How do I remove seats from a S1 4.2

[LeffeBrune]

Apologies in advance for such a basic question. I tried to remove the passenger seat of my S1 4.2 today. I found the 4 bolts under the car which I think fit the runners. It appears that the had 2 nuts each. For 3 of them I managed to remove the top nut (not easy as I had to lie under the car--don't have equipment to put the car up. On the fourth, no luck as the screw seemed to be turning. I tried to access this from the inside of the car but did not manage. Could not see the top of the screws that fixed the runners. I am sure I am missing something but what? Thanks.

Georg

[mgcjag]

Have a look here viewtopic.php?t=2561&highlight=remove+seats

[nefematic]

Georg,
the seat comes out together with the runners. The only screws to loosen are two the rear screws, one per side, accessible from the top when you slide the seat extreme forward. The front of the runners are not screwed on, they are held by sliding the complete seat with runners forward. The runners have a shovel-like front that fasten in the mushroomheaded bolt. So to take them out take off the two rear screws and slide towards the rear. Patience and Good luck.
Martin

[LeffeBrune]

Martin,

Thanks. This worked. The main problem is that the runners don't run very well and that it is hard to move the seats forward.

Georg

[nefematic]

Exactly, well working runners aren't that common. There are a number of write-ups on this issue. Mine were bent, and had accumulated dirt inside. I took mine apart to clean, bend and make them work.
Martin

[LeffeBrune]

On the topic of runners: I got the passenger seat out. The runners were quite dirty and bent. I tried to take them apart but no chance. I cleaned them as best as I could and also lubricated them. Put the runners on a MX5 seat (with Johns brackets) and the whole thing back into the car. Fitted nicely. However, I did not manage to slide the seat back because the runners--well--don't run well. So I am thinking of buying a new set of runners, which hopefully will run smoothly.

I also have not managed to move the driver seat forward one millimeter. So I can't access the screws to get it out. Very frustrating. Any has a trick how to do this?

[PeterCrespin]

About the biggest mass x velocity momentum you are likely to be able to apply to a stuck seat in situ (geddit?) is by parking your posterior in the thing and employing your gluteals, hamstrings and quads. Use your body's most powerful muscles to apply to and fro forces to your body mass and thereby break the stiction. Granted, some of us have a bit more mass than others in the gluteal region, but it always works for me.

Once the seat are out you can use a hammer and penetrating oil on the sliders, but to undo the screws you normally have to shift the seats forward first, unless the PO was short.