Rear Seat Reinstall- HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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dwurfel
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Rear Seat Reinstall- HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by dwurfel »

I feel really dumb asking for help on this one but here goes. We replaced some microswitches on the actuator. I had to remove the rear seat to get it done. Thought it was pretty easy to get out. Since then either the seat has gotten larger or fuselage has shrunk. I cnnot for the life of me get it back in the airplane. It seems to go in but still have a bout an inche of seat lip that will not make it in. Have protected everythin but am reluctant to for crce it in. Any help, advise, criticism... will be appreciated. :bow
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Steve
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Re: Rear Seat Reinstall- HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by Steve »

David:

Having owned my airplane for >20 years now, I've had the rear seat out and back in dozens of times.

1) Protect the rear hatch opening lower edge and inside cabin wall with tape or padding (I use an auto fender protector).
2) Get an extra set of hands to assist from the copilot side (I've trained my wife to do this now).
3) The widest point in the rear cabin will line up with the widest point of the rear seat if you bring it in through the rear hatch about 2 inches forward of its installed position.
4) Angle the right side of the seat downward to rest on the forward seat attachment point (where the bolt attaches).
5) You will have to force the left seat edge down past the hatch opening lower edge to pop it in (plus or minus swearing). There is enough "give" in the upholstery to let it pop in.
6) Don't forget to attach the seat belts before reinstalling the securing hardware (I forgot once).

Good luck!

Steve
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Karl
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Re: Rear Seat Reinstall- HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by Karl »

Diamond issued this SI for the removal/installation of seats in the DA42 which is exactly the same as a DA40.

Why they didn't cut and paste it into a DA40 SI or even into the maintenance manual I have no idea.
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SI42-147-Removal-and-Installation-of-Passenger-Seats.pdf
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Lance Murray
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Re: Rear Seat Reinstall- HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by Lance Murray »

You need to give it a pretty good shove. Push hard and it will go.
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YCCA
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Re: Rear Seat Reinstall- HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by YCCA »

What Steve said… It’s a real PITA to get back in and definitely takes 2 people!
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dwurfel
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Re: Rear Seat Reinstall- HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by dwurfel »

:bow :bow :bow :bow

Thanks to everyone who replied and helped me get my “square peg” rear seat in a “ round hole” my DA 40. Got it done. True key is to loosen the two front seat belt reels and turn them forward. Position seat over the right side front rear seat mount and give it a good shove. And yes it does require two patient people. Thanks once again. Dave
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