|  | Topic : Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. |  |
| | | mendrizzi | | Set |  | | Reg. Date | : | 16/03/2018 | | Posts | : | 1 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 16 Mar 2018 - 22:24 Post title : Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. | | | Hi all.
Has anyone installed/adapted a thunderbird to a storm?
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 16 Mar 2018 - 22:30 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: mendrizzi) | | | Somewhere back in time, (Year or so ago) I did a writeup on this very thing. It is on this forum, so do a search.
The LT pan will not fit the Storm, but the LT cushion and cover will fit the T-Bird/Storm seat pan. You'll have to remove the stock cover & cushion and staple the LT's onto the stock pan.
VERY comfortable and relatively easy to do.
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16 
| | Post edited by VABird on 17 Mar 2018 - 11:54 |
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| | | MotorMac | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 29/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 1,791 | | Location | : | Nor Cal, United States |
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| | Posted : 18 Mar 2018 - 17:56 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: VABird) | | | Since you did this - and it makes perfect sense, swapping pans - you would know: Aside from shape, is the same kind of foam used in both seats?
Mine appears to be a fairly dense mounded foam with a somewhat stiffer block under passenger seat.
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 19 Mar 2018 - 00:40 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: MotorMac) | | | MotorMac wrote:
Since you did this - and it makes perfect sense, swapping pans - you would know: Aside from shape, is the same kind of foam used in both seats?
Mine appears to be a fairly dense mounded foam with a somewhat stiffer block under passenger seat. |
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The foam is different from the LT/Cmdr. to the Storm/T-Bird. It will fit onto the Storm/T-Bird pan, but it's thicker and cushier.
In the photo above,the pillion seat is not mounted, just sitting there on the fender. It's not a straight swap either, but I didn't even try to mount it since I made the LT seat to fit with my custom luggage carrier. The carrier is big & kinda ugly, but very useful; lots of space for long trips.
If I stack enough luggage on there, I don't even miss my backrest!
 
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
| | Post edited by VABird on 19 Mar 2018 - 00:49 |
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| | | GerPa | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 10/12/2011 | | Posts | : | 1,919 | | Location | : | Mackay, Central Queensland, Australia |
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| | Posted : 19 Mar 2018 - 07:40 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: VABird) | | | Oih Bob
You not the only one that carts heaps on the back. I made a similar thing out of Lexan, I put about 15+Kgs on it.
The only thing that has me concerned is how strong is that rear triumph single mounting point.
|  May-2011-1600, 20306 Tune, Mustang Vintage Solo Seat, Meerkat Cat Bypass, + Meerkat Modified Short TORS  ,K&N Air Cleaner,K&N Oil Filter, JBQ lifting system, Gold Plug Magnetic Sump Plug,Dart Fly screen, Rivco Risers, GiPro Gear Indicator, Breakaway Cruise Control, Avon ISO Grips, Scorpion Western Low Handlebars, Kury Switchblade Pegs, Garmin Zumo390LM,Michelin RC2 on Front RC 3 on ,Modified Rear Drive Pulley Hub Bearings (Mat1600/Alex4 Modification) Front Susp: Std & 7.5W Oil /126mm Air Gap & Rear:Hagon Nitro's with 26Kg/cm Springs + Lots of other "Bling" stuff.
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| | | VABird | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 28/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,373 | | Location | : | BEDFORD, Virginia, United States |
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| | Posted : 19 Mar 2018 - 21:31 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: GerPa) | | |
| GerPa wrote: ...... The only thing that has me concerned is how strong is that rear triumph single mounting point. |
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I'd say it's pretty strong.........can hold some pretty fat butts!
| The ride may be fun, but in the Great Scheme of things, it really is about the destination! John 3:16
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| | | | Posted : 16 Jun 2022 - 03:27 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: VABird) | | | VABird wrote:
Somewhere back in time, (Year or so ago) I did a writeup on this very thing. It is on this forum, so do a search.
The LT pan will not fit the Storm, but the LT cushion and cover will fit the T-Bird/Storm seat pan. You'll have to remove the stock cover & cushion and staple the LT's onto the stock pan.
