Seat Swapping

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by grwhitaker

You know, it isn't just the visible lever, but the latching mechanism inside the seat that provides the reclining and inclining action. Usually the basic latches consist of a toothed gear and corresponding latch mechanism, much like in a mechanical clock. There may or may not be the ability or room to move the internal mechanism from side to side on the seat. I'm just not curious enough to look...

Also, a legal liability thought...the seatback latch mechanism is an MVSS safety item on all cars. If you modify the latch mechanism yourself and someone is injured in an accident due to a malfunction of the seat back latch, you will no longer have the ability to deep pocket smart USA and/or smart Gmbh for the injuries, since you modified the mechanism yourself. This makes you the liable party, and could give your insurance company a way to opt out of covering the cost of damages or injuries. Just another thing to consider before making modifications to safety equipment on any car.

I know, all you're hearing is blah-blah-blah.

It's fine if you aren't curious enough to look, but I don't recall anyone asking you to do so.

There's no need for condescension or to preach to the choir. I fully understand the mechanical and legal issues involved. And for the record, I agree with most everyone else here about not making the modifications. If you'll read my posts, which you apparently never did, I never actually said I would personally do it or recommend others to make the modification (although I do agree the factory positions need improvement).

This was purely a thought exercise. The OP asked about switching seats. I asked why do that and all that entails, when what I think the OP's main concern was with the lever positions themselves. Then I said if it was possible to switch the levers, it would make sense to switch the levers passenger-to-driver (door side) and vice versa. Then another poster said there wasn't enough clearance at the door side for a repositioned lever (assuming it was even possible to move the lever). All I did was address that point by measuring the clearance on the driver side and verifying that there is sufficient clearance. Giantkiller made a good point about side impacts possibly affecting the seat if the lever was on the door-side of the seat, so that would argue against moving the levers to the door-side position (although I don't see why that's not an issue with the 99% of vehicles out there with that design).

We're all adults here, so I don't think there's any need to lecture folks about the issues with tampering with the vehicle. Clearly, that's not an issue with some members, and that's fine with me. There's no harm to me or you if they do. But I admire the mechanical DIY aptitude and skills many members have demonstrated. If they want to assume the legal risks of modifying their vehicles in pursuit of a better functioning vehicle, more power to them.

[grwhitaker]

With the exception of my italicized and final statement[lame attempt at a joke btw], all of my posting to which some members have taken exception have been completely neutral in tone. They were merely statements pointing out issues which not everyone considers when making decisions.

We live in a sue-happy country. We have for profit insurance companies that will look for any way possible to get out of paying a claim. All of these issues are clearly reflected in the mandatory safety warnings that the average manufacturer places on their products.

Final note, I always try to read through the postings in a thread before posting. It is the courteous thing to do.

[forestacademy]

From Smart Insider
seat adjustment - smart USA insider

States why the levers are on the inside.

"No more fumbling around down in the black hole between the seat and the door..."

[smark]

I going to put 2 Barcalounger chairs in mine. With cup holders. Then I can watch DVD's
in comfort, while driving down the highway at 70 mph. Should I get leather, or cloth.
I hear Lazy Boy, is having a Christmas sale.

[KarenS]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

Safey Schmafty

It is a conspiricy driven by the service industry. If you don't eat or drink in your car you are forced to stop at resturants on your way and spend more money and leave tips.

Let's hear your conspiricy theory.

You ARE kidding, right

[KarenS]

Originally Posted by smark

I going to put 2 Barcalounger chairs in mine. With cup holders. Then I can watch DVD's
in comfort, while driving down the highway at 70 mph. Should I get leather, or cloth.
I hear Lazy Boy, is having a Christmas sale.

I LOVE your sense of humor!

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by smark

I going to put 2 Barcalounger chairs in mine. With cup holders. Then I can watch DVD's
in comfort, while driving down the highway at 70 mph. Should I get leather, or cloth.
I hear Lazy Boy, is having a Christmas sale.

Good idea. I'm thinking of a hammock instead. Laid front-to-back, the hammock will let you recline as far back as you want. But laid side-to-side, the hammock will act as a bench seat, which has been requested by other posters. You can put a Bunsen burner underneath for that bun-warmer action needed for Midwestern winters.

[gbryers]

Originally Posted by jwight

A+ for ingenuity (no one else has brought this up before.)

D- for even considering it; the cons so far outweigh the pros (if there are any pros) it isn't funny. I guess somebody could figure out a way to put the seats on the roof and extend the steering column so you could drive from up there, but.....why?

jwight- you obviously hadn't seen the double-decker smart video...

[fredthe]

Originally Posted by smartlex

.... It would also make it easier recline the seat to access the rear space when standing outside the car. Any thoughts?

I just saw this thread referenced on susai... Although the issues of swapping seats/seat levers have been discussed at length, I haven't seen the obvious solution... figure out how to install a 2nd outboard lever on the passenger seat, specifically for use when folding it down for extra cargo space. Many vehicles have dual releases for the seat, why not the smart?

-Fred

[BigWarpGuy]

Originally Posted by gbryers

jwight- you obviously hadn't seen the double-decker smart video...

Fifth Gear; Double Decker Smart.
I would not want to ride in the upper deck while it is moving.