Seat removal

[SFPegasus]

I have the 40/20/40 front seat and I'm pulling out the center seat/console/armrest section in favor of a newly-purchased floor console.

 

Has anyone removed their seats and if so, what sort of socket are you using to remove the seat bolts and nuts?

 

It looks like some sort of external torx nuts and bolts.  There's two nuts on the outside fronts of the seats that a 15MM socket fits perfectly, but I'm hesitant to use that in case I damage them.  There's two bolts on the backs of the seats that look smaller, an E16 external torx socket sorta fits, somewhat loose, though.

 

I'm sure GM has a reason for these nonstandard fasteners.  Maybe they sell special tools?

[LarryE]

mine came off with just a regular 6point socket and my air gun.

 

can't remember the size, it's been awhile

[silverado man]

Just a regular socket is all you need.

[SilveradoWV]

Plain Metric socket worked for me, fit rather good IMO.

[z71ff]

Just pulled my front seat a week ago.  Deep 15mm for the front, I forget the exact one for the back bolts, but it was a smaller metric standard socket.  One of them was a real b to get out, but the regular socket broke it no problem with no stripping.

 

It does look like a Torx at first though...

[chevy4x4trucks]

http://www.chevy4x4trucks.com/install/consolecarpet.html

 

I've got some install info and socket sizes required on my site.  I didn't use anythign special, just some deep sockets.  Make sure you have them down nice and tight otherwise you risk stripping the head of the bolt.

[SFPegasus]

Thanks guys....

 

Nice site, chevy4x4trucks.  Good information there!

 

Well, I found out that the small bolts are indeed a Torx E14.  I suspect the large nut that a 15MM fits is really a Torx E18.

 

It's too bad the only way you can get the cargo doors option in the Tahoe is with the 40/20/40 seat and no third seat.  I guess a 6-passenger vehicle getting 17mpg (on a GOOD day)is somewhat more politically correct than a 5-passenger vehicle getting the same.  I can't imagine ANYONE wanting to sit in the center front. (Comfy, eh?)

 

You think there is any market for the seat/console/armrest that's coming out of my Tahoe?

 

Pewter (light gray) cloth in color, if anyone is interested.