VERY comfortable and relatively easy to do.
In the photo above,the pillion seat is not mounted, just sitting there on the fender. It's not a straight swap either, but I didn't even try to mount it since I made the LT seat to fit with my custom luggage carrier.
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Digging out this old thread in a hope that You have some pics of how you did the rear seat... and that you'll see this...
Just got a hold of both seats and would like to know how you approached the rear swap? Unless I should be reading the last line as 'fk that, I just built the carrier, you're on your own'?
Anyone done the pillion?
| | Post edited by StrippedChicken on 16 Jun 2022 - 03:28 |
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| | | | Posted : 21 Jun 2022 - 03:46 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: StrippedChicken) | | | Just got the seats in, the rear 'fits' the 1600, however the tongue on the rear is short around 10mm (0.39"), funnily enough, it looks like the tongue on the 1600 rear seat is that much longer.... I'm thinking I might drill out the rivets holding it down and and try a swap, provided I can find my rivet gun.. and the appropriate rivets.
*Edit: Found the rivet gun and rivets.... this must be a good sign given it took me 2 hours to find the one sodding Allen/Hex key the other day. 
**Edit#2: Tongue is the same, it's set back an extra 5mm (0.19") on the 1600 rear seat pan.
| | Post edited by StrippedChicken on 21 Jun 2022 - 05:55 |
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 21 Jun 2022 - 05:35 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: StrippedChicken) | | | It just takes thought and time
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | | Posted : 21 Jun 2022 - 05:58 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: Leethal) | | | Thought is where I'm stuck now.....
Do I try to find someone to custom fab a new tongue, or, try to move either the front Bracket, or rear tongue the required length?
The first option, I imagine, would cost a bit more than the later, however the later then comes with 'can you simply move it' or will it cause weaknesses/water ingress?
 TRUIMPH ENGINEER 
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 21 Jun 2022 - 21:55 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: StrippedChicken) | | | My first option is always, can I do it myself?
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | | Posted : 21 Jun 2022 - 23:40 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: Leethal) | | |
Leethal wrote:
My first option is always, can I do it myself? |
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I think the main question is: Why did I drill out the rivets on the 1600 seat, not the donor first? 
I'll have to leave it for another day though, getting smashed at work this week... shouldn't have let the jitters get the better of me.
I might just have to make a backing plate and epoxy it to the inner side of the seat base then move the plate forward the extra length, dunno how well that will go though... 
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| | | MotorMac | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 1,791 | | Location | : | Nor Cal, United States |
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| | Posted : 22 Jun 2022 - 02:23 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: StrippedChicken) | | | You have to drill both seats and swap brackets, yes?
Replace with pop rivets?
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| | | | Posted : 22 Jun 2022 - 03:15 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: MotorMac) | | |
MotorMac wrote:
You have to drill both seats and swap brackets, yes?
Replace with pop rivets?
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I thought (measured twice) the 1600 tongue was longer..... now that I've drilled out the rivets on the 1600's one and sat it atop the one on the LT, they look to be the same length, maybe 1-2mm difference, but not enough to make the gap either.
The LT/Commander seat does fit, however, I can't tell how much of the locating tab at the front actually has purchase and don't really want to risk it with someone on there... I did fit it, bolt it up and sit on it to see if it would break loose, but I just don't like the idea of that being a possible cause for injury/death in the event it lets go with someone on it. I'd rather nut this out and get it sitting as intended..
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| | | MotorMac | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 1,791 | | Location | : | Nor Cal, United States |
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| | Posted : 23 Jun 2022 - 03:10 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: StrippedChicken) | | | That tongue just centers the seat, side bolts hold it on.
I'd be more concerned with the vents/airflow on 1600 seat.
Does the newer seat have same type of moulded foam?
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| | | | Posted : 23 Jun 2022 - 03:29 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: MotorMac) | | | MotorMac wrote:
That tongue just centers the seat, side bolts hold it on.
I'd be more concerned with the vents/airflow on 1600 seat.
Does the newer seat have same type of moulded foam?
