I Can’t Remove My Rear Seat Cushion...it Will Be a Problem

[Fair-cooled]

This has me baffled. While doing work on the fuse panel today I was not
able to lift the rear bench seat squab to disconnect the battery. I took a chance
and managed to get my job done without any aching, but what will I do if I should need a boost, or need to change batteries ?
Everywhere I look says it should simply lift up. On other cars I’ve owned a slight push inward at the base of this squab would release the seat bottom
( none were VW Beetles ). I can’t see why VW would make such an essential access point difficult to remove. Am I missing something ? ANY help will be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks ,
Darren.
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‘74 Super beetle, originally from California until 5 years ago.

Seize the day...not the Engine...

[Matt Wilson]

Firstly, what's a "squab"? And secondly, just pull up harder, whilst pushing back. Make sure you aren't caught on any seat belt mechanisms.
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1972 Standard Beetle
1969 Baja Beetle

[iowegian]

[Fair-cooled]

A squab is the cushion you sit on. The opposite of a seat back which, you guessed it, supports your back.
In any event I pushed with every ounce of strength in me. I even tried to push back with a stout, wide flat screwdriver...never budged. I’ll take a photo of it tomorrow...the entire interior was upgraded by the previous owner, so something may be amiss ?

While trying to push back on the bottom of the seat cushion it didn’t budge. I’ll
try a few other ideas tomorrow...it must simply be jammed somehow because I’m sure it shouldn’t de too difficult. I will update this tomorrow...hopefully with some explanation of why it was so damned contrary!

Thanks Matt;

Darren.
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‘74 Super beetle, originally from California until 5 years ago.

Seize the day...not the Engine...

[gt1953]

Try using a putty knife slipped in between the seat & the rail. Then a small screw driver forcing seat to the rear and pop it over the rail. Try that.
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Volkswagen: We tune what we drive.
Numbers Matching VW's are getting harder to find. Source out the most Stock vehicle and keep that way. You will be glad you did.

72 type 1
72 Squareback
({59 Euro bug, 62, 63, 67, 68, 69, 73 type ones 68 & 69 type two, 68 Ghia all sold})

[Tim Donahoe]

Try pulling the release on the seat back, lifting the top of it forward a little. This should take some pressure off the “Squab”. Then push in and up on the seat bottom. Hopefully, the PO didn’t glue the ting down, or something.

I have a hard time reinstalling my seat bottom, but removing it is very easy.

The battery should be checked for corrosion, as well as water level at least twice a year. Also, you can test it with a Vom to see how well it’s doing.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[Fair-cooled]

[Fair-cooled]

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

I cut a battery box down to height to prevent acid corrosion of the pan. Be sure to think about and create a bracket to your box so that you can still fasten down the box & battery- so it doesn't go bouncing around.

Here's mine:

Consider covering the battery terminals with some rubber and/or plastic lid from a storage container. Plus I covered the seat springs with rubberized kitchen drawer liner material too.

I second the possibility of installing a battery cut off switch for ease of use/easy reach. I did it like TX73 did:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8115267&highlight=battery#8115267

Pics of mine:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php...t_dir=DESC

Fire extinguisher I bought:
https://elementfire.com/

Got the E50 and a magnetic mount, have it stuck underneath the front dash for easy reach in case of emergency.
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1973 Standard Beetle
1600DP AK case
Solex 34PICT3 Carb
Bosch DVDA 205AJ Distributor

[Tim Donahoe]

I have a keyed battery cut-off switch. It’s great when working on wiring, especially since reinstalling my seat is such a bitch. It’s also nice to have something that makes the car a little harder to steal, even though I have full coverage insurance.

