside the poly bushings? If not, you may want to. Just make them 1mm shoter than the poly bushing to allow some give.

[Zorren]

Hmmm I am 6'4 and would really like some more leg room but My vibe has been the best vehical I have ever owned for leg room. I have just given up on ever haveing leg room. I will have to look into this mod this summer

[vibe-04]

Good idea Jess, I'll swap out the washers on the weekend. I'll look for a steel bushing to replace the poly one. The rust is from the older bolts from an earlier experiment when I used cheap grade bolts. For this project I went with a higher grade bolt/nuts.Andrew

[zionzr2]

Old news to some but this thread has been added to the DIY Mods Index.