Here's some photos showing what I've done so far, but I need some advice on how to proceed.

The basic premise is that the height adjustable Forester S driver's seat mechanism can be adapted to fit the STi passenger seat, which is more often used by the driver, at least in my car. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/wink.gif So I went to the junkyard and picked one up.

Looking at the mechanism, a couple of things jump out. First, the Forester seat pan is bolted to the base, while the STi seat is welded to the base. Here's an overall shot, with arrows pointing to the actual spots where the pan attaches.

<IMG SRC="http://www.rallystuff.com/images/seat1.jpg" border=0>

Second, the Forester seat rails have longer legs than the STi seat.

<IMG SRC="http://www.rallystuff.com/images/seat2.jpg" border=0>

Here's a closeup of the welded tabs on the STi pan. These will have to be removed, I just haven't figured out how yet.

<IMG SRC="http://www.rallystuff.com/images/seat3.jpg" border=0>

Here's a shot of the Forester height adjustment mechanism, side mounts and seat rails removed. It all unbolts very easily and intuitively.

<IMG SRC="http://www.rallystuff.com/images/seat4.jpg" border=0>

So here's the strategy.

1) The legs are welded and riveted to the rails, and the rails don't appear to disassemble so we'll use the STi rails.

2) The adjustment mechanism MUST use the bolt on pan attachment from the Forester, so the welded tabs will have to go.

3) The rails unbolt from the adjustment mechanism on the left (right in the photos) side, but the other side isn't so easy. You can't remove the rail from the side support on either seat, but the side support is exactly the same, so I tried to remove height adjusting rods. two of them are held by circlips (easy) but the third is rivetted (damn!). Here's a photo:

<IMG SRC="http://www.rallystuff.com/images/seat5.jpg" border=0>

So, two big stopping points:

1) I apparently have to drill out the rivet and replace it with some sort of very low profile bolt. I'll take measurements and poke around at the local hardware store. UNLESS, there is some way to remove the rail slider from the rail--anyone know how?

2) I have to chisel/drill/burn off the welded tabs on the STi seat. Any suggestions how to do this/what tool to use?

That's all I've got. Comments and suggestions welcome!

I think Alex said you have to drill through the the rivets/ welds on the STi seats. By the way...how much did your Forrester seat cost you, and where did you get your STi ones?

That's pretty much what I figured for the welds.

I paid $150 for the seat, which was way too much, but I drove two hours to pick it up so I wasn't haggling very well. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/smile.gif As you may notice, it's also the wrong color, but that's all they had.

The STi seats were from www.spdusa.com (http://www.spdusa.com) which is, as far as I know, the only place to get them in the U.S.

Anyone?

Jon-

Have you compared the Forrester seat to a stock RS seat, as well?

Thanks,
-Chris

Why not just use some seats from the new WRX? they are height adjustable too.

Chris, I'll check tonight--the original seats are buried somewhere.

ChrisW, because if I did that I would have U.S. spec WRX seats which are boring, mounted too high and have an airbag, instead of amazing JDM STi seats.

Hey Jon, I'm working with Alex regarding this. As soon as I get the info, I'll let you know. I believe you are on the right track. As for general info, the same seats can be picked up from Australia or any other country that has WRX's (the GC8 style). I got my front and rears from Austrlia for about $750US. Only differences? No STi emboridered lettering on the seat; no gray Alcantara suede in the middle of the seat bottom and back; the bolsters have slightly different color schemes; other than that, they are the same...plus now I have a 60/40 split rear seat that matches the fronts (and they were cheaper!). Just check on the MRT Rally Classifides or something like that if you are interested.

[This message has been edited by Cliff Ditchhanger (edited May 14, 2001).]

Thanks for the tip, Cliff. I'd kill for matching rears and door panel inserts...

So am I correct in drilling out that rivet or is there a way to get the slider/legs off?

I think there is another way of getting the sliders off...I'll elt you know

For Chris and others, here is a photo of the stock drivers seat. As you can see, it is exactly the same pan. The rails are completely different of course, so you would have to replace everything as with the STi seat.

<IMG SRC="http://www.rallystuff.com/images/seat6.jpg" border=0>

Cliff, any word on removing the sliders? That's my last stopping point...