Seat mod for a '96.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 243
From: NC
Seat mod for a '96.
I've been asked about the seat on my '96 RK so I thought I would post some pics of what I did. This works for me, if you have done something different that worked for you then please post a pic. This might help some folks looking for a different seat.
I used a piece of stainless bar stock I had and bent it in a vice to get the bends required. This took a few test fittings to get the seat to fit right. In the end I used some rubber matting stuff to fill in the space between the new tongue and the tongue on the bike. Those are 3/4" machine screws holding it to the seat.
I used this method as the newer seats had tongues on them already. This one was mounted with large rivets that had to be drilled out.
I know it looks rough but the seat fit tight and does move around.
I used a piece of stainless bar stock I had and bent it in a vice to get the bends required. This took a few test fittings to get the seat to fit right. In the end I used some rubber matting stuff to fill in the space between the new tongue and the tongue on the bike. Those are 3/4" machine screws holding it to the seat.
I used this method as the newer seats had tongues on them already. This one was mounted with large rivets that had to be drilled out.
I know it looks rough but the seat fit tight and does move around.
Advanced
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 96
Likes: 8
From: Houston, TX
It looks good. I may have to try that out on my '93 FLHTP as it didn't have a seat (due to my father-in-law's dog chewing the two-up seat to bits...in addition to some wiring). I found a seat on ebay and it arrived yesterday. The seat has a lateral bar that should mate up with the tank tab (similar to the tank tab in your photo). I'm going to have to try a setup similar to your longitudinal bar.
For the rear mount, I don't want to find/use the FLHS grab rail, so I plan on using a Mustang Rear Seat Mounting Bracket in place of the grab rail.
For the rear mount, I don't want to find/use the FLHS grab rail, so I plan on using a Mustang Rear Seat Mounting Bracket in place of the grab rail.
Novice
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: WNY
I've been wondering if anyone has done this, with the shortage of seats for the 96 FLH models. It seems that there are plenty of used 97-up seats.for reasonable money out there, and while my stock seat is in good shape, I want to get lower and farther back a bit without sending the seat out to be reworked. Good stuff!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 243
From: NC
TXWarthog I'm using a bracket like the one from the stock passenger seat that bolts to the back of the fender. This seat must have come off an early 2000's or so cause the curve is not quite matched up to my frame. I used some thick rubber isolation pad to make a couple of spacers that keep it good and stable when bolted down. There is a little space between the seat and the fender. Not perfect but ehh it rides nice.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 125
Likes: 11
From: Wisconsin
What I plan on doing is removing the bottom two bolts on my tank mount, using the empty one above and drill and tap two more, then remove that bottom portion, then take a measurement from a 97 and up bike from the bottom of the tank to the new style mounting hole. And cut the hole. This will give me the option to run my mustang seat for original application and any seat from 97-07 by just changing the quick detach seat screw.
Novice
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: WNY
I've heard that guys will cut the first bend off the seat tab and then cover it to make the fit tighter, but this would screw it up for going back onto a 97+ bike. Seems like someone could set up a way to replace either the tab or mount and market it on a low volume level. There are a lot of 91-96 bikes still out here.
Thanks for the reply.
QUOTE=Jagg11;16497837]What I plan on doing is removing the bottom two bolts on my tank mount, using the empty one above and drill and tap two more, then remove that bottom portion, then take a measurement from a 97 and up bike from the bottom of the tank to the new style mounting hole. And cut the hole. This will give me the option to run my mustang seat for original application and any seat from 97-07 by just changing the quick detach seat screw.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the reply.
QUOTE=Jagg11;16497837]What I plan on doing is removing the bottom two bolts on my tank mount, using the empty one above and drill and tap two more, then remove that bottom portion, then take a measurement from a 97 and up bike from the bottom of the tank to the new style mounting hole. And cut the hole. This will give me the option to run my mustang seat for original application and any seat from 97-07 by just changing the quick detach seat screw.[/QUOTE]
Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 125
Likes: 11
From: Wisconsin
I don't want to modify the seat, that way I.can use any seat and have it mount just life the factory. I'll.be able to use older and newer seats
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 461
Likes: 8
From: western CT
ya i just cut the existing tab on a 06 road king seat at the bend and stuck a piece of rubber on it, fits tight doesnt move around on me, this was on my 95 flhtc
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 125
Likes: 11
From: Wisconsin
I spent 3hrs cutting a slot, and what ended up working on the lepera seat and the Harley sundowner seat was bend the tab up and slide it in where the factory Electra glide seat mount was. Gave the bottom of the seat a good shaping with a hammer, and it fits mint!
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 129
Likes: 14
From: Gulf Coast
Last edited by 98FLHP; Aug 9, 2017 at 10:52 PM.