Just been to a commitee meeting for the 4wd Club and we were discussing the removal of rear seats. There was an article in the paper a couple of months ago regarding this. Below is a email I recieved tonight about removing seats.
If your local laws are different then NO WORRIES but it might pay to check before disposing of them
Below is Queensland Transport's policy regarding temporary removal of
seats:
Modifications to vehicles are regulated in Queensland to ensure those
vehicles remain in a safe condition. The Transport Operations (Road Use
Management - Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation 1999 requires
modifications to be approved. Seating capacity changes are approved though
the Approved Person scheme.
The main principal that needs to be addressed in scenarios that have arisen
in relation to the removal of seats is whether the vehicle is actually
modified or has just been reconfigured in accordance with the manufacturers
various options. If seats are reconfigured, no modification occurs and
approval is not required. The other factor is the length of time the seats
will be removed.
Queensland Transport's policy in relation to this matter is as follows:
For vehicles fitted with quick release seating attachments as original
equipment, temporary removal of the seats is acceptable. A Modification
Plate does not need to be fitted. This is commonly the case for four
wheel drives and people movers.
For vehicles fitted with bolt in seating structures, no approval by an
Approved Person is necessary for the temporary removal of seats,
provided the category of the vehicle does not change as a result of the
seating reduction.
Vehicles with the permanent removal of seating structures must be
approved by an Approved Person and a Modification Plate must be fitted
for the reduction in seating capacity. In this circumstance, any change
in vehicle category must also be taken into consideration prior to the
fitting of the Modification Plate. The vehicle operator's insurance
company and Queensland Transport should be advised of relative changes
to the vehicle.
NOTE: For the purposes of this policy, "permanent" means the seats are
removed for an indefinite period or not expected to be refitted.
Queensland Transport will mutually recognise interstate drivers travelling
in Queensland who comply with their own jurisdiction's requirements. These
drivers are advised to carry some proof of this compliance.
At the time of a Safety Certificate inspection, the vehicle must be
returned to the manufacturer's original condition or have a Modification
Plate fitted for the seating configuration as presented.
The vehicle modifier/operator is responsible for ensuring that the safety
of the vehicle is maintained and that all seats, when being re-installed,
are re-installed in accordance with relevant standards and recognised
automotive practice.
Please note that modifying a vehicle that adversely affects its safety, or
driving or parking an unsafe vehicle on a road are breaches of the
Transport Operations (Road Use Management - Vehicle Standards and Safety)
Regulation 1999.
That is a great idea...
's 80 will stay 
