Is it feasible to raise the driver's seat about 2" (beyond the existing ratchet limits) by having "distance pieces" fitted to existing seat securing bolts on floor?

Of course its feasible, but I doubt insurance companies would want to accept such a modification as the seat mounting is pretty much a primary safety issue.

 

Before embarking on this project, check it out with your insurance company.

The seat mount by four mounting bolts. Presumably, you could obtain longer bolts with the same thread and strength, fit a good quality spacer and refit the seat. 

 

As a safety issue, whilst iy may be correct to tell the insurance, if it is done safely, what is the problem? Not gonna be worse then fitting wheel spacers, which bare the weight of the vehicle and many here have fitted those, probably WITHOUT informing anyone!

Unusual modifications will usually be refused s they have no experience of them. Inside the "safety cage" of the car I suspect modifications would be denied anyway. Insurance groups are partly based on NCAP crash testing, and safety features such as seat belts, airbags etc. Modifying the seat and its mounting would void that. Although its possible to get it done "safely", how would you or the insurance company know it is safe without it going through testing or at least an engineer's assesment. For instance, just raising the seat rails on 4 spacers would probably compromise the rigidity of the floor pan for a start.

 

I know on another forum, someone wanted only to remove his (fixed) rear seats (in a Land Rover) so it had more loading area. His Insurance company flaty refused this modification.

 

Anyone who does not inform his insurance company about modifications like this or even fitting wheel spacers, is a fool and likely to be driving illegally without valid cover. Its just a phone call to check.....

Yes if you had an accident and the spacers came to light you would not be insured. Have you thought of putting a cushion on the seat

Many thanks for these comments. I put the question on the basis that such a modification might be officially available from Skoda dealers, but your answers confirm my suspicions regarding compromising the insurance.

 

Yes, I do use a cushion, and have done on 3 Skodas now, though at 5ft 08", I'm not exactly a dwarf, but I appreciate the extra vision.

How times change, Rover P6's, including my 1972 V8, had a set of tubular spacers and longer seat mount bolts included in the tool kit.

With the seat being raised will you need blocks on the peddles ?

aside from the answers pertaining to insurance issues when raising the seat, do they have any issue when lowering it? ie carbon fibre bucket seats etc?

The seat carries the seat belt stalk, so if you alter the way in which the seat is mounted, you're also messing with the seat belt geometry which could reduce its effectiveness.  It may even be scope for a MOT fail under inappropriate repair or modification.

not to forget

 

would the cable for the seatbelt warning and side airbag (if fitted) be long enough?

Raising a seat using Spacers is a very common thing and has been for deacades for Disabled Drivers or vertically challenged.

 

Any Broker can run the Mod passed the Underwriter. Check they are happy with things.

They will normally say you need an Engineers Report, which means run the Mod passed a Mechanic if it is a Home DIY Job,

or have a Mechanical Engineer do it.

 

Air Bags and type things get considered, and Seat Belts, but if someone needs a seat higher, then that is a safety thing and as well to be in the correct safe position for driving.

 

Not much different from fitting a Sports Seat or replacing seats.

Just talk with the Insurance Company.

 

Disability settings are available on cars, Steering and Brake assist can be set.

Motability Cars can have Modifications done and Disabled People can have Modifications done free of VAT,

if they qualify for certain Benefits like DLA HR Mobility Component.

 

george

Seriously?

 

My wife is 5' 8" and drives with the seat at max high setting.  When I get in (6' 3") I literally do not fit in the car.

 

Ramping it back to the lowest setting still feels like I'm sat on a crate.

 

Jump in her Golf and the seat is sooooo much lower to start with.

 

I can't see how you'd need to sit even higher.  But, of course, everyone has an ideal position!

I too, question the need! I am under 5'8" tall and find the seat fully raised to easily be adequate. Visibility is fine, reach etc great. I think you just "Feel" you need more hight.  Strangely, I find most young lads now want the seats jacked down to the lowest limit, somehow thinking they look cool, being so low in the car. They dont, they look like silly little boys, driving daddy's car! Some seem to have trouble seeing over the steering wheel and should potentially be stopped by the police for driving with impaired vision.