PSA for installing a seat swivel

BenJJ · 07-20-2018, 11:30 AM

Got my passenger seat swivel from 1der (Thanks!) and went to install it but found out I didn't have the right tool to remove the current base. After checking my Dad's and brother's garages, they didn't either. The two front bolts are some massive torx button heads. I ordered a set on amazon with the biggest torx bits I could find. Turned out to be a T55.

Just figured that some other people might run into this and knowing what size bit to get could make it a bit easier

Fork-N-Road · 07-20-2018, 03:23 PM

I could be wrong, but I thought those were a "T55 Plus", heads up...

BenJJ · 07-20-2018, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fork-N-Road

I could be wrong, but I thought those were a "T55 Plus", heads up...

Dang, I just did a test fit this morning before I left for work, but didn't actually remove the bolts. Seemed to fit, but I will report back when I get home. Could be I just missed the plus part of the size label.

If it doesn't actually work I am going to be upset because my set has T55 and T60 but not T55 plus.

joefromsf · 07-20-2018, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fork-N-Road

I could be wrong, but I thought those were a "T55 Plus", heads up...

Interesting, I've used a T55 to remove front seats and rear bench seats in my Ford van. But now that you mention it, it does fit a little loose. In my case, no harm done.

Note that I have a 2012 van and loosened all the bolts within two years. Might be a different story with bolts not touched for 10 or more years.

1der · 07-20-2018, 09:26 PM

Technically the bolts are T55 plus. But I have always used the T55 with fine results.

The caveat on this is if the bolts are stubborn then the looseness of the T55 becomes noticeable and the T55+ may be required to break them loose.

86Scotty · 07-20-2018, 10:25 PM

Ben, if you continue to play with Ford vans you will have all sorts of odd Torx bits. If your Amazon purchase proves wrong I would get a single from O'reilley, Napa or a 'better' auto parts store. They're just a few bucks and they have the bulletproof type. I've attempted to destroy mine with a big air wrench for years, it still breaks loose rusted seat bolts without a problem. Plus they're guaranteed so it's just a quick run to the local store if I do ever finally break it.

BenJJ · 07-21-2018, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Ben, if you continue to play with Ford vans you will have all sorts of odd Torx bits. If your Amazon purchase proves wrong I would get a single from O'reilley, Napa or a 'better' auto parts store. They're just a few bucks and they have the bulletproof type. I've attempted to destroy mine with a big air wrench for years, it still breaks loose rusted seat bolts without a problem. Plus they're guaranteed so it's just a quick run to the local store if I do ever finally break it.

Yeah I really should have just bought a big set the first time, this is my second torx bit purchase for the van.

Also, I just used the t55 bit to remove the front seat no problem.

ndubes · 07-26-2018, 10:34 AM

I recently installed that swivel from 1der as well as some sienna seats in our middle row and I hate those torx wrenches! Does anyone see any issue with replacing them with some hex bolts and washers + split washers? Seems like being able to use a socket wrench would be sooo much easier if you ever wanted to remove them in the future. My bloody knuckles are hoping nobody dissuades me from this idea.