Removing 2nd row middle seat

[NCEXP]

I think I saw a similar question earlier, but search didn't bring any results. My wife's having twins, which equals 4 kids under 4 years old and a poor man. Trading to a minivan's an option but we'd take a bath on trading in the expedition. So is removing the middle seat on the 2nd row easy? That would aid in reaching the third row. Any experiences or opinions would be appreciated. It's an '03 XLT.

 

[lakmflx]

I assume you have the bench style ? since you said you want to remove the middle seat only. If you have the bench style seats removing the middle section is possible but you will also lose the seat right next to the passenger windw as they are 1 unit. Only thing i can think of is to remove the drivers side rear seat since it is only one seat or you can purchase the captain style seats.


Note*

You seating may be different then mine. I have a 99 expy and the seating is like i stated above however i dont know if the 03+ are the opposite. For example the drivers side rear seats might be the sections where the two seats are connected to each other and the passenger may be a single. Im sure others will chime in.

 

[NCEXP]

There are three seats that all fold independently. Another question to tack on. I have rear controls (radio, A/C) in the console between the front seats and would like to know if anyone's removed a console b4. I could lose the controls since the overhead has controls for the A/C and the radio is kaput anyway. Would it be troublesome?

 

[lakmflx]

I've taken aprt my console plenty of times. In my 99 all that holds the rear section of the console are the screws that hold the armrest in place. Basically remove the 5 screws (or 4) and then pull gently as it's also held by 2 clips.


For your seat question i cant say anything more since it is a different setup then what i have.

 

[Sam C]

I have done this and it has worked out great. It wasn't hard to remove and now it looks factory since I installed a custom 'T' shaped carpet that was cut for '05 Ford Expy's with the captains chair option. I highly recommend it if the third row is used extensively, like ours with 4 kids.

I have pictures of the interior and also overhead shot of bolt pattern. If interested let me know. I am trying to shrink the pics down to upload but the seem to be too big to post.

 

[Sam C]

Bolt pattern...

 

[lakmflx]

Very nice Sam!....I knew someone out there has done this.


Any pics of the T-shape carpet you had cut?

 

[Sam C]

Here you go. Ordered from Quality Car Mats. Very satisfied. Bound edges and ribbed bottom, it doesn't move around. Also ordered the rear runner for the third row. The color match was near perfect for my interior.

 

[NCEXP]

Sweet, that's exactly what I wanted to do. Thanks Sam C, it looks good!

 

[ELVATO]

Nice, the space of captain chairs, but the convenience of foldable chairs How long wuold it take to pu the seat back in?

 

[chuck s]

This looks interesting!

-- Chuck

 

[lakmflx]

That is very nice!!!!!


Hmmm ideas are running wild now lol....

 

[Kizler]

Sam, that is just awesome and I am in a similar situation- have one 2 year old and twins this July. So, want better access to 3rd row for the 3rd carseat. I had thought this might work- you've done it. Just want to confirm though- your middle seat 2nd row had the "slide forward" option, right? I think they all do, but want to make sure before I start turning bolts.

thanks!

 

[jagerskulls]

damn whats the deal with this site everyone here has twins i have twin 3 year old girls and one due in june this is something im going to do this weekend one of the most usefull posts ive seen it turned out real good...

 

[NCEXP]

Expy = LUV MACHINE

 

[03 Eddie Bauer]

second row seat middle seat

i have a 03 expedtion and i am taking out the the middle seat in the second row does anyone know were i could possible get a T carpet to cover the cutouts i have saw them on here but they dont say where they got them can anyone give me a website to it or give me your advice to what yall did

 

[Wilwis]

Does anyone know the exact floor liner that will make the conversion look good? Like a t-shaped mat I guess.

 

[coolzzy]

Does anyone know the exact floor liner that will make the conversion look good? Like a t-shaped mat I guess.

I pulled my middle seat over the weekend and am in the same boat. You can order husky liners for the model with 2nd row buckets and it will cover the new gap between the seats. I would prefer carpets to the plastic looking husky liners though. There are a few sellers on ebay offering rubber backed carpet mats custom cut for this application, it is $200 for the complete set including front seats middle row, and third row with center aisle covered in carpet.

 

[Adieu]

My '09



I was under the impression the underlying middle row seat design was similar for 2nd gen, with the changes being cosmetical