I have a 1999 Ram 1500 with a split 40-20-40 front seat.

I want to remove the center section of the 40-20-40 seat (the 20 part) in entirety and replace it with a custom built front to rear console.

I have looked at the seat and it seems as though it is on a single base frame that supports the drivers, passenger and center seat.

My questions, therefore, are these:

1. Is there a way I can remove the center seat section completely?

2. If so, how is that done without compromising the security of the driver and passenger seats?

All and any advice relevant to this project will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

You can simply remove the center seat by taking out the 4 bolts (13mm wrench I believe) at each corner underneath it. I am in the process of building a center console as well and have had the center seat out for over a week now.

RamSport97,

Thankyou for the very quick reply. I will take a look today and let you know how things work out.

Unrelated to me question, I would be interested in seeing your console and hearing any ideas you might have.

My intent is to totally redisign the dash ( from the right of the main instrument cluster) through to the rear of the front seat. Essentially, I am looking for a "wrap around" style dash but retaining the original "look" of the dash (if that makes sense).

Believe it or not, this project began as a result of the poor cup holder design in the 99 Ram.

Thanks again for your reply - much appreciated .

Not a problem at all. The one I am building isn't going to run up to the dash and follow the contours of the dash. I am actually just building a simple console in place of the center seat, something like this



Mine is being Upholstered today, and should be done by tonight, here is where I am at right now



There is a thread in here, that does have a guy that built a console like yours, if you search you will find it. I forget the name of the thread.

The center seat (99 or newer maybe different) sits on 4 angled arms that are riveted to the side of the driver & passenger brackets.
They stick out maybe 5" on each side towards the center
Depending on your console design, you may want to remove them so the install looks cleaner
Could also use the brackets to attach the console to & tie back into the remaining seating.

Regardless of keeping or removing the side brackets probably best to remove the passenger seat from its bracket as well to make mock up & test fitting easier.

Pic of a 98 manual bracket with arms still attached prior to me modifying them.
Installed race buckets both sides in 02 & didnt want to hack up the stock pwr brackets so got manual ones from the wreckers.



http://www.rm-indy.com/seat_install.htm

RM Indy brings up some good points. However, I decided to bolt them to factory brackets for the middle seat. I think it came out pretty clean.

All Foamed up



Cutting out material



Done!

That came out very well.

Thank you!

I second that it looks great!!!
How much with shipping to Indiana to build one for my truck? LOL

Dave

Thanks Dave! I actually have considered making a few to see if some people wanted to buy them. I have no idea how much shipping would be, you probably wouldn't like the price!