Bench Seat to Bucket Seat Conversion - Ditchin' The Bench

1. Here are the 4Runner seats that we got from California Mini-Truck Dismantlers for the swap.

2. Begin by unbolting all the bolts securing the bench seat to the floor.

3. Since these particular 4Runner bucket seats already have seatbelts installed, we had to unbolt the old stock seatbelt and attach it to the seat.

4. Here's a look at the stock mounts on the bottom of the 4Runner bucket seat. After checking out our stock mounting points, we saw that three of the 4Runner mounts would have to be cut off or modified.

5. Before we began to cut up the seat, Bobby removed the side plastic.

6. On one of the mounts, all that had to be done was to cut off the alignment rod so the mount could be used in its stock position.

7. For the other rear mount, the rivets were cut off, and the mount was removed so that it could be relocated.

8. Two mounts were taken from the stock bench seat to be used on the 4Runner buckets.

9. We took a grinder to the area where the mounts were cut away to help make for a smooth and clean welding surface.

10. The mounts were also modified to fit, then cleaned up on the belt sander.

11. Next, all the mounts were bolted to the floor so we could see how the seat would line up.

12. The seat was held in place, and the rails were marked where the mounts would be welded.

13. and 14. After the seat and mounts were taken out, the mounts were lined up with their corresponding marks and welded into place.

15. Once all the mounts were welded on, the rails were again sprayed black to prevent them from rusting.

16. The seat rails still look stock, and after they're bolted in, you'll never be able to tell that they were modified.

17. The side plastics were reinstalled and the new buckets were bolted in.

18. Not only do the 4Runner buckets look better, but they're actually more comfortable as well. Keep your eyes peeled for the finishing touches.