Does anyone know if there are any safety considerations in removing the entire rear seat assembly from a third gen wagon?

I windsurf and need a big wagon for carrying sails and boards. My TS was brilliant but the TJ seats don't fold down as flat as the 2nd gens. Stick up at 30 degrees. Hence considering removing the back seat altogether to give a flatter cargo area. Not sure however is the rear seat in the wagon is an important side intrusion support...

Before anyone asks vans are out because of safety issues, and Commos and Falcons aren't built as well as Mitsis...

Thanks!

Well if you take out the bottom of the seat (the bum part) its just a bit of foam essentially which I would think means it isn't important structurally. Once you've done this, the top part will fold down a lot more so you may not have to take both parts out.

Well if you take out the bottom of the seat (the bum part) its just a bit of foam essentially which I would think means it isn't important structurally. Once you've done this, the top part will fold down a lot more so you may not have to take both parts out.

Yes, that's the case with the TS, and it's quite useful. I wasn't sure however whether that would work on the 3rd gens.

Please be very careful with the back rest, read the proceedure as if you mess it up you will not only risk damage to the seat but also risk personal injury as there is a lot of pre tension on the seat

Please be very careful with the back rest, read the proceedure as if you mess it up you will not only risk damage to the seat but also risk personal injury as there is a lot of pre tension on the seat

Pretension? Are the 3rd gen backrest spring loaded?

There should be a warning label on the backrest about the dangers of removal. Just remove the squab, throw enough packing in its place to make the backrest flat and you can easily reconvert it when your a designated driver

I'll take the advice and leave the backrest alone. Removing the squab should be ideal.