201 Removable Back Seats In An E?

[akb3]

Can it be done?  If so please explain what parts I need to find. Thank you!

[KSMooniac]

Physically, yes.  Your IA will determine the compliance/approval path in terms of it being a minor mod or not.  I would color it as a minor mod going from the interpretation of the published AC's other documents.  You're not affecting controls, systems, structure, etc. so it should be an easy determination IMO.  My IA agreed and we did it with a simple logbook entry and new W&B (we were weighing it anyway), but my stuff came from another J and went into a J.  Taking J (or later) parts and installing into an E is still minor IMO, but I'm not an IA and especially not someone else's.   

Having said all of that, you would need to source the seats and all of the related brackets, mechanisms, etc. from a salvage plane.  Retrofitting into a vintage plane is difficult due to the (lack of) access to install the outboard brackets that hold the seat back frames.  You'll have to cut slots in the top of the "seat pan" portion of the wing and the shear web of the spar for the recline control rods to come through to handles and bellcranks, but that is easy enough.  Having a pattern from the donor plane makes it trivial to locate those holes and slots.  The brackets are riveted in place and must be drilled-out to remove everything.

Scrounging the seats and all of the related parts is likely the hardest part.  I bought an entire salvage plane many years ago to get these parts plus many others to improve my vintage J.  It was very worthwhile for me, but I'm weirder than most other owners.  Prior to that purchase, I only saw one "kit" advertised around 2009 or 2010 for $2500 for those parts.  Nowadays, I believe BAS/Beegles has parted a few newer models and sold these parts.  Your best bet is to contact them or keep an eye on their site and social media feeds.  You should also get the M20J Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) and make your shopping list from there.  That will also give you a better idea of the amount of effort required.

Those seats really improve the utility and usability of any Mooney, and thus they're a very desirable upgrade.  

[akb3]

48 minutes ago, KSMooniac said:

Physically, yes.  Your IA will determine the compliance/approval path in terms of it being a minor mod or not.  I would color it as a minor mod going from the interpretation of the published AC's other documents.  You're not affecting controls, systems, structure, etc. so it should be an easy determination IMO.  My IA agreed and we did it with a simple logbook entry and new W&B (we were weighing it anyway), but my stuff came from another J and went into a J.  Taking J (or later) parts and installing into an E is still minor IMO, but I'm not an IA and especially not someone else's.   

Having said all of that, you would need to source the seats and all of the related brackets, mechanisms, etc. from a salvage plane.  Retrofitting into a vintage plane is difficult due to the (lack of) access to install the outboard brackets that hold the seat back frames.  You'll have to cut slots in the top of the "seat pan" portion of the wing and the shear web of the spar for the recline control rods to come through to handles and bellcranks, but that is easy enough.  Having a pattern from the donor plane makes it trivial to locate those holes and slots.  The brackets are riveted in place and must be drilled-out to remove everything.

Scrounging the seats and all of the related parts is likely the hardest part.  I bought an entire salvage plane many years ago to get these parts plus many others to improve my vintage J.  It was very worthwhile for me, but I'm weirder than most other owners.  Prior to that purchase, I only saw one "kit" advertised around 2009 or 2010 for $2500 for those parts.  Nowadays, I believe BAS/Beegles has parted a few newer models and sold these parts.  Your best bet is to contact them or keep an eye on their site and social media feeds.  You should also get the M20J Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) and make your shopping list from there.  That will also give you a better idea of the amount of effort required.

Those seats really improve the utility and usability of any Mooney, and thus they're a very desirable upgrade.  

Thanks so much!

[Hank]

4 hours ago, akb3 said:

Can it be done?  If so please explain what parts I need to find. Thank you!

What year is your E?

The back seat in my C folds down, or the back can come out pretty easily, or the seat bottom comes out easily too. The bottom goes in easy, just two straps and latches, but putting the rear seatback in after removing it is best done on a cool morning with bandages, dictionary and cold adult beverages nearby . . .

Yes, these are from the factory, not later modifications or retrofit. But the aren't J-style, the seat bottom sits on the spar with individual reclining abilities, rather than being individually stuck on a platform.

[M20F-1968]

I installed a complete Ovation interior into a 1968 M20F.  Take a look at my profile pictures.  Yes it can be done.  It is a lot of work however.  

There are also several versions of rear seats.  Seats from the later models are most desirable.

John Breda