2005 R Seat into 2003 V70 - How To

[matthew1]

Transposed (ok, copied) from Rob's post on Facebook MVS.

The Problem: A simple whole-seat swap will trip airbag, and CANBUS SRS codes.

The Solution: Swap skins and pads.

Sometimes you just want a really comfy seat. I don't recommend doing this.

So onto the fact I did this.... I swapped the skin and cushions from an 05 S60R seat to my 03 V70 seat. The seat heaters are the same connectors, which is rather nice, but I had to use the old airbag, and electronics due to the CANBUS on this car.

Not bad once you get in a rhythm, but a bunch doesn't fit the way you'd expect. The back adjustment knob is higher on an 05, so had to cut the leather a little for it to fit the 03. Also you'll have to swap the head rest skins. I haven't yet, but the 03 has a wider footprint then the 05. To remove the head rest, feel at the back of the seat, where the top seam is, like 6 inches above the pocket, and "pop" it. Takes a lot of feeling around, took me a little.

Other things to note, I had to extend the connector for the 05 back heater to hook up as well. I used a grinding wheel, and a drill to level out the seat cushion springs from the 05 for mounting, hence, the self tappers. 05 cushions just clip instead of hog rings.
But again, I don't recommend this headache, unless you're like me, and everything you drive needs to be comfy!!

[abscate]

My hands ache just looking at those pictures

[matthew1]

So then do SRS codes make your mind ache?

[abscate]

Oh crap, slow can Bus speed in 2003. That’s not going to work, is it?