Hey guys! So, you're thinking about upgrading your Toyota pickup seats, huh? You're in the right place! One of the most popular and cost-effective upgrades is swapping in seats from a Scion tC. They're generally pretty comfortable, offer a nice aesthetic improvement, and can often be found at a reasonable price at your local junkyard or online marketplace. But before you jump in, let's dive into everything you need to know about putting Scion tC seats in your Toyota pickup. This guide will cover everything from compatibility and required tools to the actual installation process, and some potential snags you might encounter along the way. Let's get started and make your truck feel brand new!

Why Choose Scion tC Seats?

So, why the Scion tC seats, you ask? Well, there are several compelling reasons. First off, the comfort level is significantly better compared to the stock seats that often come in older Toyota pickups. The tC seats tend to have more bolstering, offering better support for those long drives or off-road adventures. Another great reason is the aesthetics. The seats can give your interior a more modern and sporty look. Plus, they often come in various colors and materials, letting you customize your truck's interior to match your style. And let's not forget the price! You can usually find used Scion tC seats for a lot less than buying brand-new aftermarket seats or even reconditioning your old ones. This makes it an attractive upgrade for anyone looking to refresh their truck without breaking the bank. Finally, the availability is pretty good. Since the tC was a popular car, you can usually find seats at your local auto salvage yards or online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

Benefits of the Upgrade

• Improved Comfort: Scion tC seats are generally more supportive and comfortable than the original Toyota pickup seats, especially for longer trips.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: The seats can give your interior a more modern and stylish appearance, upgrading the overall look of your truck.
• Cost-Effective: Used Scion tC seats are often available at a fraction of the cost of new aftermarket seats.
• Easy Availability: tC seats are generally easy to find in junkyards and online. The Scion tC was produced for several years, ensuring a decent supply of seats.
• Customization Options: You can often find tC seats in various colors and materials, allowing you to personalize your truck's interior.

Compatibility: Which Toyota Pickups and Scion tC Years Work Best?

Alright, before you get your hopes up, it's essential to check compatibility. Not all Toyota pickups or Scion tC seats are created equal. This section will help you determine which combinations are most likely to work smoothly. Generally, this swap is most successful with Toyota pickups from the late 80s to the early 2000s, such as the Toyota Pickup (often referred to as the Hilux in other markets), and the early generations of the Toyota Tacoma. The Scion tC seats that usually fit well are from the first generation (2005-2010). However, the specific fit can vary depending on the pickup's cab style (regular cab, extended cab, or crew cab), and you might need to make some modifications. For example, the seat rails might need to be adjusted or new brackets fabricated to match the bolt patterns of your Toyota. Also, be aware that you may lose some functionality, like the ability to fold the seats forward if you're swapping into a regular cab pickup. Doing some preliminary research, like checking online forums and YouTube videos, can give you a better idea of what to expect for your specific truck model.

Toyota Pickup Models and Years

• Toyota Pickup (Hilux): Models from the late 1980s to the early 2000s generally work well. Make sure to check the seat track width and bolt patterns.
• Toyota Tacoma: Early generation Tacomas (1995-2004) are often good candidates for the swap. Keep in mind the cab style when fitting the seats.

Scion tC Years

• 2005-2010: These are the first-generation Scion tC models. They are the most common and easiest to swap into the Toyota pickups. The seat rails might still need modifications.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Now, let's talk about the tools and materials you'll need to get this project done. You'll need a basic set of hand tools, including a socket set with various extensions and sizes, a wrench set, and a screwdriver set. A good quality ratchet and some combination wrenches will be your best friends during this project. A breaker bar might come in handy for loosening stubborn bolts. If you want to make custom brackets, a welder and grinder will be essential. A measuring tape, marker, and safety glasses are also a must. You will likely need to cut and/or drill and measure multiple times. A cutting tool, such as an angle grinder, hacksaw, or reciprocating saw, will be crucial if you need to modify the seat rails or create custom brackets. Don't forget the safety gear. Eye protection is an absolute must, and gloves will protect your hands from any sharp edges. Also, having some penetrating oil on hand can be useful for loosening rusted bolts. If you are going to be welding, make sure you have appropriate welding gear, including a welding helmet, gloves, and a fire-resistant jacket. You also want to get some anti-seize compound to use on the bolts when you're putting the seats back in to make future removal easier.

Essential Tools

• Socket Set and Wrenches: Various sizes to remove and install bolts.
• Screwdriver Set: For any trim or small adjustments.
• Breaker Bar: To loosen stubborn bolts.
• Measuring Tape and Marker: For accurate measurements and marking.
• Cutting Tools: Angle grinder, hacksaw, or reciprocating saw, if necessary.
• Welder and Grinder: If you plan to fabricate custom brackets.
• Safety Gear: Safety glasses, gloves, and welding gear if applicable.
• Penetrating Oil: For loosening rusted bolts.
• Anti-Seize Compound: To prevent future bolts from getting stuck.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Okay, so let's get down to the actual installation process. This part will vary depending on your specific Toyota pickup and the Scion tC seats you have, but here's a general guide.

