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My attempt to resolve the uncomfortable seat problem

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by ishootstuff, Mar 1, 2014.

  1. ishootstuff

    ishootstuff Junior Member

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    I'm liking the Prius we replaced our Expedition with, but it is literally painful for me to drive for more than an hour. From my research, there is no low cost bolt in replacement.

    I am going to attempt to install seats from a first generation Jeep Grand Cherokee. They are only half an inch wider on the bottom cushion than the stock seats and very comfy. I picked up some seats off craigslist for $80. They are dirty, but in good shape. They are both full power with lumbar, height, tilt, and recline adjustments.

    I don't care about the airbag in the seat. I ride a turbo motorcycle, so bodily harm is inevitable, and I have defeated airbag lights with a resistor before.

    Here's the passenger seat...
    [​IMG]

    Here's the driver seat torn down for fabrication, cleaning, and fitting...

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    This project will take some time, but today I cut off the factory Jeep brackets and relocated them to line up in the Prius. The brackets are only tacked in place for now.

    [​IMG]

    More to come in the future. Comments and suggestions are welcome!
     
    Daves09prius likes this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    sweet! i just know you are going to make this happen. i wish my diy skills were like yours. the good thing is that you won't lose stuff between the cushion and the center console. all the best!(y)
     
  3. Daves09prius

    Daves09prius Active Member

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    Hey ishootstuff, how's the project coming along? Were you able to make the seats work?
     
  4. ishootstuff

    ishootstuff Junior Member

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    Life has gotten in the way and I have been consumed with other projects. In addition, the heat in southern AZ makes it hard to get motivated to weld and fabricate. I'll probably get back to it when the temps drop.
     
  5. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    Replace it with an Avalon and that will solve the uncomfortable seat problem. That's what I did and the 2014 Avalon seats work for me.
     
  6. ishootstuff

    ishootstuff Junior Member

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    Are the Avalon seats a bolt in replacement with no fabrication required?
     
  7. Daves09prius

    Daves09prius Active Member

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    Yeah Okinawa, are they really a bolt in replacement? or are you telling us to buy the entire 2014 toyota Avalon because they have more comfortable seats? You've got my hopes way up now...:)
     
  8. ishootstuff

    ishootstuff Junior Member

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    I looked at some pictures on ebay and the brackets are definitely different on the inside rear portion. If the other parts line up, that would be nice.
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the camry seats line up better, there is a thread here on it, but still takes some work. no welding iirc. yes okinawa is so happy with his avalon, he wants to buy one for everybody!(y)
     
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  10. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    I was suggesting that you buy the entire 2014 Avalon because they have more comfortable seats. Just kidding around with you. I just bought one because I am an old guy and this no doubt will be my last car and I just wanted a luxury car. The Prius is a fantastic car and the reliability can not be beat. The Avalon is a nice comfortable car though.
     
  11. ishootstuff

    ishootstuff Junior Member

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    OK, gotcha. Well if I had my choice, I'd bolt in the seats from any of my Lexuses as they are all fantastic - and generally expensive.
     
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  12. Daves09prius

    Daves09prius Active Member

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  13. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    I think they are worth it.
     
  14. cky3k

    cky3k New Member

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    any update here?
     
  15. ishootstuff

    ishootstuff Junior Member

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    No, I found that pillows in the right places are good enough and the seats were just too ugly. We took it on a trip from southern AZ to northern Utah and I did OK.
     
  16. ishootstuff

    ishootstuff Junior Member

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    Final update on this... I bought some seats from a 96 Camry and they were very close to fitting, but they didn't. After that I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had my skull opened up for surgical removal. I no longer drive, I'm now deaf in my left ear, constantly dizzy and my right ear is over sensitive. So, last night we bought a Camry Hybrid. Yes, I'm sacrificing some mileage, but it's so quiet and comfy. It has heated leather seats, moon roof, dual climate control, blah blah. It's better on my damaged brain. Prius will be going up for sale soon. Just cracked 108k.

    Looks just like this...
    [​IMG]
     
  17. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    wow, sorry to hear that. I hope you get better over time.
     
  18. ishootstuff

    ishootstuff Junior Member

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    Thank you.