Rear seat back removal?

[Zulee]

I have an 81 J and often carry camping gear, golf clubs, etc and rarely carry anyone in the rear seat. Since my rear seat configuration is bench style (non folding) and connected by 4 bolts, removing just the seat back would cure my space problem.

I understand W&B, required equipment, etc will be offered as concerns but would like to hear some feedback from the group or any experiences with this.

Thanks, Rick

[M016576]

There's a thread here about how to convert your bench so it will fold down. It's kind of old, but I bet a search for it will turn it up.

[RJBrown]

Not much weight involved, the seat back is very light. I am sure it is not on any required list. Taking it out temporarily seems reasonable to me.

[Steve Dawson]

I believe Lasar had a stc for a hinge for that.

[Zulee]

I agree it likely weighs less than my flight bag...ha ha. I will check for the stc but knowing lasar they figured how to turn it into a $4,000 modification.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments

[Zulee]

I found the folding seat thread and the mod was quoted by one Mooniac at $1800 and another at $3000, go figure. I got a kick out of someone commenting about the seat being part of the structural integrity of the cabin...OMG, I almost p'd my pants. I think it is safe to assume the roll cage engineered by Mooney doesn't need the help of a 20 lb seat to keep things together. LOL

[KSMooniac]

I've taken to leaving the upper bolts out, and remove the seat bottom and fold the rear forward when I carry a lot of cargo.  You have to be careful with the tabs passing by the armrests, but it is doable.  It limits the front seat travel aft and makes ingress/egress a little more difficult, but still possible.

[Zulee]

Good suggestion KS

[N231SM]

Just one fold down rear seat.  Not split seats: I am interested in whether or not anyone has had success in modifying the brackets, on a K model,  so the rear seat back simply folds down. I understand there is a minor, not structural mod out there, but not sure it will fit  my plane. Thanks

[anthonydesmet]

231SM,
I posted a backseat mod and have a pdf I can send you on how I worked mine to put a dog carrier in for pilots and paws. pm me if your interested


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[Skates97]

Did you see this one posted by @piperpainter?

Seats-1.pdf

[SARNorm]

On 2/17/2018 at 3:48 PM, anthonydesmet said:

231SM,
I posted a backseat mod and have a pdf I can send you on how I worked mine to put a dog carrier in for pilots and paws. pm me if your interested


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just saw this thread, and also travel with my canines for SAR work. I would be interested in the PDF if it is still available. Thanks, Norm

[anthonydesmet]

@SARNorm

 

Seats-1.pdf

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard, Norm!

Got any pics of the working dogs and your plane?

Best regards,

-a-