Step 1: Preparation and Removal of Old Seats

• Disconnect the battery: Safety first! Disconnect the negative terminal to prevent any electrical mishaps. Do this BEFORE you start messing with the seats.
• Locate and remove the old seats: Find the bolts securing your original seats. Usually, there are bolts at the front and rear of the seat rails. Use your socket set to remove them. Be prepared, they may be tight! Spraying with penetrating oil beforehand can help.
• Disconnect any wiring: If your old seats had any electrical connections (seat heaters, power adjustments, etc.), carefully disconnect the wiring harnesses. Take photos to help you remember where everything goes.
• Remove the old seats: Carefully lift the old seats out of the truck. They can be heavy, so get help if needed to avoid injury or damage to your truck's interior.

Step 2: Adapting the Scion tC Seats

• Test fit: Place the Scion tC seats in the truck and see how they fit. You'll likely find that the bolt patterns don't match up perfectly, which is normal.
• Seat Rails and Brackets: This is where the work begins. You'll probably need to modify the seat rails or fabricate custom brackets. You might be able to use the original Toyota seat rails, but it depends on the exact fit. Many people fabricate new brackets to attach the tC seats to the Toyota's existing mounting points.
• Measure and mark: Accurately measure the distance between the mounting points on the Scion tC seat rails and the mounting points on your Toyota's floor. Use a marker to indicate where you need to drill new holes or where to cut the seat rails.
• Cut or weld: If you need to modify the seat rails, use your cutting tools to trim them down. If you're fabricating brackets, weld them to the seat rails or the truck's floor. This is where a welder will be crucial.
• Drill new holes: If you're using existing holes in the seat rails, you may need to drill new holes to align with the mounting points in your Toyota pickup. Use a drill and appropriate drill bits.

Step 3: Installing the Scion tC Seats

• Position the seats: Carefully place the modified Scion tC seats into your truck. Make sure they are aligned correctly.
• Bolt the seats in: Use your socket set and wrenches to bolt the seats to the floor. Use the appropriate bolts and washers, and tighten them securely.
• Connect the wiring: If the Scion tC seats have any electrical connections, reconnect them to your truck's wiring. If the wiring doesn't match up perfectly, you may need to adapt the wiring harnesses.
• Test all functions: Make sure all seat adjustments (reclining, sliding, etc.) work correctly. If they have heated seats, check those too!

Step 4: Finishing Up

• Reattach the battery terminal: Once you're confident everything is connected and working correctly, reconnect the negative battery terminal.
• Test drive: Take your truck for a short drive to make sure the seats are secure and comfortable.
• Final adjustments: Make any final adjustments to ensure your seats are sitting correctly and you're happy with the result.
• Clean up: Clean up any debris or tools. Give your truck's interior a good vacuum.

Potential Challenges and Troubleshooting

Let's be real, guys – this swap isn't always smooth sailing. Here are some of the common challenges you might face, and how to deal with them. First off, the biggest hurdle is usually getting the seat rails to line up. You might need to be creative with modifications, like using shims, spacers, or custom brackets. Another issue is the wiring. If your Toyota pickup doesn't have the same electrical connections as the Scion tC seats (like heated seats or power adjustments), you'll need to figure out how to wire them up. This might involve some basic electrical knowledge and possibly splicing wires.

Common Problems

• Bolt Pattern Mismatch: You'll likely need to modify the seat rails or create custom brackets.
• Wiring Complications: Adapting the wiring for features like seat heaters or power adjustments can be tricky.
• Seat Height and Positioning: It may be necessary to adjust the seat height or position to optimize comfort and clearance.
• Seat Belt Issues: Ensure your seat belts function correctly after the swap.

Solutions

• Fabricate brackets or modify rails: Get familiar with welding and grinding, or find someone who can help.
• Study wiring diagrams: Do some research. Forums and YouTube videos are a goldmine of information.
• Use spacers or shims: For minor adjustments to seat height or to compensate for uneven surfaces.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your New Seats!

There you have it! Installing Scion tC seats in your Toyota pickup is a fantastic way to upgrade your truck's comfort, looks, and value. Sure, it takes some elbow grease, but the outcome is usually worth it. Remember to take your time, plan ahead, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck. With the right tools and a little bit of patience, you'll be cruising in style in no time. Now go out there, get those seats, and enjoy the ride! Happy wrenching, and thanks for reading!