12-07-09

We were not planning on doing this modification till we received our R32 seats and realized just how heavy the rear passenger side backrest was. The rear seating cushions are not heavy at all nor is the small drivers side backrest, but the passenger side backrest weights allot. It is fabricated of stamped steel, VW made it this way to take the weight of rear seated passengers so the backrest wouldn't cave in. It also provides lateral support for the rear of the vehicle. What we are going to do is cut out the lower 3/4s of the backrest frame and lighten this thing up. At the moment were undecided if we are going to use the cross bracing thats already in place or cut it all out and use aluminum plate or rod to support the cutout. Stay tuned for this mod. Here some pics.

02-19-10

We attempted to do this project but couldn't bring ourselves to use a saw or grinder and such so were at a stand still.  But we did determine the tool needed to cut out the backrest with minimal damage and thats going to be a plasma cutter. Not only will the cutting of the metal be very accurate but it will be quick and precise. So now we need to find a plasma cutter. We may just buy one we have our eye on a certain make and model.