When I had my rear quarter panel replaced last year, which included the battery area, of course, I just primed, then painted it. After a year, I just inspected the area while installing a new battery, and it looked fine.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[Fair-cooled]

Those are great photos and ideas AlmostHeavenWV_VW and Tim ! The pics and extra information will definitely make things easier. I didn’t get to it today as other things came up ( I’m finding certain services [ especially government ] are quite a bit slower with the Covid19 virus causing lots of delays...I waited two full hours to get in to our local DBV today to renew the
registration for my daily driver today ). But I’m ok with things. I’ve got lost of “smallish” jobs to do to my bug too...such as removing both door panels and lubricating and adjusting the lock button, outside door handles etc. I’ve gathered stuff such as new poly sheeting and “stay soft “ adhesive for the vapour barriers, but I forgot to get a couple of cans of “ rust-not “ type of inner
door metal rust preventing spray. But I’ll get there.
I am going to use the bracket method to hold my battery cut-off switch.
I’m going with the non-locking type simply because of the slim chance of a roll over...I might not be able to reach a key to unlock ( disconnect ) the battery,
but I should be able to reach back and throw the switch even if I’m upside down. I think. Hopefully that won’t ever be tested, but it will make even changing the battery a bit easier too. Worth it to me. These things are fun projects on what I call “hobby” cars. I had not thought about making connectors ( that can be insulated with plastic covers of some sort ) for a trickle charger, but once I read it I knew it would be something I’ll be adding too. Great, practical idea !
My single finger typing caused me to mess up my message about my fire extinguisher...what I had intended to say was that I have the proper extinguisher, but I don’t have a suitable mount for it...solid enough to keep it in place, but designed to be quickly released. This is where our local fire and other safety equipment store will likely be able to help me. If not I’ll McGuyver
something that will work. In the mean time I have the extinguisher sitting on the rear floor. Fine for the time being. Doubtful if I’ll ever have more than two in the car, but I want a proper bracket irregardless.
BTW- AlmostHeavenWV_VW , I will be making an acid-proof container similar to what you built...got to protect those floor panels imo. I will make sure that my container doesn’t keep me from fastening the battery in place...don’t need THAT sliding around under there ❗️And of course I won’t leave any way for acid to get to the floor should it ( the battery )
crack, or whatever.
So thanks again guys. Although it may be a few days before I get to it, I
will post pictures of my work. Enjoy the long weekend to all who have a 3 day weekend ! Safe and happy motoring;

Darren

Here a few things that can be done at anytime now. Beetle is finally Registered
Inspected, and Insured. Now I can drive it enough to start tuning a slight
hesitation out of the motor when cold. Clears up after ~ 10 minutes.
Parts are , Bosch points, right side door mirror ( need ! ), vintage era chrome Flashlight and holder, door panel clips( 50 ), fire extinguisher, cable ends-for bonnet safety release, rosewood door locks ( STYLIN ! ), oil drain gaskets, valve clearance sticker for fan housing, etc. Oh, and Kenwood faceplate,
( haven’t even tried the stereo yet ). Good to have little things to do to improve the ride imo.

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‘74 Super beetle, originally from California until 5 years ago.

Seize the day...not the Engine...

[FreeBug]

Not sure if I'm talking about the same thing, but on my 1303 super, there's a hook-tab which fits into a slot to hold the bottom seat back, probably a safety regulation thing.

If that's what we're talking about...

[Fair-cooled]

@Freebug...I’ve been wondering about this ever since looking at the photo of the upside down rear seat “cushion”. There looks like there is a pull-strap at the Center of the cushion, on the bottom...could this be the thing I’m up against ?
I am also 1303 owner btw. I’ve removed plenty of rear seat cushions in my day, all without any problem ( none on a beetle ).This is at least part of why I find it so confounding...thanks for what may be a HUGE tip-off Freebug !

Darren.
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‘74 Super beetle, originally from California until 5 years ago.

Seize the day...not the Engine...

[Maddel]

All German but the top left pic may help to get an idea:

Try to lift the front of the bench a little, then pull it forward to free that latch.
Be careful not to damage the back rest upholstery.

[P-Bear]

[Fair-cooled]

[Tim Donahoe]

https://superbeetlesolutions.com/coupe-disconnect-switch-keyed

Check this out, Darren, especially the instructions.

Edit: the instructions won’t open. Oh, well, the kit comes with instructions.

This keyed cut-off switch is a bit more than I paid for it five years ago, but it’s a nice addition. The key stays in the slot, except when you put it in the off position, then the key can come out.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[Fair-cooled]

[Maddel]

[Fair-cooled]