Removing Seats from Seat Rails on Floor.

Hi Folks,

I'm putting on some new seat covers and i am having trouble getting the new seat bottoms
tight enough. I can't seem to fish the draw string for these seats thru the seat properly
without getting pinched in the rails. Manufacturer of seat covers suggest to run the seat cover draw
strings above the seat rail mechanism closer to the seat bottom cushion/grid, but it's really
hard to get under there and get the draw strings tight.

Was wondering what issues i would have if i removed the plastic rail covers behind
each seat that seem to actually function as seat slider stops when the seat is pushed fully back.
Then just slide the seat out of the seat rails...if i unhooked all the seat belt/air bag
connections of course. Tighten the seat bottom properly and insert the seat back
into the rails and make sure all is connected back.

Just to clarify, I am not talking about removing the seat rails from the truck floor, just the seat(s) from the slider rails...
or is there some other mechanical 'Stop' in that rail mechanism that would keep this idea from working?

Thanks for any info.
Sorry no photo's at the moment.

Best,
Paul

 

The seats don't slide out like a '67 VW beetle. Those plastic covers are just cosmetic covers.

 

Hey, Thanks Muddin,

After typing all that it occurred to me there had to be a 'more' positive stop than the plastic covers.
haha...my brother's 60's Beetle had a lawn chair as the passenger seat...

 

Can't you just unbolt the front two 14mm seat bolts, loosen the back 2 and rock the seat back enough to rest on a 2x4 to have room to tightened the straps? You don't have to disconnect any electrical connections to do this. Those rear bolt covers just pop off/on.

 

Hey Thanks Wattapunk,

I did not want to unbolt the 14mm's, but that is a good idea. Might be what i have to do.

The problem isn't so much the clearance under the seat, it is when i try
to push the seat cover draw cords down thru the opening where the seat back lever is,
seems i cannot get the cord to exit where i want under the seat bottom.

Right now i have them tied outside and under the seat rails but that does not allow
me to tighten the draw cords enough.

Is there a 'push' tool for lack of better words to push the draw strings thru the seat
and find the opening above and inside the rail mechanism?
...Like a electrician uses to push/pull wire thru a conduit or back box??
was thinking a bent clothes hanger with duct tape around to hold the draw cord and try to find the correct passage thru
that way without puncturing the seat or cover?

Wish i were a better upholsterer.