1/3 2/3 front bench in a Late Bay

Skoolboy76 · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:43 pm Post subject: 1/3 2/3 front bench in a Late Bay

I just bought my first bus this weekend. It is a 1978 non walk through with a 1/3 2/3 split front bench. I love it, but have a question for the guys who know everything.

I am looking for seat covers for the bench, and have called around and searched the interwebs, but nobody seems to have them. TMI does not make them for Bays after '76 so they referred me to JBUG'S. The guy I talked to there said that there were no buses produced with a split bench front in '78 in the U.S. He thought that the '76 seat covers might work, but couldn't guarantee it. My research has turned up nothing on the subject.

Anyone know if the 1/3 2/3 bench was an option in '78? It all looks original. Tire in the well beneath the bench... No funny holes drilled for retrofitting the frame... Moreover, does anyone know if the '76 seat covers would fit this seat or where to find covers that do fit?

Thanks in advance.

Stuartzickefoose · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 9:35 pm Post subject:

a single cab or a double cab would have the same front seat sizes...and i dont see why 76 and 78 would be any different....its the same width seat....
_________________
MINE - 1978 Westfalia ~ Maisy ~ FI, Hydraulic Valves, Electronic Points, 2.0 (NEED A SET OF HEADS, PM ME IF YOU HAVE A SET)

DAD's - 1972 Westfalia ~ Sticky ~ 1.7(?) 914 motor, allison electronic ignition, electric fuel pump, dual webers w/o choke.

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stuco · Samba Member Joined: March 24, 2007 Posts: 906

My '78 has that setup, the seat covers were already done when I got it though.

encsdaddy · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:41 am Post subject:

I have a chocolate brown 78 with the 1/3, 2/3 non walk thru bus that I bought from the daughter of the original owner. It was originally bought in San Diego. and it has the bulk head and tire stored under the front seat. So having the front bench seat was an option available in 78. Will have to take and post a few pics. Cool

_________________
77 Westy named Tiki - Daily Driver 80 miles a day!
(2.0L with hydro lifters)
78 Bus (8 seater w/ front bench) - Still trying to get it running! (fuel pump cuts out)
69 Sqauareback - RIP (Rear ended by a Volvo)
72 Bug - RIP (Rusted away!)

Skoolboy76 · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 5:23 am Post subject:

TheRealMacGyver

babysnakes · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:24 am Post subject:

Not a great pic but you can see the tire well.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
'69 SC under resto
'72 deluxe daily
'78 Westy motor transplant in progress
'71 super vert
1st bus, '67 Westy in '83. Thank you '74 Pontiac Ventura.
Luftwagens

420GOAT wrote:
..dont ever ever ever ever EVER, compare any bus forum to a bug forum...

VWsArent4Hippies · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:26 am Post subject:

Did you try sewfine?

Skoolboy76 · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 7:12 am Post subject:

busdaddy · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 7:29 am Post subject:

Hmmm... that's a tough one.
I'm not aware of anyone who offers 77+ covers off the shelf for an M500 bus, they'll be the same dimensionally as a late truck but have the heat seams if it's a stationwagon, if it's a Kombi they're the same as the truck with no seams.
I suspect you'll have to pick up the phone and ask TMI, Sewfine, etc.. if they'll make them, or try some European suppliers as the bench bus is far more common there.

Please post how you resolve this as I might just need some one day in the future myself.
_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Wanted, 68-73 westy OG plaid curtains, singles OK.

Daverham · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 8:46 am Post subject:

Is this thread still alive? Figure this out?

Yes, that's an original configuration for a 9 passenger transporter. I have one and can help you if you need reference pics, compare notes, etc.

But just to be clear. Are you looking for seat UPHOLSTERY (DIY slip on replacement of original) or seat COVERS (Sheep skin, etc)?

I only ask because I've searched hi and low for sheep skins and it seems they are not readily available off the shelf. Not for internet ordering anyway. And 3 local upholstery shops all directed me to one guy in Seattle that is supposedly the only guy in town who can get them. Who knew!

I was surprise to see these on Bus Depot yesterday. Looks very close to original:

http://www.busdepot.com/J14971
http://www.busdepot.com/J14968

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
78 Kombi, 65 Bug, 69 Baja Bug, 63 Camper Van, 66 Bug, 72 Bug, 60 Ghia

busdaddy · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:45 am Post subject:

Owch!, kinda spendy but they do look nice and claim to fit a late seat.
I wonder if the Kombi pattern is all they offer or can you get the stationwagon horizontal seam version too?
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Wanted, 68-73 westy OG plaid curtains, singles OK.

TheRealMacGyver · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:42 am Post subject:

stuco · Samba Member Joined: March 24, 2007 Posts: 906

Maybe this will help. This is my '78. It looks to me like the PO either used earlier seats (and recovered them) or possibly redid the original seats with these covers.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

babysnakes · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:57 am Post subject:

Thanks Stuco,

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Well stocked spare tire well in use. Very Happy

_________________
'69 SC under resto
'72 deluxe daily
'78 Westy motor transplant in progress
'71 super vert
1st bus, '67 Westy in '83. Thank you '74 Pontiac Ventura.
Luftwagens

420GOAT wrote:
..dont ever ever ever ever EVER, compare any bus forum to a bug forum...

stuco · Samba Member Joined: March 24, 2007 Posts: 906

TheRealMacGyver · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:52 pm Post subject:

Wow, I wasn't expecting that! I didn't think there would be room that way. I like it though. Not a simple modification for sure. Either you have it or you don't! Thank you.
_________________
1977 Transporter 2.0L Automatic Project
1979 Transporter 2.0L Automatic Project
1977 thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=484931

Skoolboy76 · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:42 pm Post subject:

[quote="Daverham"]Is this thread still alive? Figure this out?

Yes, that's an original configuration for a 9 passenger transporter. I have one and can help you if you need reference pics, compare notes, etc.

But just to be clear. Are you looking for seat UPHOLSTERY (DIY slip on replacement of original) or seat COVERS (Sheep skin, etc)?

I only ask because I've searched hi and low for sheep skins and it seems they are not readily available off the shelf. Not for internet ordering anyway. And 3 local upholstery shops all directed me to one guy in Seattle that is supposedly the only guy in town who can get them. Who knew!

I was surprise to see these on Bus Depot yesterday. Looks very close to original:

http://www.busdepot.com/J14971
http://www.busdepot.com/J14968

Rock on Daverham! I was just going to send you a PM as I came across your bus this morning. We do have the same bus right down to the original color scheme. Mine has been painted the orange/creme combo, but I was considering going to Reef Blue when I do repaint.

You are correct. I am looking for OE style seat "upholstery". I looked on Busdepot, but missed these somehow. Even better, I searched "Newton Upholstery" and found the seat upholstery direct from them is close to $200 cheaper (+ shipping). Check it out. I am going Tartan Red.

http://www.newtoncomm.co.uk/cars/vw-camper-van/model-131/seats/3086-products-3086/

stuco · Samba Member Joined: March 24, 2007 Posts: 906

Just for reference, I checked and can feel headrest mounting holes through the seat upholstery so I believe these are the original seats recovered. I assume that earlier (or generic?) bay covers will work. You could make the holes and install headrests easily in mine. This may be a cheaper option, I'm not sure what all is currently available.

busdaddy · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:07 pm Post subject:

Those are 76+ seats, I can see the late style adjuster handle peeking out.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Wanted, 68-73 westy OG plaid curtains, singles OK.

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