How do I remove the middle seat cusions for a 97 speedster?

[dgbehrends]

Hi,
I've searched through the forums some and found a nice article on how to replace the vinyl seats of a Seadoo. What I wasn't able to find was how to remove the seats. I'm guessing the information exists on this forum. If someone could point me to that info or explain how to do it I would greatly appreciated it. I only need to do the inside part of the bottom of the 3 back seats and the reverse facing seat. All the rest of the vinyl is Ok.

Here is a picture of my 97 Speedster which I have owned for 11 fun years.


Thanks,
-Derick

 

[Dr Honda]

Is this the rear seat?

If it is... it unbolts from the engine compartment. You need to reach up in above the fuel tank, and you will feel them. (10mm socket is needed) Then the center cushions are riveted to the main seat. Just drill them, and they will come off.

 

[dgbehrends]

Is this the rear seat?

If it is... it unbolts from the engine compartment. You need to reach up in above the fuel tank, and you will feel them. (10mm socket is needed) Then the center cushions are riveted to the main seat. Just drill them, and they will come off.

Thanks Tony. Yes this is the rear seat. I should be able to do as you describe. I don't have a the tools to put the rivets back in place though. Any other suggestions on how to get the seats fastened back in place once the rivets are drilled and the new vinyl is on? Also, what about the 1 rear facing seat? Is it bolted in the same way? I suppose the only way to get to that is to pullout the front cooler and reach through the cooler compartment. Also I was on seadoowarehouse.com and the original vinyl is out of stock, do you have any recommendations for places to get a nice stretchable seadoo yellow color vinyl?

 

[Stevego]

Try Keith at: www.seadooupholstery.com

As for the rivets buy a HAND Rivet Gun and new larger rivets, they are cheap.

 

[dgbehrends]

Try Keith at: www.seadooupholstery.com

As for the rivets buy a HAND Rivet Gun and new larger rivets, they are cheap.

I was able to get the seat out without much trouble. Drilled the rivits and redid the vinyl butt seats. They look pretty good now. Some of the rivet holds expanded a little so I used a plug that expanded with a stainless steel screw which seem to work ok for the couple that wouldn't re-rivet. (I couldn't find larger rivets) I was unable to get the darts reinstalled. I could see how maybe I could get them on the drivers side, but on the passenger's side with the oil tank blocking my way it looked impossible. How does one do this?

 

[Stevego]

Not sure on the Sportster how much space there is. Worst case buy some velcro and velcro it in place.

 

[dgbehrends]

Velcro might work. Right now I've got nothing in there and it lifts a little on the edges but it's not bad.