How To: Install Charger Seats in a Magnum

[Demon]

This is for those that are interested in installing Charger seats in their Magnum. It just deals with the minor modifications that are required to the rear seat back ONLY. I asked a few people and it seemed easy enough and it really is. I hope this inspires anyone that is on the fence about doing this because they are worried about the modifications. This guide is assuming that you are switching from Cloth to Leather otherwise, why switch?

First thing to know is that the frames are different, but not a lot. The are the same width and height, just made different and out of different materials. The Charger frames are plastic and the Magnum are steel.

What you need:
Plenty of work space.
Screw drivers.
Razor blade (or utility knife, blade would be better)
Torq bits and ratchet.

Take the matching seat sides and set them in your work area.
Take the seat (Charger) and pull the leather and foam off together, not separate) and set the back aside (it's plastic on the charger, go figure)
Now take your Magnum seat back (same one) and remove the cloth and foam. Set them to the side with foam exposed to use as a visual template and lay your frame out in front of you.
Place the Charger foam next to the Magnum foam and notice how they are cut different.

Looking at the frame and Magnum foam, take a razor blade and make the Charger Foam match.
Be careful not to cut to much at once, cut multiple times and test it if your not sure. It's easier to cut more than to try and fill in from cutting too much.
I removed the center seat lap belt at this time as well. SEE NOTE BELOW. This has one wire that has to be disconnected and one bolt that needs to be removed. You also have to remove the brass part holding the two belts together so that you can still have the half you need.
Once you have the foams cut you can start putting them on the frame, now the scary part.

NOTE: I did NOT use the factory center lap belt. I didn't want to cut into the leather at the top of the seat as the cover is just pushed into place. The Charger center belt is build into the rear deck so it doesn't have one IN the seat. It's not as safe but I got a center lap belt from a salvage yard that will work. A shoulder belt holds a person more secure in a seat than just a lap belt but they will both hold you in an accident. I almost never have a 5th person in the car so I felt this would be acceptable. Use your own judgement with this part of the mod.

VERY carefully you will have to cut the stitching at the top of the zipper where the latch is to separate it from the leather and cloth of the seat. You have to get the zipper loose so that you can tuck it down and so that the latch is free.
Using the latch cover to help you see where to trim, cut the cloth backing to reveal the latch, don't cut too much. Now fold it out of the way and install the latch cover.
If you need or want the child seat latch holes then you will need to cut open as well and install the covers. I haven't yet, I left the back just plain without the covers installed.

Now do the other side the same way and your finished.

Having never done this and taking extra time to make sure I did everything as best as possible it took less than 2 hours. Look at the pics of the frames below and you will see the difference and why you have to do some trimming with a razor blade.
It's an easy mod if you have any mechanical aptitude.

I am not an expert, this might not be the best way, mod at your own risk, I am not responsible for any mistakes that you might make. Take your time and be careful with the sharp objects.

Magnum Frame


Charger Frame


Latch location showing zipper and original location of Charger latch (see slit above the latch cover)

[hellsfire]

i am glad i was able to answer your questions big dong and now ur big pimpin. please post more pics

[Demon]

i am glad i was able to answer your questions big dong and now ur big pimpin. please post more pics

Whachoo need pics fo? I just shot some example pics, with what you said (tried to include it all from you and others) and the shots I think it would pretty much explain it.

[hellsfire]

nope i need more lol, of the finish job. i bet it look sweet big dog

[Demon]

You didn't see the post or the FB pics?

Hmmm what do I have cookin?

[FROST]

big dong and now ur big pimpin.

Lmao...

[ege1031]

Thanks man I really was confused

[Demon]

NP, it's a really simple swap.

[shane93nc]

Good write up and thanks for sharing!