Started on a project to retrofit some tray tables I got from the salvage yard. I hate stopping while I'm working to take pictures/ videos...but I'll try my best to document the process.


Just me doing a test fit. They were not sitting flush. I noticed 2 pieces in the seat frame that were protruding and in the way.

Hard to tell in this pic. It will be more noticeable in the cutting process.
[img alt="Started to trim the metal. The seat leather is attached to it, so I was sure to leave enough for it to still be sturdy.

Side note. Those cutoff disc tend to break off easily. So eye protection is a must. I ended up going thru about 10 of them on the 1st 2 brackets! Its not the cost that bothers me but having to unscrew/ rescrew a new one in. Eats up so much time. Be prepared to swear a lot. I have some better ones for the other seat."]https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jaguarforums.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/20250607_145104_41ae5cfd9f6150bc722a4b70e6e5d06b68 a9035b.jpg[/img]
Started to trim the metal. The seat leather is attached to it, so I was sure to leave enough for it to still be sturdy. Side note. Those cutoff disc tend to break off easily. So eye protection is a must. I ended up going thru about 10 of them on the 1st 2 brackets! Its not the cost that bothers me but having to unscrew/ rescrew a new one in. Eats up so much time. Be prepared to swear a lot. I have some better ones for the other seat.

My rotary tool. Could not find my Dremel and purchased this WEN brand. I must say, I'm pretty impressed for $35. Came with many accessories as well. Extension, light ring attachment, cutting guides.

Finished the cut..and repeated the process on the other side.

Sits perfectly flush now! All of the clips line up as my oem backplate. Happy with the results so far.

 

These reinforced and quick swapping disc are worth every penny! Save yourself the headache using the regular ones.


Now I have to find a suitable bracket/ bracing to mount the actual trays to. Then dye them black to match.

 

Reserved for future updates

 

Reserved #2

 

I appreciate the effort.

One thing I have noticed about taking the time for pics…I make fewer mistakes cause I am thinking things thru.

one adverse effect of documenting…it becomes habit.

 

I'm glad somebody appreciates it lol

I wish I could say the same about the pic thing. I usually plan everything out before I start. So I tend to just want to get it done. I just ordered a helmet cam..so hopefully I can have some video footage as well. Plus my hands will be free.

 

Those small Dremel EZ lock cutting wheels are the best thing ever. So much easier than the old captivated screw design.

 

100%

 

Well, just noticed that this forums does allow me to edit posts after a day. Really wanted to keep everything in the first 3 replies.

Anyway, I was trying to create a template for the tray mounting bracket. I did some brainstorming and started to measure up. I went to Home Depot to look at steel bars. They were expensive so decided to use wood instead... just to do mockups and get the right measurements/angles.
I cut a piece of baseboard trim to the length between the seat frame (16") ... rough cut it to fit around the part I cut of the frame ...and tack CA glued it in place.

I put the back trim piece back..and I was in shock how perfect the piece of wood fit. Saved me a lot of time and trial-and-error. Basically the thickness is what I need to transfer on steel.

Seat tray wood mockup.mov



Fit perfectly ☺️🤗

 

Next is to sketch up a design and find some suitable steel pieces. Needs to be strong enough to support any weight placed on the trays.

Then drill and tap screw holes

 

Quick sketch I drew up.
I plan one using some L shaped steel pieces as the main lateral brace. They're about 2mm thick. Also 2 5mm thich flat pieces of steel. I may have to double check my measurements..but they will need to be the same thickness as the wood piece from my mockup. I can always grind away some if need be.

This will need to be welded for maximum strength. Then I will drill and tap some threads for the screws. Haven't decided if I will weld to the seat frame or just bolt. Leaning towards the latter, due to high temps and possible damages.

 

Been busy setting up a new business. Finally had some free time to work on projects.



Did some work on the bracket setup. I simplified some. My original design would have gotten in the way of something. I didn't take into account that it moved back whenever someone sat down.





Ended up drilling mounting holes today. Using 4 3/4 long #10 machine bold/nuts. Should be strong enough. I didn't want to drill a larger hole in the seat frame. Integrity concerns.







Notched out about 3 inches in the U channel style bar to accommodate the 1/4 thick bar. These will be welded together.



I haven't drilling holes into the U channel yet. Debating if I should do a "slit" on each side to make it easier to adjust...and still be able to bolt down.







Drilled 4 holes in the frame. Placed the bolts from behind. Easier to mount bracket as the screws hold it in place. Trying to get them in turned out to be the most pain part of today. Reaching between a tight space with 2 fingers and having curving it back. Good thing I had plenty practice with that move lol





Test fitting. Super steady so far👌🏾. Just a few more adjustments. I have to grind down a small section on the top lateral bar. Its hitting a pie e of the back panel.



I've already cut the pieces for the other seat mount..and will be getting those ready next time. Hopefully get to weld. Drill/tap them also.

 

Dyed the seat backplates today. Went with SEM Midnight black. But gonna end up doing a straight black coat tomorrow. Its a shade lighter than the factory. I rather a shade darker.

Should finish welding on Saturday.

 

Welded up...

My welds look like keloids, but they work 😆

Gonna throw a coat of enamel paint on em tomorrow. Once cured I'll bolt them in..so I can mark where to drill.

 

Welp... minor setback. Was storming almost the entire day. Also, while tapping hole 7/8 ...the bit broke off into the hole. Took all my free time to get it out. So waiting on a new M6 one to be delivered.

But I did manage to paint everything. I should get the mounts ready before they cure.

 

Quick coat of enamel.

Before.

After.

 

I was going to add a wireless charge pad inside the trays.. but nobody really uses that. I will add a shallow cup holder down the line.
I'll have to remove everything again, when its time to add headrest screens.

 

Made me chuckle. A grinder and paint make me the welder I ain't!

If you have any friends in the trades just ask if you can dig through their jobsite dumpster, I get a lot of metal for free from fabrication shops that scrap their drops.

 

Lol 😅

I'll be sure to check with them next time. I was lucky enough to get the most expensive piece for this mod for free.

 

OK, I have a potentially dumb question. As someone who very often tends to over complicate things, I often try to think through what I am doing to ensure I am indeed not doing it the hard way. So in the spirit of that....with all this effort, why not just replace the entire seats?