Mk7 GTI REAR SEAT DELETE

[@flor201066]

This is my favorite MK7 GTI channel. Hands down.

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for sharing that. It's truly humbling, especially since I think there's a lot of good GTI content out there.

[@jeremyd826]

My car came with the storage blocks that help a lot with the sliding of small things. They are tall blocks that have velcro on the bottom that stick to the carpet and stay pretty well even through spirited driving trips. Hope this helps and awesome DIY rear seat delete.

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks! I have the blocks, too. But I didn't like the way they seemed to pull the fabric out of the OEM "Car Go" cargo mat. I carry a lot of different cargo and imagined the velcro would wear my aftermarket fabric very quickly. No thanks! HAHA! Thanks for visiting! -Scott

[@du3lcitiz3n]

@@StealthGTI Maybe get a cargo net.

[@StealthGTI]

@@du3lcitiz3n - I tried that for a bit, but a clip broken and the net was usually in my way when sliding larger items in. But now I'm being fussy. HAHA!

[@caseyames4298]

Sir, I’m getting an MK7 on Monday & have been planning this mod for a while. Interesting realization. I wish just 1 side could be done. That way i can fit kayak paddles and rifle bags neatly.

[@StealthGTI]

Back in the good ol' days of the Mk3, the seat cushions were split, too. But folding the seat backs down was more complicated, too. If your need is for compartmentalization and not partial seating, you could build a vertical partition on part of the delete. That would make one side long for the paddles and the other side short for containing your rifle bags. It all depends on how creative you want to be. Good luck! -Scott

[@NoZenith]

I believe you can remove just one side seat back and re install the clip abs bolt that hold them in. Seat bottom, no, but that gets the back out of the way!

[@preeceeric]

I am so glad I came across your channel! You have done things to your GTI that I have been wanting to do and thought I was the only one. Literally this video's idea is something I have been toying with. Thanks for the very niche, rad channel!

[@StealthGTI]

Welcome aboard! And thanks for the comments!

[@illiteratebeef]

I installed a unibrace on my Mk5 when I did the rear seat delete, that kept cargo from rolling too far away and was much easier to remove for large things. It also made the car more fun in the corners too.

[@StealthGTI]

Very nice! I'll have to keep that in mind, should I decide to go back for the long-term. Thanks for writing! -Scott

[@recipioct]

There are two spots to anchor it with a bracket to where the seat belts are mounted. You can also use a hook or brace to pull up on the big holes at the front to keep the front anchored. I'm in the process of doing all that right now.

[@StealthGTI]

I have the rear anchored very securely. The front is where I lose confidence. I'd love to see or hear how effective your method for anchoring to those front slot turns out. I didn't want to mess with my front slots because of my desire to have everything completely reversible. Thanks for visiting.

[@recipioct]

@@StealthGTI My plan is to use an aluminum stock bar and cut a portion and drill a hole in it with a bolt locked in place. Then use a small corner brace on the wood to tighten it up with a nut so there is enough pressure to keep it there. Sorta like a grappling hook. I was going to use bungee cords but they would wear out. To protect the paint I'll glue a rubber pad to where it will press.

[@jaydicenso]

I like your point about small cargo space keeping things tight on a spirited drive. For that reason I always leave my trunk floor dropped because I like the bowl it creates for my packs. If you get around to that camping trip, feel free to ping me. I'd be happy to trade camping/backpacking experience for some GTI advice!

[@StealthGTI]

Unfortunately, my lower cargo area is permanently occupied. See details at kzbin.info/www/bejne/aF7JZ3WGo9KXoq8, if you're interested. Thanks for visiting.

[@bthemedia]

Do the rear seats pop in/out without any tools? The plans for your “delete box” might be a useful / valuable download for purchase 😉

[@StealthGTI]

@bwvids - Almost. There's a body-mounted hinge point between the two seat backs. It has a plastic cover. Remove the cover to expose the hinge retainer and its T30 torx mounting screw. Remove the torx screw and the hinge retainer. After that, the seat backs will lift out from the center. Thanks for visiting! -Scott

[@MartyNightengaleDJ]

Great channel! Any idea if the rear seats backs would fold down more "flat" if just the bottom seats were removed? Cheers

[@StealthGTI]

They sure do! I will likely remove only the seat bottom on occasions when I want a perfectly flat cargo area without removing the entire seat. Thanks for visiting!

