Thanks, I was unaware of the weight but that makes sense. I had assumed it was like a typical seat since lots of late model cars have fold down rear seats that give access into the trunk.
The cross brace will stay in my car if it requires too much modification to provide the structure needed with it removed. Once again I had assumed it would not be hard to remove it and just reinforce the package tray. Now that you mention it, it is a fairly robust piece of metal. Lots of bends to make it strong.
The station wagons have a fold down rear seat with no cross brace. Do they have extra structure on the roof panel as well?
There is also a chrome bar that goes across the rear of the barracuda seat. Am I correct that it latches to the brackets on the wheel well tubs to hold the seat in?