Tools and items required

As most of you know, the stock Samurai seats are less than acceptable, especially if your vehicle is a little old. Mine were completely shot; from being in a rear-end collision they were bent back and to the right.

I called Rick at Hawk Suzuki for a little help on finding stainless pillar trim to cover up some holes drilled for a light rack and asked him if he had any good Samurai seats in stock. He said the ones he had needed re-upholstered, but that they had a $50.00 kit that would put Geo Metro seats in perfectly. After a bit of talking about it, the kit seemed like a definite answer to my problem. I also knew exactly where I could find the seats I needed to complete this, from an earlier walk through a local salvage yard.

When the kit arrived I got the excitement going and could hardly wait for the weekend to install them. Picked up the seats at the yard for $40. If you're doing the math so far this has only cost me $90 compared to $300 for a redo on the factory seats. I figured I was probably going to fork over another $20 for hardware.

Opening up the package was the hardest part of the kit! Inside I found the entire adapter plates and hardware too. Next you'll see the steps taken to install the new seats. The pictures are of the passenger seat since they where a little harder than the driver's side.

Step 1: Remove both seats. You'll need the 12mm socket for this.

Step 2: Remove all seat tracks using a 10mm socket, keeping driver and passenger sides separate.

Here you can see the kit in place. Note the white lettering and arrows.

Step 3: Install the kit. On the drivers side you'll need to drill a little¾" down from the front on both sides. The instructions say only the adjuster side but I found it was both. Use the new hardware -- you paid for it.

Step 4: Put the seat tracks on. Don't tightenthem up until they're lined up and the cross wire for the passenger side seat flipper lever is on, adjusted and tightened.

Step 5: Reverse of Step 1 (little Haynes joke here) Reinstall the seats and have a happy day.

I would have to say this is the best thing I've gotten for my Samurai to date. Nothing improves the ride more than comfortable seats. I found them more comfortable than most seats including my couch. Comfort increased and the front of the seat is raised more for support.

I know what you're thinking: "They came out of a Geo Metro." That's what my brother said till he sat in them.  If you don't believe me see the critic at right. You can just make him out saying, "Cool".

A few notes:

• The car these were pulled from had no windows and were sitting exposed to the elements for about a year.
• The passenger seat does make slight contact with the door, not enough to warrant a complaint.
• E-brake was not affected but the seat is closer now.
• Quality of kit is outstanding, although it is simple, it still fit perfectly!
• Please refer to Hawk's instructions
• Take your time -- total install time for me was 1-1½ hours.
• Remove the doors. This will make it easier on you. At least remove the door straps.
• My interior was originally brown -- Yuck! All is gray now except for the dash.