[@MartyNightengaleDJ]

@@StealthGTI That's great to know, thanks!

[@chloeleedow7250]

Love your OCD it makes for beautiful work ha. 😂💪

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! Thanks!

[@ChriisInsane]

You mind telling me what wood you use and type of fabric and how much wood i would need?! Much appreciated. And keep up this channel. Not many dub youtubers around. Just subscribed also!!

[@StealthGTI]

Thanks for your remarks. I think there's plenty of VW content out there. The tough part is saying something that's not already being said by the others... and whether it is interesting or not. ;-) As for the wood, I used two 2x2-ft sheets of 1/2" MDF for the fold-up doors. You could probably do the frame with a 4x4-ft sheet of plywood and have leftover. Thanks for visiting.

[@NoZenith]

Coming back to watch again. So well done! Did you free hand (make your own template, I realize you're far too meticulous) or find plans for the under platform support? They look like the fit very intricately to the curves.

[@StealthGTI]

I made it. I started with cardboard and gradually trimmed a template until I got close. Then I moved that to wood. I'm not super-steady with a jigsaw. But the carpet helps to conceal my flaws. ;-)

[@NoZenith]

@@StealthGTI any chance you kept your finished template and you'd be willing to sell that if not build one for someone else?

[@StealthGTI]

@@NoZenith - Sorry. I didn't keep the templates.

[@NoZenith]

@@StealthGTI bummer 😅

[@NoZenith]

I've been recommending this video to many folks again and I don't know how many commented but a lot of people are very pleased with your description and good-looking finished product. When I looked up the online available unit they're only a quarter inch thick and only rated for 150 evenly distributed pounds so, that's BS as I alone weigh 160+ so your "just as good but cheaper" is actually superior 😆

[@L0rdVadr]

Ever thought 💭 about using those gorilla grip Velcro corner blockers to keep sliding objects in check? I use them all the time in my wagons. They work great and can be moved around to pretty much any spot or configuration. Try em out. I have them in all my vehicles

[@StealthGTI]

Alec - I've received the corner blockers with each of my new VWs over the years. However, I quickly concluded that they're very tough on the trunk's carpet, if removed and repositioned frequently. I can only imagine that they'd be even more abusive with an aftermarket carpet that's glued to wood. Also, I have to admit that I've appreciated having my back seat again, even though I don't carry passengers back there. Strange, huh? ;-) Thanks for visiting! -Scott

[@L0rdVadr]

StealthGTI gotcha. That’s the beauty of wagons. Best of both worlds.

[@RedondoBeach2]

I like the rear seat delete. Likewise, I understand your frustration with cargo being unstable because of the delete. Have you considered building a cargo net to contain smaller cargo within a smaller part of the rear of the car, or maybe installing tie down points for cargo-straps/bungee-cords? I have an MK4 GTI (3 door hatchback) and the rear seats are useless to me. I like the delete you built and would like to install one as well. Definitely with sound dampening and internal cargo doors like yours. If you were building a new seat delete, what advice would you give me before getting started? Also, can you tell me where to buy fabric that matches the rest of the internal upholstery?

[@StealthGTI]

I considered bungees, but it wasn't a priority. I cannot think it any new advice. I'm happy with how mine turned out. As for matching carpet, I did not find anything. I have black carpet on the "delete" and the factory gray carpet remains on the factory floor. If I really want it to match, I can build a new floor and carpet it to match the delete. Thanks for visiting.

[@sjvt26]

Are you willing to build more to sale?

[@StealthGTI]

I might for someone who is willing to drive to me to get it. But I'm also hesitant it build anything for picky customers. I don't need the headache. HAHA! Thanks for visiting.

