Second Row Seat Removal - how to remove plastic shrouds covering mounting flange?

[4Runner-Dan]

Has anyone figured out how the remove the plastic shrouds covering the rear seat mounting flange? Not intuitive...

 

[timelapse]

It’s really tough to get them off without breaking the inner tabs.

I chose to just remove the entire seat assembly with the hinges as one piece (for each half). Took 5 minutes. 4 bolts for each and the plastic panels covering the primary bolts pull right off without tools.

 

[mars001]

It’s really tough to get them off without breaking the inner tabs.

I chose to just remove the entire seat assembly with the hinges as one piece (for each half). Took 5 minutes. 4 bolts for each and the plastic panels covering the primary bolts pull right off without tools.

Got a pic how it looks like after the seat was removed completely?

 

[timelapse]

Got a pic how it looks like after the seat was removed completely?

I’m in the process of building drawers. Here’s how it looks after seat removal.

The power lift gate continues to throw a curve ball. In the event of a jam, there is an access panel inside the rear hatch right where the drawers will be positioned in my build. I had to redesign everything so the drawers are narrow enough to allow a 5” center channel for storage and future emergency access to that panel in the event of a rear door that won’t open.

 

[4Runner-Dan]

How did you remove the plastic shrouds to get access to the seat bolts?

 

[timelapse]

Takes two seconds. Just pry off the covers on the front and rear of each seat. Each cover has 2 bolts under it. I didn't even need a trim removal pry, just my hands. Remove the the 14mm bolts and pull the entire seat assembly with those heavy tilt hinges attached. You'll also need to unplug the harness on each seat. If you have a Carista, you can disable the rear passenger seat belt warnings and you won't get any warnings on the dash after the seats are removed.

Trying to remove the 2 seats in 4 parts (with hinges seperated) requires a lot more frustration trying to pop off some challenging trim panels on the rear seat channels. I gave up when I initially attempted that approach.

Good luck.

 

[mars001]

@timelapse Thanks for the pics! It looks almost completely flat with the seat removed. I think I will at least remove the single seat on mine to make room for sleeping.

 

[timelapse]

@timelapse Thanks for the pics! It looks almost completely flat with the seat removed. I think I will at least remove the single seat on mine to make room for sleeping.

I started with a single rear seat. You do need to cut a basic extension out of some 3/4” sandie ply or birch to flatten out the subtle dip where the seats had been.

Works great for me at 6’ 4” (with passenger seat all the way forward).

 

[Handoc]

I’m in the process of building drawers. Here’s how it looks after seat removal.

The power lift gate continues to throw a curve ball. In the event of a jam, there is an access panel inside the rear hatch right where the drawers will be positioned in my build. I had to redesign everything so the drawers are narrow enough to allow a 5” center channel for storage and future emergency access to that panel in the event of a rear door that won’t open.

Still waiting on my ORP.. can you provide approx. dimensions of the space after seat removal.
Thanks