I have a question for the A&P and IA's on the site.

I'm putting articulating seats from a 1981 C-185 into my 1955 C-180. The new seats have two pins each and the old seats have one. What is the legality of removing one of the seat pins to be able to use the existing seat rails? I suspect this would be an alteration to the seat that wouldn't be allowed but I've seen discussions that lead me to believe that some have done this.

Thanks in advance.

Rich

There was a guy on the 170 forum a while back that went thru this same thing.
His IA went the route of replacing the other seat rail with one with holes vs getting approval to modify the seat.

I would do what Bagarre suggested, McFarlane sells new seat tracks at a somewhat reasonable price.

Getting anyone to sign off on modifying a Cessna seat is unlikely, Cessna has been sued over their seats more than anything else.

Kind of what I anticipated based on Cessna's history with the seat rails. Buying rails based the SN of the airplane the seats came from will run about 8 Benjamin's. Not cheap but the best way to go.

I think that the cut out in the seat rail at the front on your airplane is currently to far forward to take the seat in and out without taking it off the tack which requires removing the rear seat (if stock bench). Even with the correct seat rails you will have to crank the seat full up to get it in and out, it interferes with the door post.

Tim

The rear seat is coming out anyway. I need space for the Yeti cooler. Strapped on the rear seat is not good. Besides, I have to find something to remove to make up for the heavier seats.

Rich

I'm guessing that an I/A would be able to word the log book entry to show the seats were upgraded according to a later model, but without upgrading the latch mechanism. Even if you can get it signed out, double seat pins are a nice upgrade that doesn't carry much of a weight penalty. I'd switch the seat tracks.

The alternative is to remove a pin, but make sure you install the secondary seat stop Cessna was or is offering. The kit includes the parts for every seat possibility. It'll accommodate your new seats even though they'll give you a kit for your earlier airframe.

You may have to change the rails to match up to the newer style rollers. I am doing the same upgrade on my 175 project and I thought I would just drill and ream the second rail. When I put the newer seats on the old rails the fit was sloppy and loose. I am installing new rails to match the seats.

Drilling the rials was discussed in an earlier thread and nixed so the new rails will be going in. That eliminates the need to mess with the pins. New rails will be easier all around.

Thanks for the insight guys.

Rich

We all have our own preferences, but mine would be to sell those later model seats, and build up cushion sets for the fixed seats that fit ME.

Those articulating seats can b a maintenance headache, especially if you ever have a bubba sit in one of them, or someone sitting in the back..

Th bubba will invariably decide to sort out his undies, by pushing hard with feet on pedals, and bracing back against seat.......pax in back will invariably use the front seat back to lever themselves up out of that back seat to exit...uphill, ya know.

In both cases, just a few of those events, and the roll pins in those seats will need replacement....or you'll have a rocker.

Frankly, I hate the damn things, and I'd go the other way, replacing articulating seats with fixed. Wait, I already did once......lighter and less screwing around. Price replacement parts.......

MTV

mtv wrote:We all have our own preferences, but mine would be to sell those later model seats, and build up cushion sets for the fixed seats that fit ME.

Those articulating seats can b a maintenance headache, especially if you ever have a bubba sit in one of them, or someone sitting in the back..

Th bubba will invariably decide to sort out his undies, by pushing hard with feet on pedals, and bracing back against seat.......pax in back will invariably use the front seat back to lever themselves up out of that back seat to exit...uphill, ya know.

In both cases, just a few of those events, and the roll pins in those seats will need replacement....or you'll have a rocker.

Frankly, I hate the damn things, and I'd go the other way, replacing articulating seats with fixed. Wait, I already did once......lighter and less screwing around. Price replacement parts.......

MTV

I get what your saying and it all makes sense. Here is where I'm at though. The frames have been media blasted, repainted, rebuilt and are ready for upholstery. If it were up to me I would leave the original fixed seats in but you know the saying "happy wife, happy life"? This is all centered on her comfort. With her back issues, she needs to be able to adjust and recline for anything over an hour or two in the air. The recliner in my old C182 spoiled her. No one will be getting in the back seat. Not counting my time flying skydivers, in the last 35 years of flying, I have had three or four total in an airplane only a handful of times (only seven come to mind).

The C.F.O. is on board with this project and it's up to me to exicute.

Thanks, Rich

Hey, I gotcha! When the Boss wants comfort, I'd step to it.

MTV

Maybe just do her seat and make her feel special - Valentines day gift.

Other than that I vote with MTV.

The shop I hung around in for the years of rebuilding my 170 eventually set up a corner in the metal shop for JUST those damned seats with a wall full of all the parts.

It sometimes took two of us to pound the bitches apart (bent pins) after several people had apparently treated them as MTV describes.
Personal opinion: Replacing the rails ranks right close under root canal work.
Yeah - a bit of hyperbole. The clean up needs to be meticulous.

Wannabe back at it though
Maybe May.
.