Split Back Seat

rcarlson1957

We used a slightly modified approach to splitting our couch bed. We didn’t order new seatbacks. We used the existing two middle cushions and the one long seatback but swapped them. Found smaller hinges of same design (they don’t stick up as high in the middle) on Amazon and ordered 2 sets of them.

 

Lheng A Pair Color Zinc Sofa Bed Bedding Furniture Adjustable 3-Position Angle Mechanism Hinge Hardware
by Lheng
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QNC2BCM/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_cmyTFbME6DCRF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

We modified the frames on the two cushions to fit the hinges. At that point we could’ve cut a groove in the middle of the long seatback to accommodate the middle hinges but would be harder to get to area underneath it. Also could’ve cut the long seatback in half and modified the frame to fit the middle hinges but decided to just reuse the foam and batting on it and make two unframed cushions and cut two plywood bases to fit underneath them. We got fabric from JoAnns Fabric that was close to the stock fabric (but really didn’t matter since will be covered up anyway).

1.     Removed 2 bed middle seats and the 1 piece back.

2.     Installed a 2x6 brace in top of passenger side storage area.

 3.     Created 1x2 holders with grooves to hold wire shelving under folding bed and installed . 12 wide shelf for drivers side and 16” wide shelf for passenger side. They lift out if needed but we don’t really use the storage area underneath the driver’s side and get to passenger side storage area from outside access door.

4.     Cut ½ plywood panels to fit openings where middle seats were and attached 1x2 boards underneath to help keep in place. Had to make slots on inside top to accommodate hinges in the middle.

5.     Made curved slots on bottom left and right sides of both back cushions to accommodate hinges. A Ryobi multitool works great for that.  I took fabric completely off to make it easier but could possible just pull back enough to do it.

6.     Stapled fabric back on frame.

7.     Attached inside and outside hinges to seatbacks.

8.     Lined up seatbacks and attached hinges to 2x4 frame on sides and middle.

9.     Removed fabric from 1 piece long seatback.

10.  Cut seatback form/batting in half.

11.  Made two new cushions using new fabric (something close from JoAnn’s Fabrics – didn’t need to exact match since going to be covered up anyway).

12.  Put new cushions in place.

 

*We travel with beds made and seats in up position with duvets stored behind them.

VictoriaP

This is a brilliant way of getting around some of the reupholstery issue! I might need to consider it myself.

Sharon_is_SAM

Super smart!

BrianZ

Looks like a great solution, @rcarlson1957 !
Now, if there was a hinge for the new plywood seat bases that could also hold them open while accessing storage, that would make it a breeze to get stuff in & out of there after removing the lightweight cushion.
UPDATE:
Maybe these would work?..
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PCN4DF
or this..
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07Q7GDVCS
or this heavier duty top lift..
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085NDGW2H

Dame_plume

@rcarlson1957 I too thought we could switch the back and seats but was not sure how.  Very well done!  Is this wire closet shelving that you used on top of the compartment behind the couch?  It looks like it was meant to be installed there.  I might copy both of your mods.  Thanks for sharing!
Sylvie 

rcarlson1957

@Dame_plume they’ve worked out pretty good.