Installing 06 Impala rear seats, can I cut the wheelwell?

[chopperroxie]

I'm currently installing the front buckets, console and rear seats from a 06 Impala into my 71 chevelle. The fronts are in, but the rear back rest is about 2" too wide on each side, it's hitting the wheel well. I can't trim the seat because it's a fold down. Of course, the first I thought of was take a Big hammer and beat the wheel well till it fits, but stopped myself

Anybody done this before with oversized seats? Everything else if fitting nicely and I love the way it looks.

Thanks Much

Corey Vandiver

[Rhino]

Unfortunately, if you're cutting into the wheel well you're reducing tire clearance and possible tire width. 2" is a lot of tire! That's a trade off I wouldn't personally make, however that decision is up to you.

My decisions would be left with either finding a way to cut the seat down, or finding a similar rear seat that fits, then covering it to match.

[chopperroxie]

Yeah, I hear what you're saying about tire clearance. I haven't done any measuring but it looks like I would have enough room. I was worried about the structure of the body, would I being doing anything that would weaken it.

I really love these seats and except for this issue they fit really well.

[Rhino]

In my opinion, notching them for the seat wouldn't adversely impact rigidity. When determining actual tire clearances, don't forget to take body roll and suspension travel into account.

[IMPALAMAN1]

Post pics... You might be able to notch the seat

[LeighP]

Can you trim/cut down the seats in the middle, rather than at the sides? that'd leave you with a stock outside section where the seats normally lock in the up position.

[chopperroxie]

Well, so I went ahead and did it. I took a hammer and beat in the wheel well until the seats fit. I was considering cutting the seats, but the frame around the seat was plastic and didn't really know how to attach it back together and cutting the ends didn't seem to make sense. Anyway I think it worked out well, I made sure I didn't come too close to the rear wheel.

I'll post pictures but it fits real well and actually provides more room than the stock seats. Thanks everyone for their suggestions.

Corey