[Jim Vander Wal]

Not sure just what you hope to accomplish but might assume that your plan is to tilt the seat back.

Not a Unique but in the past I've just used longer bolts and washers under the front mount to lift the mount off the floor. Maybe I'm making this too easy not knowing your exact installation.

Not sure on the upholstery issue but different padding is usually available at the shops doing the work.

Jim