How to make backseat quick release pins for wagons by Bradrcr

3 minute read

How to make backseat quick release pins for wagons

Compliments of Bradrcr @ http://forums.nasioc.com

Vehicle: Performed on an '05 Saab 9-2X, should work on any 2-screw retained rear seat

Completion time: 30 minutes

I'm working on a backseat tub for protecting my wagon and hauling. Since this requires the backseat to lay completely flat, the bottom of the backseat needs to be removed, and I wanted a fast, tool less option.

Tools needed:

Dremel with grinding stone

Grinding wheel for dremel or jigsaw

Vice or similar clamp

Needlenose or other small pliers

Drill with 1/8" bit

At Lowes or Home Depot pick up a pair of Cotterless 1/4 x 1 1/4" Hitch Pins and a pair of 5/8" D Rings: 

Remove the 2 bolts holding the backseat down and insert one of the hitch pins in a hole, then pull it out until it catches. Mark with a sharpie just beyond the seat retaining bar: 

Remove the loop and clamp or vice the pin, then score that sharpie point with the grinding stone to create a dip for the drill bit: 

Drill into the pin, then cut off the pin about 1/4" down from the holes with the dremel or jigsaw. Score the cut end and the holes with the grinding stone: 

Reusing the old loop won't work because it just sticks straight out when the pin is held tight. Open up one of the D Rings and then clamp it back down through the hole:

And here is how it looks installed, it is pressed all the way back, the D Ring holds against the seat metal quite well: 

If you put anything of significant weight on the seat back, get a couple of body pillows for protection and resistance: