tool needed to remove front seat mounts

[wolfganghowell]

Hi all

I am planning on lowering the front seat based on great ideas from the board members as I am 6'5" and need some head room. I removed the front seat and plastic sides just fine. When I tried to remove the rear and front support mounts that hold the seat in place to the side rails, I cannot find the right tool for the hex screws. It looks like a star hex but when I bought several sizes, I could not get it to seat very well and these screws are on tight! I don't want to strip them.

Does anyone know what type of tool is needed and how did you successfully remove these without stripping them.

Thanks all on the board for the weath of information and help.

Wolf

[jelloslug]

Do they look like this:


If so, they are Torx bolts. You will need Torx sockets to remove them. Home Depot, Sears, and Lowes all carry Torx socket sets.

[Jack66]

Should be Torx T30 socket available from sources in post above.

[wolfganghowell]

Thanks to all for the correct tool. I will get them tomorrow.

[wolfganghowell]

Hi all

After I tested with all suggestions including Dogfriend who thought it was an 8mm Hex bolt, I have the answer to my question. The bolts are Torex T-40. When I used a T-30 I stripped one of the bolts but was able to use the T-40 and with a hammer, pounded the T-40 into the bolt a bit, then use a large rachet and with a quick twist, the bolt came off.

I am almost finished with Dogfriend's "lowering the seat" suggestion as I am 6'5" and I tell you it makes ALL the difference in the world. Also, I notice I have a little more leg room since I sit back into the seat more my legs seem to move away from the dash.

I will post my results when I am finished. Have to buy the new bolts and washers needed to install the rear mounts on the outside of the frame.

Wolf

[Boo]

Hi Wolf,

You probably have them already and/or it's too late, but here are the Prius Front Seat Assembly Instructions as provided by TheForce:

http://jaygroh.dreamhost.com/prius/P...20-%20Seat.pdf

[b2j2]

From what you can see, would it be practical to raise (both) seats straight up (0.5 to 1.0 inch) with spacers and longer bolts?

[wolfganghowell]

Ok

I have finally made the correct adjustments to lower the driver's seat using Dogfriend's method. You can find his instruction on this post on page 2. Seat Height Adjustment

Below are my comments about the entire process and results.

BTW: I am not recommending this to anyone and you must do this at your own risk.

* Read Dogfriend's instructions carefully and print out the pictures. They helped.

* The entire process including several trips to Lowes was about 6 hours on a Sunday. (you need access to another car since you can't drive the Prius)

* I used a regular drill with a 3" metal cutting disks to cut the rear support frame off since I didn't have a Dremel tool. Buy a pack of 5 since I used 4 of them during the process.

* I used black tie straps to replace the round hook rings for the seat cover attachements.

Results: I am 6'5", 240 lbs and I can now see clearly and have about 1/2" head room at the top. Before, I had to slotch down with my knees pressed against the dash. Now there is about 1 1/2 inch clearance. I drove to/from work for a week now and it is very comfortable. Today my wife of 5' 8" drove and she said she doesn't have a problem with the new seat adjustment and I sat in the passenger seat and WOW, what a difference. I think I may lower that seat too.

[wolfganghowell]

@ B2J2

I could not see a way to raise the seat only lower it.

Wolf