Can you change vehicle seats?

pepsicola

New member
I am considering a '99-03 Windstar, although it only got an Acceptable rating from IIHS. One problem the Windstar had was that the front seats had fixed head restraints and they are too short. So.....

I was thinking, can you replace the front seats with other compatible ones?
Would this be safe to do so?
 
ADS

HEVY

New member
I don't have an answer because I have the same question, different reason :)
So hopefully someone can be helpful.
 

beeman

Active member
Yes, as long as it is structurally set up for the style of seat you are replacing it with (ie. buckets with the same bolt pattern). IIRC the leather seats in the higher trim late models have good headrests, so you may be able to find some of these at the wrecker, or find a Windstar that comes equipped. Vehicle seats are bolted down to certain specs for force, so you will need a torque wrench (only tightens to certain force) to reinstall the bolts (see service manual for specs). These bolts can be tightened too much, causing 'necking' of the bolt which weakens the metal and distorts the threads, increasing the chance of failure in an accident.
 

pepsicola

New member
Well, it looks like the 2003's came with adjustable head rests. That would solve the problem :thumbsup:.

Although, the Freestars did a lot better in testing and an '04 wouldn't cost that much more. So I think we're going a different route after all. Thanks for your input!
 

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