before the search ***** (different from the JDM ***** ) jump on me i tried searching and didn't get a response.

i want to do the expy center console but i don't know how much labor is involved. i will eventually do aftermarket seats to go with it but for now I just want to seperate the bench and get an expy console.

my question is: how is the bench (passenger and current center) seperated? and does everyone bolt down their console? do they drill holes and bolt? or just sit it there for a snug fit?

thanks in advance,
me

 

No search **** ,just JDM **** here(J/K) BTW- I do hate that.But that is a whole seperate subject.
Anyway,
The center console is bolted to the seat.
That gets unbolted and the the seat gets cut using the NEW frame that you purchase from FoMoCo to get the proper cut.Then everything is resewn.
There is a guy in Kearny N.J. that has done 3 seats already (with BADAZZ516 being the first).He charges $300 and does a very nice job.
You will also need new bracket and handle.

As far as the console goes, There is 2 brackets that get bolted to the floor (you will either cut the carpet-that is what I did- for a flush fit or just make holes were the bolts go).
The brackets in the console go into the brackets on the floor for a sturdy fit.You cannot just leave them there(JL and charlie do but take them out when they race and are not daily drivers ,they are just there for show.)

Hope this helps

VINNIE

 

There is not much labor involved changing the bench to a pair of buckets. A good automotive upholstery shop should do it in a about a day. The expy console, that's another issue. It took me months of on/off looking before I found one that was usable. My advice to you on this, find a tan one and paint it with interior paint. I ran across plenty of tan, but dark graphite was few and far between. To answer your questions:

1) Your seat is already in two sections, the drivers chair and the passenger seat plus the hump. The passenger seat will be taken out of the cab and the bottom will be cut leaving the fabric attached still. The uphostery shop will then restuff and upholster the side making it look just like the other side(hopefully), mine does.

2) Yes, everyone just bolts down the console. There should be mounting brackets(two of them) that come out of the expy. In the F-150, they already have bolt holes for the console. Reason being is that they both share the same platform and that they all get the holes drilled regardless.

Pic of my seat conversion.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...6145&anum=3320

 

wow the seperation of the seats was more labor intensive than i expected. i guess i will just think about getting two aftermarket buckets and swap out the stockers. plus i hear our stock seats fetch anywhere from 800-1000. i just want to save some weight and i've seen some pics of the aftermarket seats in our Ls that seem very appealing to me.

as for the expy console...i will just keep hunting for the right color or break down and buy a tan one if the search proves too futile.

 

also forgot...how much if i order a brand new expy console from ford?? i'm thinking like 400 but it might be more. after all they charge like 4-500 for the harley flame-line DECALS.

 

This includes the 2 brackets that go under the console and the 3 parts that go under the seat as well as the console pieces

 

JESUS!!
ok i've decided (yea it took me all 5 minutes)

going with some quality seats and selling my stock ones. hopefully i wont end up paying too much. i wonder how cheap i can get the sparcos or recaros? i would need the mounting brackets included instead of fabbing my own. the swap should be easy and hopefully easy enough so when i go to the track i can reduce even more weight by taking the passenger one out...