How to Remove the Challenger's Rear Seat for Weight Reduction or Access
Removing the rear seat is one of the easiest ways to reduce weight. Here's how to do it and what to expect.
Why Remove the Rear Seat?
Weight reduction: The Challenger's rear seat assembly weighs 35–50 lbs. For drag racing, removing it can contribute to improved 60-foot times.
Interior work: Access to the floor pan for sound deadening, rust treatment, or subwoofer installation requires seat removal.
Removal Procedure
Rear Seat Cushion (Bottom Section)
- Locate the two mounting tabs at the front of the cushion (near the floor)
- Push the cushion toward the rear of the car while lifting the front — this releases the front hooks
- Lift the cushion and tilt it forward to clear the rear clips
- Lift out of the car
Rear Seatback
- The seatback folds down — fold it flat first
- Locate the two bolts at the bottom hinge of the seatback (usually 14mm or 16mm)
- Remove the bolts and lift the seatback out
- On models with fold-down seats, disconnect the trunk release cable first
Weight Savings
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Rear seat cushion | ~18–22 lbs |
| Rear seatback (folding) | ~25–35 lbs |
| Total saved | ~40–55 lbs |
Legal and Practical Considerations
- Removing the rear seat doesn't affect safety for front passengers
- Some states require all factory seats to be present for street registration — check local laws
- If you autocross or track the car, removing the rear seat is a straightforward weight reduction that's easy to reverse
Other Easy Weight Reductions
| Item | Weight |
|---|---|
| Spare tire + jack + tools | ~50–60 lbs |
| Rear seat (as above) | ~40–55 lbs |
| Full fuel tank vs quarter tank | ~75 lbs |
| Passenger (for solo runs) | N/A, but keep it in mind |
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