Custom extended seat rails group order

Well if the car does explode if the seat rails survive you could resell them.:doh:

I am not trying to stir crap up or anything.

I think this post provides some insight into this matter for both parties.

 

And how do you know this? Listen, I'd love to have more leg room. But, I'm not going to compromise my safety to achieve that end. All I'm saying is that buying an unknown product from an unknown entity is a huge risk. If you don't mind compromising your safety and the welfare of your family; so be it. I would rather go with the company that is in this type of business and has done this type of thing before. Like the company that alters vehicles for the pro sports players or handicapped individuals. I believe the safety factor there would be much higher than someone you don't know who was recommended by someone you don't know. This person's product may be fine ... yet it's a risk.

 

I am happy, and I agree with efusco. Simple questions were asked and they were met with snide remarks. That's surely not someone I'd care to do business with. Calling me a bad apple? Why? Because other people and I asked questions? Shame on me ... :violin: Like I said before, I've handled cases where people were seriously injured because of failed car seats. Hopefully a few lives were saved because we bad apples dared to ask a few questions that for some reason could not be answered.

 

I'm happy that your friend made an informed decision.

I'm sorry we burst your bubble by pointing out that you have a responsibility to make sure the product you are trying to sell to others is safe.

 

Safety has been my primary criterion for choosing a car for the past 22 years, e.g., I used to drive a Volvo. So I think I share people's concerns about the safety issues that have been raised here -- the quality and construction of the product, confidence in the designer/fabricator of the product, and effect on airbag performance.

But I'm having a little trouble understanding the airbag issue. I don't see how moving the seat back 1-4 inches will affect the performance of the front airbags. On this issue, I think what nyprius (the only PriusChatter I remember who extended his seat rails) has said makes total sense to me:

Anyways, for those interested, here's nyprius' entire post which includes a good description of the actual modification:

Anyways, good luck to all.

 

Hi Tom

Although I agree with NYPrius reasoning that there is a safety margin designed into the airbag system, none of us know what that safety margin is. Galaxee's point about the timing of the airbag deployment is a very good one. Unfortunately, there isn't a practical way to test this.

At least NYPrius knows about the risks and he has decided to accept them in return for the additional legroom. And he had the extension done by a company with experience in this type of modification.

I also modified my seat to lower it, but I don't recommend anyone else do this. I believe that my modification is as strong as the original seat, but I have no way to test and verify this is true. I would not attempt to sell this modification to others.

 

Hi Dogfriend,

Yeah, I still don't see it re the airbags. But I just realized that there may be another safety issue: I wonder what effect moving the seat back 3 inches would have on the operation of the shoulder belt's pretensioning and auto locking systems? I seem to recall that in the early 90's when Saab came out with a remodeled 900, the first model year's crash test results were terrible -- something like near certain death or major injury for both front seat occupants. Saab and everyone else was shocked, given Saab's long history of safety innovations and engineering. My recollection is that Saab figured out that the problem involved the location of the shoulder belt mount, and was remedied completely (the crash test results changed from worst to best) by merely moving the mount a few inches.

 

Found this interesting list of links to companies specializing in selling, modifying or converting vehicles for the handicapped:

WheelchairNet: Accommodating Wheelchairs: ramps, lifts, door openers, etc.

You might be able to find more for your state by googling something like "[state] automobile conversion modification for handicapped".

 

Count me in for the extensions, drop or no drop.

Thanks,

 

There's nothing left to be counted in in.

 

Dr Efusco I applaud you for your insight and sense. I want the seats back a couple of inches also, but only if safe and certified.

..and I don't hug trees. Just my wife!

 

Re the safety of the airbag and seat belts if you move the seats back three inches, I don't think it's an issue. These things must be over-engineered. They need to handle very heavy or very light people who might have the seat in the same position.

I am very happy I moved my seats back three inches. I would definitely do this mod again when I get a new Prius. Although by then, I hope Toyota realizes US drivers are generally taller than Japanese drivers, and thus give Prius's the same leg room as US auto makers provide.

The mod I had done by New England Wheels is as strong or stronger than the OEM set up. My one remaining complaint about the car is seat height. It is not possible to lower the seat by changing the seat rails (unless you cut out some of the floor). The only way to lower the seat is by making mods within the seat structure above the rails. If somebody figures out how to do this, please let us know.

Moving my seat back three inches did lower it a little since the rails angle slightly down toward the rear. The further back the seat is, the lower it is. However, I would still like the seat to be at least one inch lower.

For tall people considering moving the seats back, I suggest you do it. My car is so much more comfortable with the extra legroom.

 

Thinking of lawsuits, I've thought of them from another angle.

Suppose I have modified, untested seat rails and I get T-boned or in a serious accident caused by another driver.

His insurance company would almost certainly try to decline payment to me for injuries. They'd hold me responsible for compromising the car's safety. How do I fight them? It's impossible to prove the seat rails didn't magnify the injuries.

I still crave a two-inch extension, but I'm with the others when it comes to safety.

 

If the mod is done by someone who regularly does seat modifications for handicap people and others, it shouldn't be a problem. The Mod on my seat makes the seat stronger, if anything. If you look at the supports coming up from the seat rails, you see the metal is much thinner than the rail steel. Obviously the seat is designed to shear above the seat rails, while the rails remain in place. Modifying the rails shouldn't affect accident performance, assuming the rails are just as strong as before the mod.

If what you're saying is true, that would mean handicap people who have their cars modified are uninsurable. I'm sure that's not the case. If a reputable retrofitter does the work, the insurance is probably just as strong as if there was no mod.

 

I accomplished lowering the back of both front seats on about 1.5", I posted some pictures on a previous post :
http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/36162-possible-lower-drivers-seat.html#post513193 , replay #8.
It can be done and it is as strong or better that the OEM seat structure, requires some patience and the right tools.
For my needs, lowering the seat and raising the front edge of it for leg support, give me a much better and comfortable ride

 

I just got my '05 Prius yesterday (April 1st) and complained today. Someone sent me this link. I was excited. Sorry the opportunity is gone. If we throw tiredness into the equation from poor seating position the extensions may be a safety factor. Frankly I would take the risk if it looked like a professional job.

Gene from Louisiana

 

If anyone goes ahead with this extender project for themself and could send a measured drawing and photograph or two I would be happy to send them a contribution. Hey, I ride a motorcycle, I am used to living with a little risk. I always say it is better to prevent an accident than just stack the odds in your favor of surviving one.

Gene in Louisiana