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The 'tongue' I was referring to I could probably call the bracket, the chrome piece on the rear seat which bolts down to the rear fender.
you just reminded me of a midnight thought I had just before the sleepings kicked in, if there's enough of the bracket holding the rear seat, I may just leave it and not stuff around with the 'tongue', possibly just 'adjust' the mounting bracket at the rear of the Riders seat.
I'm not sure if the foam is different as I'm waiting on another stock seat so I can make mistakes with that and not the 'only one' I might have left.
it's a rubbery kinda feeling, almost glossy foam, but it is molded, so could well be the same as others, 'feels' a good sight better than the stockie.
It came off a '14 Commander that dropped the soap.
Edit: These are some pics as best I could get with the phone..
and this is with the seat pushed hard up into position..
this is the Rear seat with the 'tongue' bolted down..
| | Post edited by StrippedChicken on 23 Jun 2022 - 03:55 |
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| | | MotorMac | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 1,791 | | Location | : | Nor Cal, United States |
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| | Posted : 23 Jun 2022 - 15:52 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: StrippedChicken) | | | Thought we were talking about a solo seat.
There was a recall on that bracket in photo, difference between original and replacement is exactly as you described - none to speak of, aside from a mm or 2 in length. You may have one of each, if that fender bracket is an issue.
Foam keeps coming up for good reason. Mine is exactly as described above, molded one piece with a stiff block below passenger section.
Chrome tail on passenger seat is pretty important but I doubt if it's a safety concern.
I picked up a pneumatic staple gun for this, highly recommended.
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| | | | Posted : 23 Jun 2022 - 20:06 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: MotorMac) | | |
MotorMac wrote:
Thought we were talking about a solo seat.
There was a recall on that bracket in photo, difference between original and replacement is exactly as you described - none to speak of, aside from a mm or 2 in length. You may have one of each, if that fender bracket is an issue.
Foam keeps coming up for good reason. Mine is exactly as described above, molded one piece with a stiff block below passenger section.
Chrome tail on passenger seat is pretty important but I doubt if it's a safety concern.
I picked up a pneumatic staple gun for this, highly recommended. |
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I checked the VIN with Triumph prior to purchase and there was no recalls impacting it, so I figure it should be alright.
The two pics are of the same seat (off the LT) one where the chrome is bolted in on the fender (the one that looks like it's not fully inserted) and the other pic is with the seat pushed fully toward the front of the bike, locating it where it should be, which means the chrome tab doesn't line up with the fender nut location.
I might double check the brackets, but I think they're the same (same year) but then I thought the chrome tail's were also different...
The father in law gave me a pneumatic staple gun a few years ago when he retired, which is good because I can't remember where I put the grip force one  .
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| | | | Posted : 04 Jul 2022 - 09:13 Post title : Re: Fitting a thunderbird seat to a storm. (Re: StrippedChicken) | | | Just thought I'd chime in again and mention how I plan to tackle this....
So, the mounting points on the seats are 5mm different between the Commander/LT and the 1600 in regards to front and rear.
The bracket on the fender which has the 3 locating holes in it is the same on both LT and 1600 frames with the exception of the SE (not sure why, ask Triumph).
The single bolt at the rear of the fender and seat is where the difference comes into play, with the 1600 being 5mm farther away from the rider (again, ask Triumph).
I managed to get the front and rear seats off a wrecked bike and just got in contact with the seller to see if he still had the bracket that bolts to the fender, which he does and will be sending tomorrow.
Now the plan.... strip said bracket of paint and weld an extension plate to the back of it to take up the difference...
This was, if I ever want to go back to the original pillion seat or what have you, I still have a 'stock' bracket.. If I can't undo the mod, I don't do the mod.
I imagine this is going to be far less stuffing around, make a template, drill out the 5mm plate and cut to shape, than trying to find a way of reinforcing the plastic base of the seat and relocating the mounting hardware and making that reinforcement unnoticeable under the toosh...
MotorMac wrote:
I picked up a pneumatic staple gun for this, highly recommended. |
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What size staples did you use for this? From what I can tell with the old ones, either 4-6mm would suffice?
| | Post edited by StrippedChicken on 04 Jul 2022 - 10:18 |
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