Seats

[VisPacem]

Hello everyone

I am thinking of, perhaps, replacing the two front factory “captain chairs” in my Vanagon with something similar but significantly more comfortable.
Has anybody successfully installed/adapted seats from an other vehicle ?
My requirements:
- very comfortable
- easy installation
- driving posture close to original
- reclining
- with armrest
- obtainable at a pick a part yard
- power or heated seats a low priority

I do understand that there are, widely available, or so I am told, after market seats that may meet my requirements, however I have no intention of spending up to or over $1000 for two stupid rump rests.

As usual, thank you very much for all input and suggestions
_________________
LG aka VisPacemPB, *The* party Pooper

No Regrets (Nothing to do with Vanagons)

[Lanval]

Easy installation might be a bugger... I know I've seen someone who put in Subaru seats along with his Suby swap. I suspect that he had to weld the seats to Vanagon rails to get them to fit into the stock setup.

Guys do that kind of stuff a lot on the Volvo 240's because there's a good bit of height available from the stock setup. So if welding's your game, you just pick the seats you like.

I find the 86 captain's chairs I installed to be pretty comfortable, except for the vertical demands of having it in front of the stove.

Best,

lanval

[rockfish]

Well if you've got tons of money to burn, try these:

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3779&search_phrase=seats&start=

[914 mike]

I just put a set of isuzu trooper seats in my westy. Not 100% everything I wanted, but at $50 from pick a part, I can live with them for now....and they are a FAR cry better than the non-captains chair type seats I had in my 84.
Plus:
-Quite Comfy
-Recaro styling with side bolsters for upper torsoe and upper legs
-adjustable lumbar bladder
-full recline
-look really cool
-low profile at base (this is the biggest challenge in finding a seat)
-easy install....I just cut off the old VW rails from the swivel and bolted the Isuzu seats and rails in place using grade 8 bolts.
Negative:
-no arm rests...at least in the year/model I got...But I am fabbing up an armrest that will double as a top bunk step-up that I will plug into the oft-unused front table stantion (sp?)
-The leg bolsters create a "bucket" effect that is a bit tough to negotiate when getting in the vehicle

Good luck. Remember, there are lots of cool seats out there, but the height is a big factor. I am 6'2" tall and I still have a couple inches head room with the seats I have.

Mike
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[Raynor Shine]

I scored a pair of Recaro LX seats from craigslist. They are never installed new. I am having the armrest brackets from a junked vanagon cut off / re welded to the recaros frame and then recovered to match the recaro cloth. It works, I've seen it 1st hand. My original sliders will be used so i don't lose headroom.

Will post pic when done. Can't wait for spring.

[gkeyesjr]

i sure hope you can exchange them, i'd like to snag your captains chairs for my 1985 westy. both of mine are ripped and someone damaged the swivel.

geo.