[@gregtsutaoka4027]

@stealthGTI great overlander mod. by chance would you share a blueprint for you design? I would love to do it to my GTI MK7 and hit the road camping with my dogs/bike :-)

[@StealthGTI]

Sorry, no blueprints. I just just made some templates from cardboard and then trimmed as I built. Perhaps I'll make an update video. I'm interested in testing this again after adding sound deadening to the hatch. Plus, I found carpet that matches the factory interior. Hmmm. Thanks for visiting!

[@gregtsutaoka4027]

@@StealthGTI thanks for the pro tips. Please do make a new video of your updates! great job. I am going to install a roof top tent next week. So inside storage management + car camping/overland functions are the main focus inside.

[@sonofrobert]

You've almost made a GTI Sportwagen. Cheers

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! Yes! And then I unmade it. Thanks for visiting.

[@hatchbackjack1755]

What type of roof racks did you use? Did you have to screw or bolt them on? I'm looking for a rack for my GTI. By the way, check out my channel please, I have an MK6 and decided to live in it! ...How? You'll have to watch my videos to find out!

[@StealthGTI]

HatchBackJack - Sorry to have missed this. Your post somehow wound up in KZbin's spam folder. I use a Rhino Rack Vortex 2500 RS rack. I like that it is low profile and black. I have a full write-up at stealthgti.com/2017/08/28/rhino-rack-vortex-2500-rs/. I'll check out your channel now that I've seen your post. Take Care! -Scott

[@Dirtxbc]

Can someone let me know how much clearance in height you get?

[@StealthGTI]

I don't have a measurement, but I'll say that it's the same as dropping your seat back and then taking a measurement from the leading edge of the trunk's false floor in the upper position to the ceiling. I think that's about the highest point. The "delete" package is flat. Thanks for visiting.

[@StealthGTI]

I had the rear seat base out yesterday for a project and took a measurement for you. The seat back lays perfectly flat with the seat cushion removed and is exactly the same height as the "delete" package featured in this video. The height is 32" at the tallest point (near the dome light) and tapers to 30" at the rear.

[@NoZenith]

Are you ready to move it yet? 😁🤣 i'd love to buy your seat delete

[@StealthGTI]

It's gone. Shipping would have made it more than it's worth. Good to see you again!

[@PetesModz]

Can you make a diy

[@StealthGTI]

Highly unlikely. I tried to show as much detail in this video as I could so that others can duplicate my efforts. Now that I'm not using it or prone to make an improvement, I doubt I'll take the considerable amount of time that I would need to create a DIY video that meets my standards. It's possible that you might glean something from this post: stealthgti.com/2019/06/17/80000-miles-and-rear-seat-delete/. Thanks for visiting.

[@TENNESSEETRACKHAWK]

That thing looks heavier than the actual seats u removed. Seems like a worthless mod.

[@StealthGTI]

Looks are deceiving. There's a lot of metal in the seatbacks. Believe it or not, the rear seat parts combined weigh just over 60 lbs, or 27 kgs. The rear seat delete package weighs half of that. Regarding its usefulness, I guess that depends on why you'd want one. At the time of this video, I tried it out and concluded that I don't need it. Today, I'm contemplating putting it back into service, at least temporarily, for an upcoming road trip. It's also excellent for moving large objects because it sits lower than where the seat backs will fold. Thanks for visiting.

[@TENNESSEETRACKHAWK]

@@StealthGTI Thanx for the response. I guess ur right ur still saving a lot of weight. I think it would be better to just build ur own out of light weight wood tho. For me my Dog goes back there so being higher actually makes it worse for my dog but surely better for putting stuff back there I agree.

[@StealthGTI]

@@TENNESSEETRACKHAWK - I used 1/2" (1.2 cm) plywood. So, it's fairly light. Regarding height, I have a lot of electronics equipment under the raised rear floor (see kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5Opk6SLZbSEmJo). If max cargo (dogs) was a priority, I could have easily built this deck in the lower position without any electronics installed. That would have yielded an additional 4 inches, or 10 cm.

[@NOLAinNOOGA]

Stop talking about your crap and show us how you removed the Effen seats

[@StealthGTI]

HAHA! By now, you probably have figured out that this is not a "seat removal" video. Instead, it's about the "delete" as a package and what it does. There are other videos that show how to remove the rear seats. I hope you found one. Thanks for visiting.